FAQ

If you experience a poking wire or a loose bracket, don’t panic! Apply orthodontic wax to the sharp end and call our office. Most times, we can walk you through how to clip a poking wire over the phone, but if… we’ll gladly schedule an emergency appointment with you to promptly address the issue.

You’ll visit our office every 4-6 weeks for adjustments and progress checks during orthodontic treatment. Our team will guide you through each step of the process, ensuring your treatment stays on track.

It’s normal to experience discomfort or adjustment when you first get braces. However, most patients adapt within a few days to a week.

Certain foods, such as sticky candies and crunchy, hard nuts, should be avoided with braces to prevent damage. We will provide a list of foods to steer clear of during treatment.

Yes, you can continue to play sports with braces, but wearing a mouthguard to protect your teeth and braces from injury is essential. Never use the boil- and-bite types of mouthguards during orthodontic treatment. A simple mouthguard that fits over your braces is the best option.

For optimal results, Invisalign aligners should be worn for 22 hours per day and removed only for eating, drinking (except room temperature water) and cleaning teeth.

If you lose or break an Invisalign aligner, contact our office immediately. We’ll provide guidance on whether you should move to the next aligner or schedule a replacement appointment.

Retainer wear varies for each patient but typically involves full-time wear initially for the first 6 months, transitioning to night-time wear for the rest of your life (or as long as straight teeth are desired)!! Long-term retainer wear is vital in maintaining tooth alignment.

If you have a retainer emergency, such as a broken or lost retainer, contact our office promptly. We’ll schedule an appointment with you to address the issue.