What's the best age to visit the orthodontist?
If you want to improve the look and feel of your smile, then any age can be a great age to see the orthodontist. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children first visit an orthodontist no later than age 7; however, orthodontic treatment is not exclusive to children and teens, with about one in every five orthodontic patients being over the age of 21. Whether you're considering treatment for yourself, or for a child, any time is a good time to visit the orthodontist.
How can I take care of my teeth if I'm wearing braces or a retainer?
- ALWAYS remember to brush your teeth after every meal and floss at least once a day.
- Make sure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride, and ask your orthodontist or family dentist if you need a fluoride rinse. This will help prevent cavities!
- If you take out your retainer to eat, brush your teeth, and floss, then remember to keep it safe in its container so that it does not get lost or broken.
- Keep your retainer clean, too, by brushing it gently with a toothbrush and toothpaste. You may also use denture cleaner twice a week for a maximum of 15 minutes per soaking. If you have a clear retainer, use a cotton-tipped applicator and soft soap. Do not use hot, boiling water, the dishwasher or Listerine.
- During your treatment, try to avoid foods with a lot of sugar and acid(sugar increases the amount of bacteria that grows in your mouth causing more plaque and possibly cavities). Drinks such as Monster, Red Bull, Coke and Pepsi have high sugar and acid. Rinse with water or brush after consuming these beverages.
- Avoid sticky and chewy foods (caramel, chewing gum, gummy bears), hard foods (hard candy, nuts, ice cubes) or any foods that could possibly get stuck in your braces (corn on the cob, soft bagels, ribs, taffy, etc). See our complete lists of foods to avoid and foods you can eat.
- Be sure to schedule your routine checkups with your family dentist. It is recommended that you continue to visit the dentist every three-six months.
What are braces?
Braces are used by your orthodontist to help you improve the look and feel of your smile! There are several different types of braces to choose from, including:
- Clear braces
- Ceramic braces
- Colored braces
- Lingual braces
- Self-ligating braces
- Invisible braces
- Miniature metal braces
If I get braces, how long do I have to wear them?
The amount of time spent in braces can vary depending on the individual patient. Every smile responds differently to treatment. Treatment times can take anywhere between 3 to 30 months; however, most standard treatments take about 22 months. At Graber Orthodontics, most patients have their braces less than 18 months. On average, treatment time is 40-60% shorter than with conventional braces treatment.
Do braces hurt?
Braces do not often hurt; however, you may feel a small amount of discomfort for a couple days as your teeth, gums, cheeks, and mouth gets used to your new braces. Wax is provided for use with glued-on braces.
Do I need to brush my teeth more often if I have braces?
With braces, you should brush your teeth at least three times a day to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy and clean. Brushing regularly will help remove any food that may be caught between the braces. You should also floss daily to get in between your braces where your brush isn't able to reach. Our orthodontic team can show you how to properly brush and floss once your braces are placed. Tooth brushing movies can also be posted to your website for when you log-in to your personal patient page.
If I have braces, do I still need dental checkups every six months?
Yes! In fact, it's even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit their dentist regularly. With braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush can't reach. This causes bacteria to build up and can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Your dentist will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while wearing braces. In most cases, it is recommended to see your "regular" dentist three-four times per year during your braces treatment to ensure the health of your teeth and gums. Healthy teeth move the fastest and most comfortably.
Will my braces interfere with my school activities; like sports, playing an instrument, or singing?
Playing an instrument or a contact sport may require some adjustment when you first get your braces, but wearing braces will not stop you from participating in any of your school activities. If you play a contact sport, it is recommended that you wear a mouthguard to protect your braces or appliances. We will provide this to you and have a variety of colors to match your sports team!
How do I schedule my next appointment?
Simply call our practice at (847) 367-4920 or send us an email at info@graberorthodontics.com! Our front desk staff will be happy to help schedule your next appointment at your convenience. If you are a new patient or have been referred to our practice, please let us know, and we will provide you with all of the information you need.
