1. How often should you brush your teeth when you have braces?

We recommend brushing after every meal and snack, but at least 3 times a day. Not brushing your teeth can cause swollen gums, scarring of the teeth, and cavities. Keep in mind when brushing your teeth, you also need to use proper technique. It is important to brush between the wires, braces, and along the gumline. A proxybrush or Christmas tree brush helps to get in between the braces. Also don’t forget to floss.


2. Can you wear braces even though you have crowns and missing teeth?

Yes. Braces do not adhere to crowns as well as they do to natural teeth. However, we treat the crowns with a special solution to strengthen the bond of the braces to the crowns. You can also still wear braces if you have missing teeth. Depending on your situation, we can close spaces where you have missing teeth or prepare the missing space(s) for a bridge or implant.


3. What will my child experience by wearing braces?

Children will have to adjust to wearing braces. They will have to avoid certain foods and be more diligent about brushing and flossing. However, they will be able to do all the normal activities, like playing sports or a musical instruments. The benefits of wearing braces are tremendous. Having a healthy bite is good for their well being and having a beautiful smile builds self-confidence that can only benefit them for the rest of their life.


4. How can I prevent my child from being embarrassed by wearing braces?

With Technology today, there are different types of braces that can fit different needs. Many of the children have fun with braces by wearing different color elastic ties that fit any occasion (for example, holidays, sports teams, and school colors). If a child wants a more cosmetic look, there are clear or invisible braces. Invisalign is an alternative to braces as well, which are clear plastic removable aligners. It also helps to have your child speak to their friends that are also wearing braces. Knowing that their friends are also wearing braces provides comfort to your child. Nowadays, more and more children are actually excited about braces.


5. Should my children do anything special during their first week with braces?

Your child will experience general soreness. This condition can be relieved by rinsing with warm salt water. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, like Tylenol or Advil, will also ease the discomfort. Another tip is to eat soft foods and/or cut the food into smaller pieces.


6. Will braces cause sores in my child' s mouth?

Yes, braces can cause sores in your child’s mouth, especially at the beginning of treatment. If the braces are causing irritation to the checks and lips, orthodontic wax can be placed over the braces. After about a week, the mouth toughens up and forms like a callus in the mouth to adjust to the braces. If there is a wire protruding, take a blunt instrument like the eraser of a pencil and carefully tuck the irritating wire under the archwire.


7. How long do the braces take to put on?

A full set of braces takes about one hour to put on. That includes the back braces (bands), front braces (brackets), as well as the wires and elastic ties.