FAQ

Will braces hurt?
Putting on the braces doesn’t hurt at all. Some orthodontic patients experience a little discomfort the first week after their braces are put on and right after the braces are “tightened”. Try to rinse with warm salt water or take a pain reliever that you would use for a headache. The best way to avoid dental pain is to keep your gums strong and healthy by brushing after every meal and before bed time and by flossing every day.

At what age should we consider orthodontics?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children be screened for orthodontic needs as early as the age of seven. Many orthodontic problems are avoidable if they are detected early on before the jaw growth has slowed or completed. Early treatment may mean that a patient can avoid surgery or other serious dental complications.

Will I still be able to play sports with orthodontics?
Yes. We do advise using a mouth guard to protect your teeth and jaws while playing contact or ball sports. We would be happy to fit you for a mouth guard if you ask any of our staff at your next appointment.

Are Retainers necessary?
Yes. Once your treatment is complete there is a risk of your teeth shifting and moving. It is imperative that we hold your teeth where they are with retainers to allow the bone to solidify around the teeth and to keep your smile beautiful. The longer you wear your retainer, the better the chances that your teeth will not relapse. Some retainers are removable and only need to be worn at night. Others are glued to the back of your front teeth and prevent them from moving. We will be happy to show you the kind of retainer that will be appropriate for you.

How long will I need to wear braces for?
The length of treatment varies from patient to patient. It depends primarily on how much your jaw has to change or how far your teeth have to move. The best way to speed up your treatment is to keep all your appointments, to avoid breaking any brackets, to wear your elastics all the time if we ask you to and to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy.

DO brush your teeth 4 times a day. Remember to guide your toothbrush bristles under the gums.

DO floss under the wire once a day. If you don’t remember how please ask one of our staff to remind you at your next appointment.

DON’T eat ANYTHING sticky, chewy, gummy. This includes Gum, Tootsie Rolls, Gummy Bears, Taffy, Caramel … Also avoid any hard foods like Hard Pretzels, Doritos, Hard Candy… Remember to cut the corn kernels off the cob and to cut up your apples instead of biting into them.

DO visit your dentist for regular cleanings every four months during your orthodontic treatment.

DO wear a mouth guard when playing any Ball Sports or Contact Sports. Please ask one of our staff to fit you with a mouth guard to cover your braces and to protect your teeth at your next appointment.

DO wear your elastics when you are asked to wear them. If the elastic should snap replace it with a new one. Remember to replace your elastics at least once a day.

DON’T double up on your elastics or wear them in a different pattern from that shown to you by the orthodontist. This could put excessive force on your teeth and move teeth in the wrong direction.

DO keep all retainers in the retainer case and out of the reach of your pets. Remember to keep your retainer clean by brushing it with a toothbrush every day