Frequently Asked Questions

No! We want you to have options in your orthodontic treatment, so we offer two types of braces as well as clear aligners – a form of invisible braces.

It is very important to avoid foods that could result in broken brackets, loose wires, or broken appliances. Examples of foods that you should avoid:

● Chewy foods such as bagels, fruit leathers, or beefy jerky
● Sticky foods like caramel candy, licorice, and marshmallows
● Crunchy foods like chips, raw carrots, raw celery, and popcorn
● Hard foods such as hard candy, hard breadsticks, or pizza crust
● Foods that require biting into such as corn on the cob and apples. You can still enjoy these foods by slicing the apples or removing the corn from the cob.

A common question asked, “How long after getting braces can I eat normal foods?” We tell patients that it’s best to avoid foods that can damage braces throughout the treatment period. If you can’t say no to the craving, eat with extreme caution.

When you begin treatment, you’ll need to take special care to avoid any foods that could damage your new appliances. We recommend you choose soft foods to eat with braces at school or work, including any of the following:

● Dairy – soft cheese, yogurt, pudding, milk-based drinks
● Breads – soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins without nuts
● Grains – pasta, soft-cooked rice
● Meats/Poultry – soft-cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats
● Seafood – tuna, salmon, crab cakes
● Vegetables – mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans
● Fruits – bananas, applesauce, berries
● Treats – ice cream without nuts, milkshakes, gelatin, soft cake

Before brushing, do a quick rinse with water. This will dislodge any food particles stuck between the wires or brackets. Brush beginning at the gum line, using a 45-degree angle of approach. As you move towards the brackets, brush from both the top and the bottom, ensuring that the bristles reach under the wires and around the brackets. This process may take some extra time in the beginning, but once you are used to it, it will be routine for you. Follow up with a thorough flossing.

We recommend using an electric toothbrush such as Sonicare or Oral-B. If you do not decide to use an electric toothbrush, use a toothbrush with soft bristles. 

Generally, braces do not hurt, but when you first get them, you may feel a little sore or uncomfortable immediately afterward. Soreness is normal, and it’s temporary.  

One thing that helps is a saltwater rinse: 

1. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a full cup of lukewarm water.  
2. Swish it around your mouth for a few minutes.  
3. Repeat, if needed.  

If soreness persists, taking an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen (Advil®) or acetaminophen (Tylenol®) may help. Lastly, if you have lip, cheek, or tongue irritation in the weeks after getting braces, use your orthodontic wax to help alleviate the problem quickly. 

The amount of time that you will need to wear braces varies, depending on several things such as the severity of your bite problem. Most patients need to wear braces for 12 to 24 months, but this can be shorter or longer depending on your case. Dr. Chen will discuss this with you and give you a general idea of what you can expect. After several months of wearing braces, the progress can be measured more easily, and a more accurate update can be given to you regarding how much longer you can expect to wear braces.

The cost of braces depends on which type of braces you choose, how long you will need treatment, and any other factors unique to your treatment plan. Our treatment coordinators offer payment plans that can work with your budget and get you the orthodontic care that you need.

Yes. Generally, you’ll be able to return to school or work the same day. 

Yes, you can still play sports with braces. We recommend that you wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and your appliances. Please ask your doctor about mouthguard options.

No matter how old you are, the answer is no. There is no age limit for braces, and we provide braces for children, teens, and adults. Modern adult braces are more discreet, more comfortable, and more effective. More adults are choosing orthodontic treatment now than ever before.

Don’t panic if your teeth begin to feel a little loose. This is a normal part of the treatment process. Your braces must first loosen your teeth to move them into the right position.  Once your teeth have been repositioned, they will stabilize and no longer feel loose.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic consultation at the age of 7. By this age, most children have several permanent teeth starting to surface, which gives our doctors an effective way to evaluate your child’s orthodontic health. Plus, in certain cases, early evaluation may help our doctors identify missing permanent teeth or problems with jaw growth as well as habits like thumb sucking which can be more easily corrected if caught early. Our Rising Star program helps children avoid future problems as well as potentially expensive corrections. 

We understand your busy schedule, so yes! We are happy to help make the most of your time. Occasionally, we may request to speak with you when you return, so we ask you to check in with our concierges before dropping off your child. You can also schedule any remote care treatment check-ups by using the Smile Doctors Anywhere app.

While we love dental referrals and see a number of our dental colleagues’ patients, your dentist doesn’t need to make an appointment. Most patients call us directly and mention the dentist who referred them. We always love to send a thank you note to our local dentists. 

The cost of braces or Invisalign aligners depends on the length and type of treatment that you choose. We understand the financial impact orthodontics can have on families, so we welcome the opportunity to work out a payment plan that meets your budget.