FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there things I can do at home to treat discomfort (pokey wire, broken brackets, mouth sores, etc.)?

There are many different ways to help relieve discomfort. Here are some: applying orthodontic wax, clip wire with wire cutters, over the counter pain reliever.

Do I need my brackets off for dental cleanings?

Your hygienist should be able to clean around the brackets in wires. If your dentist requests otherwise, please let us know and we can accommodate.

How to clean aligners/retainers?

Soft bristle toothbrush and (scentless) soap. You can also use denture cleaner or retainer cleaner.

What should I do if my retainers or aligners are not fitting properly?

It is important to contact us right away if your retainer or aligner is not fitting properly. If you delay letting us know, problems can get worse. In a pick, if your aligners are not fitting properly, we recommend moving forward a tray in your series to see if those fit better or going back a tray.

Are there different retainer options?

We recommend clear retainers that cover all surfaces of each tooth. We offer a Retainer Guarantee Program to ensure that your smile is guaranteed. Other retainers can be discussed.

How much are retainer replacements?

With our affordable Retainer Guarantee Program, replacements can be as low as $25 each.

How long will retainers need to be worn?

Retainers should be worn full time for the first year and then every night after. It is important to keep in mind that teeth will attempt to shift throughout life and some people’s teeth shift more easily than others. Following these instructions will prevent shifting and the need for retreatment later on.

How long do retainers last?

Retainers will need to be replaced periodically and the frequency of replacement depends on several factors including eruption of teeth, how you care for the retainers, grinding or clenching tendencies, if dental work is completed, etc. Retainers should be worn full time for the first year and then every night after. Wearing retainers nighttime for a lifetime assures your smile stays straight. Ask us about our Retainer Guarantee Program which makes replacing retainers easy and affordable.

Surgery has been recommended for me, where can I get more information?

Our office can provide you with a referral at your appointment.

Should I use a manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush?

Oral hygiene is critical during orthodontic treatment. An electric toothbrush is best for keeping your teeth clean. You should brush a minimum of 2 times a day, floss daily, and reduce consumption of sugar containing drinks and food.

Some of my children’s friends have already started treatment, but our orthodontist states our child should wait. Why is there a difference in treatment?

All children should be seen by an orthodontic specialist starting at age 7. An orthodontist is trained to assess the growth and development of a child for the purpose of long term planning for the best orthodontic results in the future. A referral is not needed to see an orthodontist.

Can you get braces on only the top or bottom?

At your consultation, we will discuss what your treatment preferences are and present the best treatment options available for you.

What do I do if I misplace an aligner?

If you lose an aligner, you should change to the next aligner you have and wear that one for extra time. If you do not have an aligner that fits, contact the office right away.

What should I do if I lose my elastics?

If you are supposed to be wearing elastics, and can not for any reason, stop in the office to get more elastics. Elastics can also be ordered online (amazon) if needed.

Do you accept my insurance?

We work with all insurance companies that provide orthodontic benefits and we will verify the coverage and present it to you at the consultation.

What happens if retainers stop fitting during eruption of permanent teeth?

Retainers will have to be adjusted or remade to fit around new teeth coming in. It is important to contact us at any point your retainer is not fitting ideally.

What do I do if a bracket (braces) or attachment (aligners) comes off?

If a bracket or attachment comes off, contact us so we can guide you.

Why do I need elastics, is the bite that important?

Braces and Aligners are used to straighten and align teeth but elastics are used to correct the bite. Treatment results, including elastic wear and bite correction, are highly dependent on your cooperation as a patient.

How long will my retainers last?

What are bite turbos and why do I need them?

Bite turbos are temporary pads placed on the biting surface of your teeth to prevent your teeth from biting off brackets or to help the braces achieve certain movements.Once your bite is corrected to the necessary point, they will be removed.

Why do I need attachments with invisalign?

Attachments are important to achieve the movements planned in your aligners. They are necessary for great results.

When will I be ready for phase 2?

After you complete Phase 1, the growth and development of your teeth and jaws will be monitored so that our doctors can determine when phase 2 will be needed. Phase 2 generally starts when you have all, or close to all, of your permanent teeth or when there are other known reasons to do so.

What foods can I eat with braces?

You can continue to enjoy many of the foods you love while in braces. Our team will review the exceptions when you start your treatment.

Why do braces come off sometimes?

Braces are adhered to the teeth with special bonding material made strong enough to keep them on but not strong enough that they can’t come off with force. Braces can come off for various reasons including the way the teeth bite together, foods we eat, moisture on the teeth during the bonding procedure, clenching and grinding, etc. If a bracket comes off, contact us for next steps.

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