ORTHODONTIC FAQs

Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry focused on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting dental and facial irregularities, including misaligned teeth and jaws.

Orthodontic treatment can begin at any age, but early intervention is often recommended for children to guide proper jaw growth and tooth alignment. However, adults can also benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontic treatments include traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, and clear aligners such as Invisalign. Each option offers unique benefits and suitability depending on individual needs and preferences.

Discomfort or soreness may occur during the initial days after getting braces or aligners, but this typically subsides quickly. Patients may experience some discomfort with adjustments, but it's manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.

Patients usually need to visit their orthodontist every few weeks for adjustments, especially with traditional braces. Clear aligner treatments may require fewer in-person visits, but regular check-ups are still essential.

Yes, retainers are often necessary after orthodontic treatment to maintain the results and prevent teeth from shifting back to their original positions. Your orthodontist will provide guidance on retainer wear.

Orthodontic coverage varies by insurance plan. Some plans offer partial coverage for orthodontic treatment, while others may cover a portion of the expenses. Patients should check with their insurance provider to understand their coverage.

Before you can start enjoying some of the treats you love, you will need to take special care to avoid any foods that could damage your new appliances. Check out tasty braces-safe recipes on the internet, there’s lots of fun ideas.

• Chewy foods — bagels, licorice
• Crunchy foods — popcorn, chips, ice
• Sticky foods — caramel candies, chewing gum
• Hard foods — nuts, hard candies
• Foods that require biting into — corn on the cob, apples, carrots

• Dairy — soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks
• Breads — soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins without nuts
• Grains — pasta, soft cooked rice
• Meats/poultry — soft cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats
• Seafood — tuna, salmon, crab cakes
• Vegetables — mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans
• Fruits — applesauce, bananas, fruit juice
• Treats — ice cream without nuts, milkshakes, Jell-O, soft cake

When you first get your braces, you may notice that your teeth and mouth feel a little tender or sore. This is perfectly normal and we promise your mouth will not be sore forever!

To relieve the pain, we recommend dissolving one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of lukewarm water. Swish and gargle this solution in your mouth for just a couple of minutes (do not swallow the saltwater).

If the pain is more severe and does not go away after rinsing, you can also try taking a pain reliever.

It is also not uncommon for your lips, cheeks, and tongue to become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become used to the braces. We would be happy to give you some wax that you can put over the braces to lessen the tenderness. If you need some wax, please let us know.

If your teeth begin feeling a little loose, don't worry; this is normal! Your braces must first loosen your teeth to move them into the right position. Once your teeth have been repositioned, they will no longer be loose.

Wires and bands on your braces may come loose. If this happens, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can check and repair your appliance. If any piece of your appliance comes off, be sure to save it and bring it to the office with you.

You can temporarily fix the loose wire by using the back of a spoon or the eraser end of a pencil to carefully and gently push the wire back into place. If the loose wire is causing irritation to your lips or cheeks, put wax or a wet cotton ball over the broken wire to relieve the pain.

Damaged appliances can increase the length of your treatment process, so be sure to take care of all your appliances. Your teeth and jaw can only move into their correct positions if you consistently wear the rubber bands, headgear, retainer, or other appliances prescribed by your doctor.

If you do play sports, it's recommended that you wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and your appliance. In case of a sports emergency, be sure to immediately check your mouth and appliance for damage. If you notice any loose teeth or appliance damage, please contact our office right away.