1) Do braces hurt? What to do if you feel soreness?
The process of getting braces put on your teeth does not hurt. Since braces are new to your teeth, it is normal to feel discomfort against your lips and cheeks and some soreness the first few days. You should only eat soft food the day you get braces and rinse with warm salt water if you feel soreness.
For more information, see our blog Do Braces Hurt here
2) How are braces put on?
Traditionally, each individual bracket is placed directly on your teeth one at a time. In our office, we use an indirect bonding technique which allows us to put on all your braces at once.
3) How often should you come back for your braces appointment?
You must come back periodically to get your braces tightened and adjusted to ensure your braces are effectively moving your teeth into the right position.
4) How long is braces treatment?
Each case is different. Some cases are more severe than others and may have a longer treatment time. The average treatment time is around 2-3 years.
5) How to brush with braces?
It’s important to brush your teeth, especially if you have braces. Some food may get stuck around the wires and brackets. We recommend using a toothbrush with soft bristles.
- Brush in small circular motion along the gumline.
- Brush above and below the wire and brackets.
- Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces and chewing surfaces.
- You can use a proxy brush to clean between the braces.
6) How to floss with braces?
We recommend you floss at least once a day. Here are 3 ways you can floss your teeth:
Dental Floss
- Thread the floss under the wire.
- Move the floss up and down on one side of the tooth
- Hug the floss around the tooth
- Remember to floss on the other side of the tooth
Platypus Flosser
- Slide the thin side of the flosser called the spatula end under the wire
- Move the flosser up and down on one side of the tooth
- Do the same on the other side of the tooth
Water Flosser
- Fill it up with warm water
- Start at the lowest pressure
- Be careful not to aim it at your gums
7) What food can you eat?
During your braces treatment, we recommend you eat soft foods like mashed potatoes, soup, mac and cheese and ice cream. Avoid hard and sticky foods like hard candies, gum, bagel, beef jerky. You don’t want your braces to break off
See what other foods you can eat with braces, click here
8) What to do if you have a broken bracket, pokey wire or cheek irritation?
- You can also apply wax if you have any loose or poking wires and broken brackets, in the meantime.
- If you feel irritation or soreness, you can also rinse with warm salt water.
- If you have a broken bracket or pokey wire, remember to call your orthodontist as soon as possible.
9) Can you get a dental checkup with braces on?
The ADA recommends getting a checkup every 6 months. It’s important to take good care of your teeth.
10) What happens after braces treatment?
After finishing your braces treatment, you will need to wear retainers to maintain your beautiful smile. We recommended wearing retainers nighttime for a lifetime!
