Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Every patient is different and every smile is unique, on average, patients may wear braces for a range of time between 6 months to 2 years – sometimes more, sometimes less. 

Brushing and flossing can be slightly more complicated with braces, but it’s worth the extra effort to take care of your smile properly. Use a “tree brush” to check behind your archwire for any remaining food. An electric toothbrush can make it easy to remove plaque in tiny, hard-to-reach spots – precisely like the areas around your braces. Many people wearing braces use a water flosser in addition to regular floss to make sure they’ve removed any food from in between teeth and around brackets. 

You can still eat many of your favorite foods, but you’ll want to be a little more careful. Your braces are designed to be durable, but certain foods can damage a bracket or wire. Choose softer foods that you can cut or tear. Avoid sticky, hard or crunchy foods like bubble gum and hard candy. 

No matter how teeth are straightened, most people experience tenderness when their teeth move. After first getting braces, and after each adjustment, you may feel a little pressure and discomfort when biting or chewing, but this should only last for a few days. For your appointment days, stock up on soup, pasta or other gentle foods that don’t require much chewing. Your orthodontist can also give you soft wax to use if any brackets are rubbing against your cheeks, lips or tongue. If a wire is poking you, don’t hesitate to call your orthodontist – they can cut it shorter. 

Yes, you can exercise and play sports while wearing braces. Depending on the sport, it may be a good idea to wear a mouth guard or lip protector so the braces don’t cut the inside of your mouth. 

To help speed up your adjustment period, speech pathologists have developed a special exercise called the rainbow passage. It’s a short paragraph that contains many of the sounds found in the English language. Practice reading it aloud until you’re comfortable speaking with your new braces. 

Yes, you can still play your instrument! You may be able to get a custom mouth guard or lip protector through your orthodontist's office. 

Orthodontic emergencies are rare. Your braces are held in place by a strong, reliable dental adhesive, and the brackets themselves are designed to bond securely. But if one of your brackets does fall off – or if a band or wire comes loose – call your orthodontist right away.

They may move slightly over time making retainers/retention an important part of your treatment. Retainers help make sure your teeth “remember” their new positions. Some retainers are removable, clear plastic trays for the top or bottom teeth. Others are permanently attached to the back of your teeth, out of sight, meant to be worn for a couple years. It’s important to wear your retainer as instructed.