The length of your treatment will vary depending on the severity of your orthodontic condition. Generally, most cases can be completed in 18 months but in certain instances and more complex cases may take longer. We will be able to provide an estimate of the duration of your treatment after examining you and determining which treatment plan is best for you

It’s important to keep your teeth and gums healthy during orthodontic treatment. You should brush twice daily, especially around the brackets and wires. You can use a floss threader or water flosser to get between the teeth and brackets.

When wearing braces, avoiding hard and sticky foods that can cause damage or get stuck in the brackets is important. Foods such as popcorn, nuts, pizza crust, corn on the cup, and candy should be avoided. Additionally, any food with a crunchy texture, such as chips or pretzels, should be eaten cautiously and stakes and apples should be cut in small pieces. 

Braces do not typically hurt; however, you may experience some discomfort and mild pain when the braces are first put on or after each adjustment. This is normal and should subside within one week as your mouth adjusts to the new pressure. Over-the-counter pain relief medication such as Tylenol can help alleviate any discomfort you may feel.

It is important to continue visiting your dentist for regular check-ups during your orthodontic treatment. Your dentist will be able to ensure that your teeth and gums remain healthy and provide additional guidance on how to best care for your teeth while wearing braces.

It is recommended that your child visit an orthodontist for a consultation by the age of 7. Many orthodontic issues can be identified and treated early at this age, resulting in shorter treatment times and better long-term results. Choosing to begin your orthodontic treatment means prioritizing your oral health and getting the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted. With the right care and maintenance, you can ensure your treatment is as successful as possible.

Clear Aligners can help to correct a wide variety of orthodontic issues, such as overcrowding, gapped teeth, overbite, and underbite. In addition to the traditional braces options available at our office, we can provide you with personalized treatment plans that include clear aligners to best suit your needs. 

Aligners need to be worn for 22 hours daily to get the best results. Neglecting to wear your aligners for 22 hours a day can slow down your treatment or even prevent you from seeing the best results possible. 

In some cases, wearing clear aligners can temporarily affect your speech. This is because the aligners have to fit snugly to work correctly, and this can cause a slight lisp when first getting used to them. However, most patients report that their speech returns to normal after a short period and that the effects are not permanent.

Keeping your clear aligners clean is essential to the success of your treatment. We suggest brushing and rinsing your aligners after every meal and using a soft toothbrush to clean them. Following these steps will help keep your aligners clean and fresh for the duration of your treatment!