FAQ

 
 
 
 
 
Introduction to Braces
 

Q.  Why do people get braces?

A.  Most people get braces to obtain a beautiful smile, make their teeth fit together better and make their mouth healthier.

Q.  What is an orthodontist?

A.  An orthodontist is a person who attended college for four years, dental school for four years and then orthodontic school for another two to three years to learn how to create beautiful smiles and healthier bites.

Q.  How do braces move teeth?

A.  The basic method of moving your teeth is to apply steady pressure until they achieve their proper position. This is done with wires and other attachments. We decide how much pressure to apply, which direction to apply it and how long to maintain it.

Q.  Does it hurt to get braces?

A.  No, attaching braces is actually quite easy. When you get them on it feels like someone is tapping on your teeth. It may be slightly uncomfortable for a few days, but in a short time you won't even notice that you have them on.

Q.  How long will treatment take?

A.  The length of treatment depends on two things. The first is what kind of problem you have and the second is how much you help out during treatment. You really are partners with us in creating your new smile, and we can't do it without your help. You'll be told what to do to make your teeth move faster, and if you do these things, you'll be finished in the shortest time possible. We will give you an estimate of how long it will take you if we all work together.
 
Getting your Braces
 

Q.  What are braces?

A.  The main parts of your braces are the brackets and archwires. Brackets are placed directly on your teeth, and their job is to hold the archwire in place. If you don't have all of your adult teeth yet, you may only get a few brackets. The archwire is a thin metal wire which moves your teeth by applying a gentle force to them. This wire has to be changed and adjusted which is one of the reasons that you'll have regular visits. Our state-of the-art brackets hold the wire in automatically. Elastics may also be used to move your teeth. Elastics are small rubber bands that are stretched between two or more teeth to provide extra force in a specific direction.

 

Q.   How do the braces get put on?

A.  There are many different ways to put your brackets on, but usually the first step is to clean and dry your teeth. Next, glue is put onto the brackets. Don't worry-this isn't like the glue you use at home. This is special dental glue which holds your braces on really well, but when your treatment is over we will be able to easily get your braces off. The brackets are then placed onto each tooth one at a time. We will shine a special light on the brackets so that the glue dries faster. The light is very bright so when we use the light you will wear special sunglasses. Afterward the archwire is placed into the slots on the brackets. Finally, the archwire is secured by closing the "window" built into the bracket. That's it! You're ready to go.

Q.  How will my mouth feel with braces on?

A.  During the first couple of days your lips might be sore and your teeth might feel tight. Your lips may be tender because they are not used to rubbing against the brackets on your front teeth. Your teeth may feel tight because of the gentle pressure that the archwire puts on them. You might pronounce words funny at first. The good news is that all of these things will go away, and in a short time you won't even notice you have them on.

Q.  What can I do to make my mouth feel better until I get used to the braces?

A.  It is not unusual to get an occasional sore spot from the braces. This is especially true when you first get the braces on. If you get a sore spot, identify the brace that is causing it. Dry the brace off with a cotton swab or tissue and apply a very small piece of silicone wax. Remember, only use the silicone wax for a real sore spot. Otherwise, it may take a longer time to get used to the braces. Mouth sores can be prevented or minimized by rinsing with warm salt water 2 to 3 times per day. A good recipe is to mix 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of baking SODA (not powder) in 1 cup of warm water.

It is also not unusual to experience some discomfort especially especially after the braces are first put on and immediately after regular appointments. The best solution is to treat the situation like headache. Take Tylenol or ibuprofen (Advil, Nuprin etc.) as per the manufacturer's directions. Some patients find it helpful to start taking their medicine just prior to their orthodontic appointment. Also, try to eat soft foods for awhile. If it hurts for more than a few days don't hesitate to call us. We may be able to give you other suggestions or even have you come in for a check-up.

Q.  What if I break part of my braces?

A.  If any of your brackets come off or something else breaks try to save the piece and then call us as soon as possible. We will set up a special appointment to have it fixed.
 
Taking Care of your Braces
 

Q.  What type of toothbrush should I use with braces?

A.  Pick a toothbrush that has soft round bristles and make sure that it is long enough to reach every tooth. Toothbrushes usually wear out in two to three months and don't work as well. When this happens throw yours away and get a new one. We recommend using a battery operated toothbrush to help effectively clean around the brackets and near the gum lines. However, use the type of toothbrush you feel most comfortable cleaning your teeth with.

Q.  What kind of toothpaste is best?

A.  There are a lot of good toothpastes in the stores. Be sure to pick one that has fluoride to help prevent tooth decay. A tartar control toothpaste can help get rid of plaque build-up. You will be given a prescription-strength fluoride gel to use instead of toothpaste when you brush your teeth in the morning and before you go to bed, but it is OK to use your regular toothpaste any other time you brush. Regular use of this gel is 99% effective at eliminating the chance for getting white spots around your braces.

Q.  Can I floss with braces?

A.  Yes. You should floss each day. The best time is before brushing at bedtime. You will be given a sample of floss with special tips. You may find that using this type is helpful in getting the floss under the wires. Please ask us for instructions if you are unsure how to floss with braces.

Q.  Will braces cause bad breath?

A.  No, you won't be any more likely to get bad breath unless you don't clean your teeth as well. Bad breath is usually caused by bacteria attacking the food that is left on your teeth so daily brushing and flossing should get rid of any bad breath and prevent it from coming back. If you do seem to have bad breath that won't go away it may be a sign of gum disease. You should make an appointment with the dentist right away.

Q.  Should I use mouthwash with braces?

A.  Yes, recent scientific research has shown that Cool Mint Listerine is effective at killing bacteria not reachable by regular tooth brushing. Be sure to rinse for 30 seconds morning and night. Please do not use if you are 11 or younger. Cool Mint Listerine contains essential oils not contained in other mouth rinses, so please do not substitute.

Q.  Do I still need to see my general dentist when in braces?

A.  It is important that you see your general dentist every six months for exams and cleanings while you have braces. Your dentist may recommend that you come in even more often. Please remember we are not a substitute for your general dentist.

Q.  Do I need a special mouth guard for sports?

A.  Yes. If you need a mouth guard for any sports, let us know and we will provide one for you. Please do not use a "heat-molded" mouth guard that you find in most sporting goods stores. These will damage your braces and slow your treatment.