This is a great time to wear braces! Gone are the days when a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth. There are so many more options available today, a number of which are very discreet. In addition to being far less noticeable, the latest materials move teeth faster and with less discomfort.

Braces don’t hurt but to be honest they are a bit annoying. In order for the teeth to move we have to create pressure on the teeth and that can make them a bit sore. Especially when they first go on and after adjustments where wires are tightened and new rubber bands are introduced.

If your mouth tends to get sore it is not a bad idea to take a couple of Tylenol or Advil one hour before an appointment.

Also in the beginning when braces go on the brackets can rub against the cheeks or tongue and that can be irritating too. To minimize that rubbing we can give you dental wax to put over the brackets.

Treatment time is very individual, but it in teens and adults it ranges from about 12 to 24 months depending on the complexity of you case.

For children, we often take what’s known as a Two Phase Approach. The idea here is that some preliminary work is done over perhaps 8-12 months for a young child to encourage proper jaw growth and then treatment stops to let the child continue growing. After the last baby tooth is lost treatment resumes again for the final alignment of the teeth. That stage can also last around 12 months.

Your smile is yours forever and we want to make it as easy as possible for you to receive the best orthodontic care that can fit into your budget.

The cost of treatment varies depending on your particular needs and treatment plan. But we will discuss all of your treatment choices, the cost of treatment and payment options before you or your child begins treatment so that you know what to expect.

As orthodontists we help straighten your teeth and align your bite properly. To achieve this we have a number of different dental appliances that we can use – Braces being the most common.

The idea is we attach a bracket to your teeth and then attach a wire to the bracket. The wires along with elastic rubber banks can put gentle force on the teeth.

Braces are made out of metal, ceramic, or plastic. They may be removable or they may be brackets that are bonded to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move your teeth to a correct position.

With young children we actually have the benefit of early intervention. We can use orthodontic appliances to guide the permanent teeth into proper position as they erupt.

Your cooperation is one of the most important factors in influencing how effective treatment is.  Remember we only see you every so often for adjustments, but your teeth need to move in the correct direction 24/7.

• Take good care of your teeth, braces and any other appliances by keeping everything clean and healthy

• Consistent use of rubber bands, headgear or any removable appliances is another important way to ensure that your treatment is efficient.

• Careful eating habits that minimize damage to your braces or other appliances will also minimize delays in treatment completion

• If you knock a bracket off it’s not an emergency, but that tooth won’t move until we re-attach the bracket. If a bracket does fall off your teeth, ALWAYS save it so we can re-attach it. (Brackets are expensive and if it happens often you’ll be looking at additional charges to replace them.)

• Keeping all your follow up appointments is critical to making continuous and efficient progress