Honest Answers to the 5 Most Common Questions Before Getting Braces

No one likes to go to the dentist. Luckily, when you’re considering getting orthodontic braces (whether as an adult or for your child), you can and should visit an orthodontist instead. That’s not a knock on general dentists. It’s just that orthodontists are specially trained in the art and science of teeth straightening. Still, you and/or your child likely have some questions and concerns about braces, such as:

1. Do Braces Hurt?
No need to grit your teeth when you’re at the orthodontist. There’s nothing painful done in the office, including having braces applied or adjusted. We’re not going to lie and tell you that you or your child won’t feel a thing after the initial application. For the first few days, the teeth can be a little sore. A soft diet of yogurt, pasta, rice, soup and other foods that require little to no chewing will help to avoid discomfort, perhaps with your go-to over-the-counter pain reliever if desired.

Again, the soreness is minimal, especially when you choose a board-certified orthodontist like Cuozzo. Evan, a high school sophomore and one of our Cuozzo Stars, says, “I was nervous because I thought getting braces would be painful, but the staff were really nice and helped me be calm. It actually didn’t hurt that bad at all.”

2. Do Braces Leave Marks on Teeth?
If finding out that braces aren’t painful feels like a myth-buster, we have another one to dispel. Folklore says braces leave marks on teeth, but the context is misleading. Braces do not leave marks on teeth. However, plaque bacteria left around the braces can harden into calculus, resulting in scarring that appears as a white-to-yellow contrast when the braces are removed. Routine teeth cleaning by the dentist will remove any scar-causing calculus, and brushing thoroughly for 3-5 minutes, 3-4 times a day throughout treatment with braces will reduce the likelihood of calculus build up.  No calculus, no white marks.

3. What Are the Benefits of Braces?
Braces make for straight teeth and a more confident smile! Not only that, but they can also help prevent gum recession or even gum disease, as well as tooth decay, cavities and bone erosion. All of these benefits are rooted in the fact that straight teeth are easier to keep clean. And don’t underestimate the mental health benefits and self-esteem boost from braces, particularly for teens. “I got my braces off right before 8th grade,” says Joseph, another Cuozzo Star. “When I walked in smiling, all my friends were like, ‘Whoa!’ I was surprised. They were surprised. I looked fantastic. I loved it.”

4. What Can I Eat with Braces?
No myth-buster here. It’s true; braces call for some changes in food choices. Braces may temporarily take away some favorite indulgences like candy—and also some second-nature habits like biting into an apple—but the good news is that there are still plenty of foods to eat and enjoy in different ways. The simple rule of thumb is to avoid hard, sticky and chewy foods while wearing braces. The wrinkle to that rule is that certain hard foods such as fruits, vegetables and meats can be cooked to tenderness and cut into small pieces to allow a nourishing and nutritious diet during treatment.

 5. Do I Need to Go to the Check-up Appointments?
After braces are first applied, your orthodontist will set you up in their schedule for follow-up visits. At Cuozzo, we usually schedule follow-ups for every two months. It may be tempting to skip your follow-ups if everything seems to be going fine, but it’s important to keep those appointments for necessary adjustments and general check-ups. Remember, in-office visits are virtually painless, so there’s no reason to skip out. Maintaining the appointment schedule is one of the easiest and most important things you can do to get your braces off on time.

Have other questions about getting braces? Schedule a complimentary consultation at Cuozzo Orthodontics in NJ to sit down with one of our friendly specialists who will help you understand the different types of braces, the right time for kids to get braces, and more. Book your complimentary consultation today.