FAQ About Orthodontics

Q:  How long will it take to complete treatment?
A:  Treatment time obviously depends on each patient's specific orthodontic problem. In general, treatment times range from 12 to 30 months.  The "average" time frame a person is in braces is approximately 22 months.

Q:  How often will I have appointments?
A:  Appointments are scheduled according to each patient's needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every five to 10 weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.

Q:  Do braces hurt?
A:  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!”

Q:  Will I need to have teeth extracted for braces?
A:  Removing teeth is sometimes required to achieve the best orthodontic result. Straight teeth and a balanced facial profile are the goal of orthodontics. However, because new technology has provided advanced orthodontic procedures, removing teeth is not always necessary for orthodontic treatment.

Q:  Can I still play sports?
A:  Yes. We recommend a mouth guard for all sports.

Q:  Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?
A:  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. caramel and taffy). You can avoid most emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces by carefully following our instructions.

Q:  How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?
A:  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 may also provide a prescription for a special fluoride, if necessary.

Why Mouth Guards are Important

A mouth guard is a soft plastic or laminate device used in sports to prevent oral injuries to the teeth, mouth, cheeks, tongue and jaw. According to the American Dental Association, one third of all dental injuries are sports related. They also estimate that the use of a mouth guard can prevent more than 200,000 oral injuries to the mouth each year.

Any athlete may be at risk for oral injury but mouth guards are mandatory in collision sports such as football, hockey and boxing where the risk of injury is likely.  The most common types of dental injuries without the use of a mouth guard include; chipped or broken teeth, fractured crowns or bridgework, lip and cheek injuries, root damage to the teeth, fractured jaws, and concussions.  In addition, a recent study showed that fifty-six percent of all concussions were suffered when mouth guards were not worn.

A mouth guard is essential for all athletes.  Contact us today to learn more!