Frequently Asked Questions

Orthodontics is a branch of Dentistry that specializes in straightening teeth, correcting bite problems, and monitoring jaw development. It aims to diagnose, treat, and prevent dental and facial deformities.

An orthodontist is a specialist dentist who underwent further studies and training in orthodontics. He/She has received two to three years of additional training and experience beyond the traditional four years of dental school.

Taking care of your teeth while wearing braces requires more effort in keeping them in tip-top shape.

• Brush teeth at least twice a day or every after meals.
• Use a floss threader or water flossers to clean in between teeth easily.
• During treatment, avoid hard and sticky foods that may break or displace any part of your braces.
• Schedule regular visits with your dentist to have routine checkups and cleans.

With braces, there are additional areas where bacteria and food can get stuck other than your teeth. Brushing every after a meal will help wash away any food particles stuck between your braces and teeth. It will also prevent tooth decay and gum problems, slowing your treatment time and decreasing efficiency.

You may use an interdental brush or water flossers to effectively clean the spaces between teeth and braces. Plaque and calculus can also delay your treatment as they can cause tooth decay or gum disease – which may require removing your braces and providing gum treatment first.

Braces are dated as far back as ancient man! It is what you first imagine when you hear about orthodontics. With the latest orthodontic innovations, it comes in several forms other than metal braces, such as ceramic braces, self-ligating braces, and lingual braces.

It is normal to feel some discomfort during the first few days of your treatment. It is a sign that your teeth are moving. After a couple of days, your teeth, gums, cheeks, and mouth will get used to the force from your orthodontic appliances.

Absolutely! Going to your general dentist for a routine checkup and cleaning will help prevent tooth decay and gum problems. If plaque and calcular deposit form between your teeth, it can slow down your treatment – or worse, we might need to remove braces to cure your gum problem first.

Sticky foods: caramel, Skittles, Starbursts, toffee candies, gummy bears
Hard & Crunchy foods: hard candies, ice, nuts, lollipops, chips, popcorn
Staining foods: red wine, dishes with several spices

You also need to cut foods that require biting into small pieces, like apples, hard crusty bread, meat, corn on the cob, and carrots.

Your teeth and mouth may feel a little tender or sore during the first few days with your braces and after your monthly adjustments. It is entirely normal and should go away once your teeth and bone adjust to the forces from braces. Some people may find it intolerable, and you may take some OTC pain relievers to ease discomfort.

In addition, you may experience sores on your cheeks, tongue, and lips. As your tissues get used to the metal components of your braces, you may use orthodontic wax to prevent some parts from irritating your soft tissues.

Brackets can come loose due to changes in your teeth alignment and eating hard foods. If this happens, please contact our office to know if an emergency appointment is required. If the bracket is still attached to the wire, secure it with orthodontic wax. However, if the bracket pops out of your mouth, place it in a small container and bring it to the office on your next visit.

You may also experience wires poking at the back of your teeth and irritating your cheek. Roll a small piece of orthodontic wax and cover the poking wire. Never do any DIY fixes you may find over the internet, like cutting with a nail clipper or pushing with an eraser, as it may deform your wire.

• Discreet: It is metal-free and virtually invisible. People won’t notice you are wearing anything or going through treatment.
• Predicted outcome: You will be able to see the predicted outcome before you even get started with your treatment. It is the best time to discuss your smile goals with your orthodontist to bring you the smile you want.
• Better oral hygiene: Invisalign clear aligners are removable, making it easier to brush and floss teeth than traditional metal braces.
• No food restrictions: You can enjoy your favorite foods and beverages for as long as you remove your trays before eating.
• Faster treatment: With regular aligner changes and proper wear time, your trays move your teeth to their ideal positions efficiently.
• More comfortable: No metal components mean no poking wires and no harsh edges irritating your lips, cheeks, and tongue.

Most dental plans cover orthodontic treatment, which may include Invisalign treatment. Our Finance Coordinator will be happy to help determine the extent of your insurance coverage and do the paperwork for you.

Remember that your clear aligners are only “working” when worn. You need to wear your Invisalign clear aligners for at least 22 hours daily to move your teeth to their desired positions effectively.

You can enjoy your favorite foods and beverages while working on your smile! Just remember to remove your trays before eating to avoid breakage. It also includes drinking fizzy drinks as they can get stuck in your aligners and submerging your teeth in a sugary, acidic liquid that can cause harm to your teeth.

Remove your aligners before eating and drinking to prevent breakage.
Always place your trays in the aligner case to prevent loss or breakage.
Wash your aligners with running water before wearing them again. Never wash them with hot water to prevent them from deforming.
Brush and floss your teeth after every meal and before bedtime.
When not in use, never wrap your aligners with tissue. It is the most common cause of lost aligners.