Your Guide To Braces
Dawsonville, GA
At Lanier Orthodontics, Dr. Gass and his professional team strive to offer the most efficient and stress-free braces treatment available. This guide provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about orthodontic treatment with braces.
Do Braces Hurt?
Placing and tightening braces may be slightly uncomfortable. Over-the-counter medications are sufficient to alleviate this discomfort. In addition, the teeth-straightening process requires patience. It entails routine tightening, which can result in toothache and discomfort for a couple of days after tightening. However, this discomfort does not typically interfere with daily activities.
Dr. Gass endeavors to make your experience as straightforward and painless as possible. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, we can discuss your treatment options.
What Foods Do I Need To Avoid With Braces?
Don’t worry; you’ll be back to eating sweets and potato chips in no time! However, before you can indulge in your favorite treats, you will need to take extra precautions to avoid foods that could damage your new appliances. Foods to avoid include:
- Crunchy foods – chips, popcorn, raw vegetables, ice
- Sticky foods – gummy bears, caramel candies, chewing gum
- Chewy foods – bagels, pizza crust, licorice
- Hard foods – hard candies, croutons, thin crust pizza
- Foods you need to bite into – apples, corn on the cob, etc.
- Sports drinks – sugary drinks can lead to more plaque buildup around your braces, so it’s best to avoid them
Also, avoid oral habits like pen/pencil chewing, nail-biting, toothpicks, and straw chewing.
Don’t worry! There are still a lot of foods that are safe to eat with braces! The recommended foods to eat while wearing braces include:
- Yogurt
- Fruit without pits – bananas, grapes, oranges, strawberries, blueberries, etc.
- Soft cheeses
- Light crackers
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Pasta
- Fish
- Soups
Do I Still Need To See My Dentist With Braces?
Yes! You should still visit the dentist regularly, even if you have braces. Braces are a great way to straighten your teeth, but they can also trap food and plaque against your teeth, which can cause cavities and gum disease. Your dentist can help you get rid of plaque and tartar that has built up around your brackets and wires. They can also look for signs of tooth decay. Also, your dentist can tell you how to brush and floss your teeth well while you have braces. You can help ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy by visiting the dentist regularly during your orthodontic treatment.
Are Traditional Braces My Only Option?
At Lanier Orthodontics, we provide a variety of braces, including clear, gold, and self-ligating options. Clear braces are designed to blend in with your natural smile, whereas gold braces are for those who wish to make a statement with their smile while undergoing orthodontic treatment. Self-ligating metal braces consist of brackets bonded to teeth and wires threaded through bracket slots. Because self-ligating braces lack elastic bands, adjustment appointments are typically shorter and less frequent.
What Happens After Braces?
Following the completion of your orthodontic treatment, you will need to wear retainers as directed by Dr. Gass. This will ensure that your teeth remain in the correct position. Once your braces are taken off, your retainer will play a critical role in helping to maintain the alignment of your smile and preventing any shifting from occurring.