Do braces hurt?
The placement of brackets on your teeth does not hurt. However, you may begin to feel some discomfort a few hours after your appointment. Your lips and teeth may need a week or so to get used to the braces on your teeth.
How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?
At a minimum, brush twice a day. Ideally, brush after every meal.
Will I need to see my family dentist while I have braces?
Absolutely. We encourage you to see your dentist for hygiene appointments more frequently while you are in braces. We do not clean our patients’ teeth when they come for visits; we simply adjust their brackets or wires and make sure their teeth are moving correctly.
Will needles be involved?
There are no needles, ever!
How will braces affect which foods I can eat?
To keep your braces and your teeth in good shape, avoid foods that are hard, sweet, or sticky foods. Hard foods like nuts, ice, and raw carrots can bend or break braces, while sticky foods such as peanut brittle can pull braces apart. Also, try to minimize your intake of sugar – this will help prevent the development of cavities while your braces are on.
Will I need a retainer?
Yes – a retainer helps ensure that your teeth don’t shift back to their original positions. When your braces are first removed, you’ll wear your retainer day and night for a while. In time, your use of the retainer will become less frequent.
