Business Details
23 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Orthodontist in South Bend & Elkhart, IN
Brace Yourself Orthodontics has been dedicated to transforming smiles in Northern Indiana since 2003. Our practice combines advanced orthodontic techniques with personalized care, offering services such as traditional braces, Invisalign clear aligners, and early intervention treatments. Led by board-certified orthodontists Dr. Shawn Long and Dr. Emily McCrea, our team prioritizes patient comfort and satisfaction. With two convenient locations in South Bend and Elkhart, we serve families across Greater Michiana. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our use of cutting-edge technology and tailored treatment plans.We believe every patient deserves a healthy, confident smile that lasts a lifetime. Our staff fosters a welcoming environment where patients and families feel valued and supported throughout their orthodontic journey. Positive patient testimonials consistently highlight our professionalism, expertise, and compassionate approach. By focusing on long-term oral health and aesthetic results, we aim to exceed expectations at every visit. Our practice remains dedicated to continuous improvement through ongoing education and community engagement.
Services
Braces for all ages
Invisalign clear aligners
Early orthodontic treatment
Temporary Anchorage Devices
Radiance clear brackets
Herbst appliance therapy
Palatal expander treatment
Emergency orthodontic care
Two-phase treatment plans
Orthodontic retention services
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We have practiced orthodontics in Northern Indiana since 2003.
- Our team includes board-certified orthodontists with specialized training.
- We offer comprehensive treatment options for patients of all ages.
- Our staff prioritizes personalized care and patient education.
- We maintain two convenient locations with modern orthodontic technology.
What people say
Feel like family
Outstanding work
Professionalism and kindness
Beautiful smiles
Answered all questions
Services
Invisalign clear aligners
Invisalign treatment uses custom-made clear aligners to gradually straighten teeth without traditional metal braces. This removable, nearly invisible system offers comfort and convenience while effectively correcting bite issues and misalignment. Patients appreciate the ability to maintain normal eating and oral hygiene routines during treatment.
Early orthodontic treatment
Early intervention addresses jaw development and bite issues in children aged 7-9. This proactive approach creates space for permanent teeth and reduces future treatment complexity. Our specialists use gentle techniques to guide facial growth and prevent severe orthodontic problems.
Traditional braces
Modern metal braces provide precise tooth movement for comprehensive smile transformations. We offer durable, comfortable brackets and wires that efficiently correct complex alignment issues. Regular adjustments ensure optimal progress toward achieving ideal bite relationships and aesthetics.
Radiance clear brackets
Radiance clear brackets offer tooth-colored ceramic braces that blend naturally with teeth. These stain-resistant brackets provide aesthetic benefits while maintaining effective orthodontic movement. Ideal for teens and adults seeking less visible treatment options.
Temporary Anchorage Devices
TADs provide stable anchorage points to enhance tooth movement precision. These small titanium devices enable complex corrections that traditional braces alone cannot achieve. Our specialists place and monitor TADs to optimize treatment outcomes and reduce overall treatment time.
People
Dr. Shawn Long
Orthodontist
Dr. Shawn Long earned his dental degree from Indiana University and completed orthodontic training at Eastman Dental Center. Practicing since 2003, he combines technical expertise with compassionate care to create beautiful smiles for Northern Indiana families.
Dr. Emily McCrea
Orthodontist
Dr. Emily McCrea brings specialized orthodontic expertise to our practice, focusing on personalized treatment planning and patient comfort. Her approach emphasizes clear communication and evidence-based techniques to deliver optimal orthodontic outcomes for patients of all ages.
Questions
What orthodontic services do you offer?
We provide traditional braces, Invisalign clear aligners, early intervention treatment, and specialized appliances for patients of all ages.
Do you treat both children and adults?
Yes, we offer comprehensive orthodontic care for patients from early childhood through adulthood.
What is early orthodontic treatment?
Early treatment (ages 7-9) addresses jaw development and bite issues before all permanent teeth erupt, preventing more complex problems.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Treatment duration varies but typically ranges from 12-18 months with Invisalign, depending on individual case complexity.
Are braces painful?
Modern braces are designed for comfort, with most patients adjusting within a few days after placement or adjustments.
What payment options are available?
We offer flexible payment plans and work with most insurance providers to make orthodontic care accessible and affordable.
Reviews (6)
Katrina King
May 31, 2022
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Staff are friendly. But aren't good been going for 3 weeks there now and have had nothing but problem so far and have only seen the actual dr once in the time I've been going Would not recommend coming here to get ur braces done.
Brenda Kline
Jan 13, 2022
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Super friendly staff, Dr. Long does a great job with our kids. They do amazing work, I would highly recommend this place.
Zoie Schoonover
Jan 09, 2022
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I am beyond thankful for the staff & Dr Long himself! This took 2 long years, but it was worth it. I never had a issue the entire process. 10/10 recommend! I have attached the before & after pictures of my treatment.
Melissa Madick
Oct 23, 2021
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We have had nothing but good experiences here from the girls at the front desk, to the assistants that help Dr. Long, to Dr. Long himself. I want to give a shout out to Jessica. She is an asset to this practice, and is more than helpful anytime we need anything. Thank you Jessie for always being helpful, and quick response time to questions, and always having my daughters best interest in mind. Her patience and calm demeanor are so comforting in an unknown environment.
The ladies all rememeber you and your children and call you by name, ask how certain things are going that were spoke about at previous appointments, etc. Thank you everyone here for being awesome, and so kind. : Happy we were referred here!
The ladies all rememeber you and your children and call you by name, ask how certain things are going that were spoke about at previous appointments, etc. Thank you everyone here for being awesome, and so kind. : Happy we were referred here!
Tanika Moore
Jun 12, 2021
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Great environment, clean, friendly, and comfortable. Son had braces for a year and now a retainer and have had no bad experiences. Love his results. Great service and good payment plans if needed.
Kayla Blanchard
Apr 14, 2021
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One star is too much for this office. Initially the service was good during the contract signing phase; however, as time went on, the orthodontist couldn't seem to ever remember me or my case. The case manager, Shelly, is unprofessional and rude. There was a security breach that occurred which resulted in access to my personal files by an unauthorized third party as well as my bank account being compromised.
This office notified me via letter a month or so after it happened. When I brought it up to them in person, they simply dismissed me. I do not trust or recommend this office. Please be wary when making the decision to do business with them.
This office notified me via letter a month or so after it happened. When I brought it up to them in person, they simply dismissed me. I do not trust or recommend this office. Please be wary when making the decision to do business with them.
