Do braces hurt?

It does not hurt at all to get braces put on. The soreness that people talk about happens about 3 – 5 hours later, and it is best described as a dull ache. Whenever your teeth are feeling sore, it is usually more comfortable to eat softer foods. In these situations, over-the-counter pain medications can help to ease the pain (Ibuprofen / Advil works the best). Sometimes after adjustment appointments your teeth might be sore as well, but it’s usually much less than at the beginning.

Will my teeth straighten out as I get older?

Unfortunately this does not happen. Research shows that teeth typically worsen over time, and if you have crowding now it will only increase the older you get. As we age, teeth tend to shift and erupt leading to more orthodontic problems. The good news – once teeth have been corrected with treatment, you can keep them straight with the help of retainers.

Will I need to have teeth extracted for braces?

Our goal is to help you achieve a beautiful smile along with a balanced facial profile. Due to advances in technology, extraction of permanent teeth during orthodontic treatment is much less common than it once was. However, in cases of severe crowding and severe bite discrepancies, extractions may still be necessary. Discussing your various treatment options is a very important part of our consultation process.

How often should i brush my teeth while in braces?

Patients should brush their teeth at least 3X times per day during orthodontic treatment. This ensures that all food and plaque are removed from around the braces after each meal. It is very important to not only brush your teeth frequently, but also to spend a full 2 minutes brushing each time. Brushing above the brackets near the gum line is the most important area to focus on. Flossing between your teeth should also be an important part of your daily routine, and purchasing a waterpik is always a great idea to help with this.

Are there foods I should avoid while wearing braces?

Yes, but it’s not forever! Once treatment begins, we will explain which foods and food types to avoid. Generally speaking really sticky and really crunchy foods are the ones you need to avoid. Breaking brackets always slows down treatment and keeps you in braces longer!

Can I play sports while wearing braces?

Yes! You can enjoy playing sports while wearing braces, but it is very important to always wear a mouth guard. Your teeth are very important and you should protect them. We have mouth guards that are made specifically for patient’s wearing braces and they do not require any boiling / custom fitting. We provide them free of charge so just ask us for one!

Do I need to see my general dentist while in braces?

Yes! Regular checkups with your general dentist are very important while you are wearing braces. Keeping your teeth clean during orthodontic treatment is always harder, so you want to make sure that you don’t get any cavities! Your dentist will let you know if you need cleanings more frequently while wearing braces.

Can I return to school or work the day i get my braces?

Yes! Generally there is no reason you cannot return to school or work the same day that your braces go on. Hurry back to school and show off your new cool colors!

How long do i have to wear braces for?

The amount of time that you’ll need to wear braces is different for everyone and depends on the severity of your bite and the amount of crowding that you have. Most patients wear braces for about 12 – 24 months, but it may be shorter or longer for you. Don’t forget, if we ask you to wear elastics and you don’t, then you will be wearing braces much longer!

How much do braces cost?

The cost of your braces will vary based on the type of braces, how long you wear them, and other individual factors. We do understand the importance of keeping the cost of your treatment within an affordable range, and thus we will work with you to help make this a possibility. We always offer in-house financing (no interest charged to you) to all of our patients, and it is also possible to extend payment plans longer than your actual treatment time if this will help with your budget.