385 N. Grant St. Canby, Oregon 97013

385 N. Grant St. Canby, Oregon 97013

Top 12 Questions to Ask About Getting Braces

Are you considering getting braces treatment for you or your child? You may have a lot of questions in your head about orthodontic treatment. Your braces consultation is a great time to get those questions answered. But what are the best questions to ask at your first braces visit? 

At Ohana Orthodontics, we’re here to answer all your questions about braces and Invisalign. Orthodontic treatment is a significant decision, and we want to ensure you have all the information you need to feel confident.

To get you started, here are some of the most common questions to ask during a braces consultation.

shot of a young woman in a dental office, receiving advice from a dentist.

Will I Get Braces on My First Visit?

You won’t be getting braces on your first visit to Ohana Orthodontics in Canby, OR. Think of your first visit as more of a fact-finding event. We get facts on your treatment needs through a thorough examination and patient history review. 

You will tour our office, meet our staff, and speak with our orthodontist, Dr. Rachel Yamakawa. You will also receive information on a treatment plan and financing options to help you pay for your braces. 

How Long Will I Wear Braces?

How long will you wear braces? How often will you see an orthodontist? These depend on what dental issues you have and how severe they are. 

In general, patients wear braces 12-24 months. We will let you know how long your treatment will be when we present your treatment plan during your first visit. Your treatment time estimate may be adjusted as you go, depending on how well your teeth move.

You will have regular visits to check your progress and for braces adjustments. Your adjustments will depend on your type of treatment. On average, we see our patients about every 5-10 weeks. 

Do Braces Hurt?

You may have sore teeth and gums when you first get your braces and after each adjustment, but it should go away within a day or two. We recommend eating soft foods while your teeth adjust, and you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever if necessary. Your teeth will adjust to the movement quickly, and most of your braces treatment should be comfortable. 

Can I Play Sports With Braces?

Yes! We know many of you love to play sports, and want to encourage you. Please wear a mouthguard to protect your braces and mouth from injury. 

It’s crucial in contact sports like wrestling, football, and soccer, as well as with flying objects like baseball or lacrosse.

Will I Have Tooth Extractions With Braces?

We try not to pull teeth to make room for others unless necessary. That includes pulling wisdom teeth, which used to be pulled often after braces. 

We will evaluate your teeth and jaws before braces to determine whether any extractions are necessary for your treatment. If necessary, we can move your teeth into place without any extractions. 

Can I Get Braces If I Have Periodontal Disease?

Successful braces treatment depends, in part, on healthy jaws and gums. Periodontal disease can make it difficult to move your teeth safely. 

We will work with you and your dentist to determine whether your gums, teeth, and jaws are healthy enough for braces treatment. If your gum disease is advanced, you may need to treat it before starting braces treatment.

dentist and patient talking about treatments in a consultation

Are There Foods to Avoid With Braces?

Yes, there are foods to avoid with braces. You must avoid hard, crunchy, sticky, or chewy foods because they can damage your braces. This can include:

  • Hard taco shells
  • Tortilla chips
  • Gum
  • Popcorn
  • Bagels
  • Whole apples
  • Raw vegetables
  • Nuts
  • Hard candies
  • Taffy
  • Caramels
  • Jerky

Keep in mind this is only temporary. You can go back to enjoying these foods after braces!

Will I Have Speech Problems With Braces? 

It may take a few days to get used to the feel of your braces, and your tongue may need to readjust to certain sounds. This is especially true with braces appliances like a tongue crib or palate expander. Your lips may also find it awkward initially to form words around those brackets and wires.

Your speech may be affected for a few days when you first get your braces, but you should be able to speak normally afterward. Let us know if you continue to have trouble. We may recommend a few exercises to help or even a session with a speech therapist. 

What If I Get a Cavity During Braces Treatment?

Cavities can delay your treatment. Depending on the location of the cavity, we likely have to remove the bracket from that tooth and remove the archwire for all the teeth on that jaw. 

Your dentist will need to fill the cavity and check to ensure there aren’t any more cavities or problems with your gums, such as gingivitis. Then, you’ll return to us to have the bracket placed back on the tooth and the archwire placed back onto the braces. 

The best way to avoid cavities is to brush your teeth properly and floss at least once a day. Brushing and flossing also prevent white spots on your teeth after braces, which form from the decalcification of your enamel due to lack of brushing.

In addition to brushing and flossing, you can use added tools such as a water flosser or mouthwash to help wash food particles from around your braces.

What If I Have a Broken Braces Bracket? 

What happens if you break a braces bracket or a wire? A loose or broken braces bracket needs to be repaired relatively quickly. While it’s considered a “braces emergency,” it’s OK if you can’t get to us immediately. 

If you damage your braces, don’t panic. Even if you swallow a bracket (they’re nontoxic!), we can repair your braces. Give Ohana Orthodontics a call, and we will schedule an appointment to bring you in for repairs. 

How Do I Pay for Braces?

At Ohana Orthodontics, we work with you during your first visit to make braces or Invisalign affordable. 

Ohana Orthodontics offers in-house, interest-free financing with payments that extend beyond your treatment time. This allows you to lower your payments to fit your budget. 

We also work with you to determine how much your insurance will cover. We accept payments from Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), and all major credit cards. We even offer third-party financing through CareCredit. 

Ohana Orthodontics will work with you to make your treatment costs affordable. We believe you deserve a beautiful smile and excellent oral health!

Will I Wear a Retainer After Braces?

After removing your braces or clear aligners, your braces or Invisalign treatment will include a retainer. A retainer is necessary to keep your teeth in place while your jaw hardens and holds them in place better. You’ll wear your retainer nearly all the time initially, then only a few hours a day—usually overnight.

Braces Treatment in Canby, OR

These are some of the most common questions we hear during a braces consultation. This may give you an idea of what to expect, but we will happily answer any other questions. 

If you’re ready for orthodontic treatment in Canby, OR, schedule an appointment with Ohana Orthodontics today! 

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