Expert Answers To Your Orthodontic Questions
To schedule a complimentary consultation, please contact us! We’re here to support you on your smile journey.
Your Questions Are Our Priority
Don’t see what you’re looking for here? Please call us with questions big and small.
Give us a call right away to schedule a repair appointment. Save any piece that has broken off to bring into the office. If the bracket is still attached but loose, cover it with wax to prevent irritation. If a wire is out of place and causing discomfort, gently reposition it using a clean pencil eraser or a pair of tweezers.
With tweezers or the eraser end of a pencil, try repositioning the wire so it doesn’t poke you. You can also cover any poking ends with wax. If that doesn’t resolve the discomfort, come in to see Dr. Hickory for an adjustment.
Help your child rinse their mouth with clean water so you can assess the damage to the soft tissues in their mouth. Apply gentle pressure to any area that’s bleeding with a clean cloth or gauze. Save any broken pieces of their orthodontic appliance and call us right away to schedule a repair visit.
For a couple of days after you first get your braces placed and after each adjustment, your teeth, mouth, and jaw will feel tender and sore. But most of the time, you’ll feel just fine. During those achy days, eat soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, soup, or oatmeal. It’s also ok to take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
For most people, treatment lasts between 18 and 36 months. When you visit Dr. Hickory, he can give you a detailed estimate based on your specific circumstances.
Typically, you will need to visit the orthodontist every 4 to 8 weeks for adjustments and progress checks. Patients who choose treatment with clear aligners need fewer in-office visits because they can take advantage of virtual monitoring through our app.
Absolutely. Patients who play instruments with their mouths sometimes need to adjust to the feel of playing with braces or aligners, but they adapt well. During contact sports, always wear a mouthguard to protect your braces and teeth.
Maintaining good oral hygiene can be slightly trickier when you have braces because food bits tend to get stuck in brackets and wires. Brush your teeth after every meal and floss daily using flossers designed specifically for people with braces. Avoid sticky, hard, and sugary foods that can damage your braces or increase the risk of cavities.
Without a doubt. Because oral hygiene with braces can be more challenging, it’s crucial to continue 6-month checkups with the dentist to clean your teeth and check for decay.