Braces can be a scary process, especially for a child going through what may seem like the toughest point in there life. However, the process doesn’t have to be scary and patients have commented on how enjoyable the process has been.
With that, I wanted to share some frequently asked questions that almost all of my patients have asked prior to getting braces.
1. How long will it take to complete treatment?
Treatment time depends on each patient’s specific condition as well as their response to the orthodontic treatment. In general, treatment times can range from 4 to 30 months.
2. Do braces hurt?
At the beginning, teeth can be a bit tender. The cheeks and lips will often be slightly irritated while getting used to new braces. There are also certain adjustments that will result in some tooth soreness the day after the adjustment. In these situations, over-the-counter pain medications such as Advil or Tylenol will ease the discomfort. In most cases, our patients are very comfortable after placement of braces or after adjustments.
3. Can I still play sports?
Yes. We recommend a mouth guard for all contact sports, both during and after orthodontic treatment. When orthodontic treatment is complete, custom mouthguards/sportguards can be fabricated to the new tooth positions.
4. Do I need keep up with my regular cleanings and check-ups while in braces?
Absolutely. Regular checkups are essential while in braces. We can monitor both your dental and gum health during orthodontic movement. The cleanings are critical because gums can be more sensitive and more inflamed while in braces.
5. Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?
Yes. In general, you want to stay away from anything sticky or chewy as it may adhere more to the braces and either make it difficult to clean and remove or even loosen your braces, making your orthodontic treatment longer
6. Is there anything I need to do differently when cleaning my teeth when I have braces?
It is important to keep your teeth and gums clean when in braces or in an appliance. We can show you different ways to make sure your oral hygiene is at its optimum, depending on your specific situation.
For more information, please feel free to email me or contact the office. I am happy to answer any questions you may have and I’m here to help!
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