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Braces FAQ

What Types of Braces Do You Offer?

We offer many different kinds of braces in our practice. Picking the right method for your personal needs is a discussion you can have with Dr. Thabet or Dr. Othman when you come in for a consultation.

Clear Braces

Clear braces are similar to metal braces in that they use brackets and wires, but instead of metal brackets, they use a ceramic material. The ceramic comes in many different colors and is meant to mimic the natural color of your teeth, making it look “clear” to others.

Self-ligating Braces

Self-ligating braces use the same metal like traditional braces, but their mechanism of action is different. Specialized brackets are attached to the teeth to maintain pressure on the wire so that your doctor does not have to manually tighten your braces. This can mean fewer visits to the orthodontist, and often proves more comfortable for patients than traditional braces.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are attached to the inside face of the tooth so they are invisible to others. Lingual braces work in the same fashion that traditional braces do by using metal brackets and wires to exert pressure. These braces are a great option for athletes, models or actors, and musicians who play wind instruments. 

Are There Any Alternatives to Braces?

Through the use of SureSmile technology, your orthodontist can offer you a “braces experience” that provides:

  • Shorter treatment times
  • Fewer office visits
  • Less overall discomfort
  • High-quality results

Our technology-driven orthodontic process offers several important benefits that make the whole “braces experience” much easier for patients than conventional orthodontics!

To learn more about SureSmile, click here!

How Long Do I Have to Wear Braces?

The short answer is around one to three years. The duration of braces treatment depends on multiple factors. The severity of the orthodontic issues that need to be corrected, as well as patient cooperation, play a huge part in how long you will need to keep your braces on. 

How Much Do Braces Cost?

The final cost of braces treatment varies from patient to patient. To get an accurate price estimate you will need to book a consultation with your local orthodontist. Most orthodontists do not want financial limitations to stop you from fixing your smile, so make sure to ask about any discounts or payment plans available for you!

Do Braces Hurt?

Braces may be a bit uncomfortable or cause some irritation in your mouth, but they are not painful. Sometimes after a visit to the orthodontist, you may feel sore due to the tightening of braces. This can be alleviated by eating soft foods and taking a pain reliever for a day or two until the discomfort subsides. Irritation caused by friction between brackets and the soft tissue of the mouth can be solved with dental wax provided by your orthodontist. 

Do I Still Need to Visit My Dentist While Wearing Braces?

Yes! Though you may think that a dentist and an orthodontist are doing the same job, they certainly are not. Your orthodontist is responsible for aligning your jaw and straightening your teeth while your dentist helps you keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. It is important to continue seeing your dentist for routine cleanings and checkups so that you not only have straight teeth but healthy ones too!

Will Braces Interfere With My Everyday Activities?

Braces should not drastically affect your day-to-day lifestyle. They may cause some soreness after orthodontic visits but in general, they are not painful or obtrusive. You can continue eating most things and playing sports while wearing braces, though you may need to make some small adjustments such as wearing a mouthguard or cutting up hard foods instead of biting into them.

How Do I Care for My Braces?

Braces are an investment, and they should be treated with the care and attention that any other investment would receive. Make sure to spend a couple of extra minutes brushing between your brackets at morning and nighttime, and to brush after meals so no food particles get stuck among the wires. 

Try to avoid foods that are hard, sticky, or chewy as these can damage your braces and require an emergency visit to your orthodontist. It is better to just leave these foods to enjoy once your braces are off and there is no risk of wires poking out or brackets being loosened.

What Happens When I Get My Braces Off?

Getting your braces off is an exciting day! You finally get to show off the result after years of treatment. Your orthodontist will remove the metal from your mouth and clean your teeth of any residual glue. You will be given a retainer that ensures all the hard work your braces did is not lost. Make sure to wear the retainer as often as you can, only removing it for meals or cleaning your teeth.

Are Braces Better Than Invisalign?

It truly depends on why you are pursuing orthodontic treatment to figure out which option will work better for you. For aesthetic purposes, Invisalign is a great option, but it can sometimes take longer for Invisalign to correct serious bite misalignments or malocclusions. Once your orthodontist examines your teeth and takes X-rays, you will get a better idea of what needs to be fixed and whether braces or Invisalign would work better for you.