Common Questions

Do braces hurt? The placement of brackets on your teeth does not hurt. However, you may begin to feel some discomfort a few hours after your appointment. Your lips and teeth may take up to a week to get accustomed to the braces.

Will I need to see my family dentist while I have braces? Absolutely. We encourage you to see your dentist for hygiene appointments more frequently while you are in braces. 

Why do I need to wear rubber bands? Your braces and your archwires will make your teeth straight, but your rubber bands will help your upper and lower teeth fit together more properly.

How often do I need to wear my rubber bands? Please wear your rubber bands at all times except when eating or brushing your teeth.  Make sure you change your rubber bands after you eat.  Missed wearing time may prolong your treatment time!

Can I have just retainers to straighten my teeth? Most orthodontic problems require more treatment than just a retainer to sufficiently solve the problem. Braces are usually the best solution.  However, retainers may be the treatment of choice for correcting minor irregularities in some cases.

What is the best age for braces? Usually orthodontic treatment will not start until permanent teeth have come in. Permanent teeth begin to grow in at age 6. All children should be examined by an orthodontist around age 7. The most common age for braces is between ages 10-13, because this is usually the time when the last baby teeth are lost and the permanent teeth begin to grow in. Some children may need to be treated earlier, especially if they have underdevelopment of either jaw or early crowding of permanent teeth.  Depending on the condition, having a two phase treatment may help prevent the need for future extractions of permanent teeth!  The early treatment phase may involve only a few permanent teeth, and the later treatment will usually include all permanent teeth (except the wisdom teeth, which usually grow in closer to adulthood).

How long will I need braces? The time for braces varies on each individual. Some treatments last less than a year; however, some take 3 years or more. The average length of treatment for braces is around two years. The length of treatment depends on the type and number of problems being corrected as well as the diligence of the patient in following instructions. We ask that you do your best to keep appointments, avoid breakage of braces by eating properly, wearing your rubber, and taking proper care of your appliances.

How long will I have between ortho appointments? Appointment intervals are approximately 4-6 weeks apart.