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What can I eat?

Your braces are not indestructible! In fact, the adhesive we use is designed to be just strong enough to hold the braces under light forces. This way, if you eat the wrong kind of food, the bracket will break instead of your tooth! A complete food list will be provided for you the day your appliances are placed, but the rules are very common sense. You must avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that will damage any part of your appliance (Jolly Ranchers, Skittles, beef jerky, etc.). Soft foods are best (pasta/mac & cheese, sandwiches), especially right after an adjustment. Excessive breakage of your braces will result in an additional charge. Gum chewing is permissible if 1) it is sugarless and 2) it is allowed in your household.

Will I be sore?

Typical soreness lasts 3-5 days, especially when chewing or grinding your teeth. Over-the-counter pain medications that you would normally take (Advil, Tylenol) will help during this time. At your first bonding date, please take a regular dose of pain medication one hour prior to your appointment and continue for 1-2 days after or as needed.

How do I brush?

It is imperative that you brush your teeth, gum tissue, and braces at least 3 times daily and floss once daily. Orthodontic appliances DO NOT cause tooth decay or decalcification of your teeth . . . POOR ORAL HYGIENE DOES! It has been scientifically proven that your teeth will move faster if your gums are healthy. It is in your best interest to keep your gums healthy!

Should I keep seeing my general dentist?

Yes! We perform a cursory check for cavities but do not clean your teeth while you are in our office. Therefore, it is of critical importance that you continue to see your general dentist at least every six months for routine examinations. If your dentist wants to have your wires removed for cleanings or fillings, we will be happy to provide this service for you. Patients with severe hygiene problems will be referred back to their general dentist at a more frequent interval for cleanings.

When will my braces come off?

The treatment time estimate given to you at the start of treatment was just that: an estimate. Many factors contribute to the length of your treatment, including amount and direction of jaw growth, health of gums, broken appliances, missed appointments, and cooperation with elastics. Nearly all of these factors are within your control, so if you stick with the program, we should have no problem finishing your treatment on schedule.

Will I need to wear retainers?  Why?

The best way to ensure that your teeth remain where we put them is to wear retainers. In general, you will be asked to wear retainers constantly for at least 3-6 months after the braces have been removed, and while you are sleeping thereafter. Your teeth will shift if this procedure is not followed. Although it can vary from patient to patient, we recommend to all of our patients that they occasionally wear their retainers while sleeping indefinitely.

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