Congratulations on taking the first step to a great new smile! The topics below should help you better understand your braces, as well as help answer many common questions.
How long will it take to complete treatment?
Treatment time obviously depends on each patient's specific orthodontic problem. In general, treatment times range from 12 to 28 months. The "average" time frame a person is in braces is approximately 18 to 22 months.
How often will I have appointments?
Appointments for patients in active treatment are scheduled according to each patient's needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every 5 to 7 weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.
Do braces hurt?
Generally, braces do not "hurt." After certain visits, teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, pain medications such as Advil or Tylenol will ease the discomfort. However, after most visits, patients do not feel any soreness at all! We often remind our patients, “It does not have to hurt to work!”
Are there foods I cannot eat while I have these braces?
Yes. Once treatment begins, we will explain the complete instructions and provide a comprehensive list of foods to avoid. Some of those foods include: ice, hard candy, raw vegetables and all sticky foods (i.e. skittles, starburst, milk duds). You can avoid most emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces by carefully following our instructions.
What if something breaks, or if my braces hurt?
If your braces are causing extreme pain (this is not very common) or if something breaks, you should call our office. In most cases, we can address these issues over the telephone. If you require an emergency appointment, we will schedule you as soon as possible, usually the same day as the emergency on a day the office is open. For weekend hours, we have a clinical assistant on call.
What are these rubber bands, and why do I need them?
Elastics (rubber bands) are a vital part of treatment and are also contingent upon patient compliance. They add extra force to the braces to help guide the teeth together properly. Generally worn at all times (excluding eating and brushing your teeth), elastics should be changed at least once a day. They come in various sizes as they are each used for a specific purpose. We will provide you with the appropriate size. It is important to wear them consistently or treatment setbacks or delays may occur. If only one day is missed, it could cause your teeth to shift back to the position they were last in.
Can I still play sports in braces?
Yes, though we ask that you follow some guidelines to avoid possible injury. Most importantly, you will need to wear a custom sports mouthguard to protect your teeth and braces for contact sports. You should ask us what other precautions, if any, you need to take before playing sports or other physical activities.