Braces FAQ

Will I Need To Have Teeth Extracted For Braces?

Removing teeth is sometimes required to achieve the best orthodontic result. Straight teeth and a balanced facial profile are the goals of orthodontics. However, because new technology has provided advanced orthodontic procedures, removing teeth is not always necessary for orthodontic treatment.

How Long Will It Take To Complete Treatment?

Treatment time obviously depends on each patient’s specific orthodontic problem. In general, treatment time lasts from 8 months to 30 months. The “average” time frame a person is in braces is approximately 18-24 months.

How Often Will I Have Appointments?

Appointments are scheduled according to each patient’s needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every 4 to 6 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!”

Can I Return To School The Day I Receive My Braces?

Yes. There is no reason to miss school because of an orthodontic appointment.

Can I Still Play Sports?

Yes. We do recommend a mouth guard for all sports.

Do I Need To See My Family Dentist While In Braces?

Of course! Regular checkups with your family dentist are important while in braces. Your family dentist will determine the intervals between cleaning appointments while you are in braces.

Are There Foods I Cannot Eat While I Have Braces?

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. caramel and taffy). You can avoid most emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces by carefully following our instructions.

How Often Should I Brush My Teeth While In Braces?

Patients should brush their teeth at least four times each day – after each meal and before going to bed. We will show each patient how to floss their teeth with braces and provide fluoride.

Will My Child Need Full Braces If He/She Has Phase One Treatment?

It is best to assume that your child will need full braces even after Phase One treatment. The period following Phase One treatment is called the “resting period,” during which growth and tooth eruption are closely monitored. Throughout this period, parents and patients will be kept informed of future treatment recommendations.

Is It Too Late To Have Braces If I Am Already An Adult?

A surprising percentage of our patients are adults. In fact, 25 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults. The youngest I have treated was 3 ½ and the oldest was 81. No patient is “too old” to wear braces!

Can I Wear Braces Even Though I Have Crowns And Missing Teeth?

Yes. A tooth with a crown will move just like a tooth with a simple filling. When teeth are missing, orthodontic treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth.