Frequently Asked Questions

There isn’t a concrete answer for this. The cost of orthodontic treatment is attributed to many factors, including the severity of the problem, how complex the problem is, and how long treatment lasts. Dr. Patel and Dr. Sayania will gladly discuss the cost of treatment and your financing options with you before starting your treatment. The good news is that braces are more affordable today than ever. Our team also works with various insurance companies and offers payment plans that meet your family’s budget.

According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), your child should get a checkup at the first sign of an orthodontic problem. Your child’s initial visit should happen by the time they turn 7. However, we understand that life can sometimes get in the way. The sooner you get your child scheduled with our orthodontists, the better. You can also request an appointment to find out if your child has any oral developmental problems that require orthodontic treatment.

While you have braces, you should only eat soft and easy-to-chew foods. Sometimes it can be difficult to bite down or chew on foods because braces can be stiff in the beginning. However, over time, they will soften. Avoiding hard or chewy foods will reduce any pain and discomfort you may feel when you first get your braces.

Safe foods that you can eat include:

• Seafood
• Soup
• Oatmeal
• Soft cheeses
• Bananas
• Yogurt
• Pasta

The following are foods you should avoid during the length of the treatment:

• Chewy cuts of meat
• Hard foods (nuts, crunchy veggies, hard candies)
• Corn-on-the-cob
• Popcorn
• Gum
• Sticky candies

Braces and clear aligners can both align your teeth. Braces may be faster in some cases, and clear aligners may be faster in others. It depends on the position of the teeth and what orthodontic tooth movements are needed.

Some patients will do better with braces, and others will do better with clear aligners. For example, brushing your teeth with clear aligner treatment is easier, whereas, with braces, you must take more time brushing around the brackets and wire.

Clear aligners will be more comfortable for your cheeks, lips, and tongue compared to braces, but you must remember that your teeth are only being moved when the clear aligners are in your mouth, whereas braces are constantly moving your teeth. Please contact us to see which may be a better fit for you.

Braces can sometimes cause pain or discomfort when you first get them or when you come in for routine adjustment appointments. However, you may get mouth sores when you first get your braces within the first few days. Typically your mouth (lips, tongue, and cheeks) will adapt to the braces within the first few days, and mouth sores usually subside. During your orthodontic journey, you may experience a pokey wire in which we can easily see you alleviate discomfort.

No! Retainers help make orthodontic treatments worthwhile by ensuring that the teeth stay in the position of orthodontic treatment. Failing to wear your retainers consistently will cause your teeth to shift and return to their former position, so you should always wear your retainers as directed by your orthodontist.

Teeth shift for various reasons, but genetics and aging are the most common causes. As you grow older, your body changes. One example is our teeth may begin to shift. Lower teeth may shift forward and start crowding together, affecting your bite and even making your upper teeth shift.

You need to be consistent when you wear your retainers after treatment. Your orthodontist will give you specific guidelines on your retainer wear needs since everyone’s orthodontic treatment is different. Typically you should wear your retainer anywhere from 12 to 20 hours a day but reach out to your treating orthodontist for specific guidelines.

Adults can benefit from orthodontic treatment regardless of their age. Studies show that patients who have had orthodontic treatments have healthier teeth than those who haven’t. As an adult, you should get regular orthodontic treatments to improve your long-term dental health.