We know that getting braces while a teenager is often viewed as a rite of passage. At Peach Orthodontics, we are excited to be a part of this process and guide you along the journey to a dazzling smile. Getting braces is not only a gateway to straighter teeth but also to better oral health. Our goal is always to give our family of patients the confidence they need to face the world with a smile they’re proud to show off.
How long Will I Wear Braces?
Treatment length varies from patient to patient. If a teen has more extensive issues, they may need extra time in corrective treatment. If the issues being treated are milder, they may be able to get their braces off earlier. That being said, patients are usually in braces for around one to two years.
To get a clearer idea of your teen’s needs and what a realistic timeline would look like, we suggest contacting us today for your free first consultation.
What foods Will I Have to Avoid When Getting Braces?
In order to achieve the smile of your dreams, you may have to give up a few of your favorite treats for the time being. When in braces, it is a good idea to avoid any food that is sticky, chewy, or hard. Examples of foods to avoid include:
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Hard Candy
- Ice
- Chewing Gum
Don’t worry, there are plenty of sweet treats that can still be enjoyed with braces. We just want to make sure that the time spent in braces isn’t elongated by broken brackets or loose wires. In order to avoid any sticky situations, steer clear of the previously mentioned foods, and you can stay on track to finishing your corrective treatment.
How Do I Care for My Teeth While Wearing Braces?
It’s important to maintain good oral health while in braces so there are no issues, such as rotting or cavities, that may occur during treatment. While we know it can seem daunting to clean around brackets and wires, it can be quite simple.
On top of brushing twice a day, it’s crucial to use a flosser and get around your wires and loosen any food particles hiding behind brackets and between teeth. If left on teeth, these food particles can cause plaque to build up, which can lead to other issues such as gum disease. It’s important to maintain a regular cleaning schedule as well as avoid the foods listed above to keep your braces in peak condition and give yourself the best chance for a successful treatment.
We want to avoid any unnecessary setbacks while in treatment, so if you make sure your pearly whites stay clean, we can focus on giving you a smile you’re proud to wear.
How Do I Protect My Mouth When Playing Sports With Braces?
Getting braces doesn’t mean your teen has to give up any of the activities they love! For our patients who play sports, we recommend that they wear an orthodontic mouthguard. These silicone cushions protect lips from rubbing against the brackets and soften the impact of anything that may hit their mouth. This way, they can still participate in sports without worrying about injuries or broken brackets.
If you still have concerns about trying to play sports during corrective treatment, you can look into whether Invisalign is the right choice for you.
How Much Do Braces Cost?
The cost of braces varies from patient to patient and is largely dependent on the length of time needed for the corrective treatment. The more problems that need to be fixed in the mouth, the longer a patient’s time may be in braces.
Braces are an investment, but there are many options for you to help manage the costs. For instance, we have many flexible financing plans and treatments available for you. In addition to this, many different insurances will work with our office to make sure your braces treatment is affordable. Having a healthy smile shouldn’t break the bank, so our qualified team is here to help make sure you find a plan that’s right for you and your teen.
Join the Peach Orthodontics family and contact us today for your free consultation with Dr. Brent Rickheim, Dr. Brendan Smith, and our team.