Frequently Asked Questions

Flossing with braces requires a bit of extra effort, but it's important to maintain good oral hygiene throughout your treatment. Here's how to floss your teeth with braces:

• Thread the floss under the main wire of your braces.
• Use a floss threader to guide the floss between your teeth and under the wire.
• Once the floss is between your teeth, gently move it up and down to remove any food particles or plaque.
• Repeat the process with each tooth, using a clean section of floss each time.
• Consider using an interdental brush or water flosser to help clean hard-to-reach areas.

If you're having trouble flossing with braces or have questions about maintaining good oral hygiene during your treatment, don't hesitate to contact our office for guidance.

It is not recommended to eat with Invisalign aligners as it can damage the aligners and affect the treatment progress. It is advised to remove the aligners before eating and to brush your teeth before putting them back in to maintain proper oral hygiene.

To clean your Invisalign aligners, gently brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush whenever you remove them from your mouth. Avoid using toothpaste or other harsh cleaners, as they can scratch or damage the aligners. You can also use the Invisalign cleaning system, a special cleaning solution designed specifically for the aligners. Simply soak the aligners in the solution for the recommended amount of time and then rinse them with water before putting them back in your mouth.

If you lose or damage an Invisalign aligner, please contact our office as soon as possible. We will provide instructions on what to do next, including wearing your previous aligner or moving to the next one in your series. If you have lost or damaged multiple aligners, we may need to create new ones for you. It is important to follow our instructions carefully to avoid any disruptions in your treatment plan.

Yes, it is normal for your mouth to feel sore after getting braces or after an adjustment appointment. This discomfort typically lasts for a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen. Eating soft foods and using orthodontic wax to cover any brackets or wires that are causing the irritation can also help alleviate discomfort.

Yes, you can still play sports or musical instruments with braces, but it's important to take some precautions. For sports, we recommend wearing a mouthguard to protect your teeth and braces from any impact or injury. For instruments, you may experience some discomfort or difficulty playing initially, but you should adjust to the braces over time. If you play a wind instrument, you may need to adjust to the feel of the mouthpiece against your braces.

To clean your retainer, gently brush it with a toothbrush and mild soap or non-abrasive toothpaste. Rinse the retainer thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove any remaining residue. Avoid using hot water or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the retainer. Remove your retainer before eating or drinking anything other than water to prevent staining and discoloration.

If your retainer breaks or gets lost, contact your orthodontist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment for repair or replacement. Avoid wearing the broken or damaged retainer, as it may not provide the necessary support and may cause discomfort or other complications.

When you're not wearing your retainers, it's important to keep them in a clean and dry place – away from direct sunlight and heat. You can store them in your retainer case, which should be cleaned regularly with mild soap and water. It's also important to keep your retainers away from pets, as they may chew or damage it.

If you miss a payment or cannot make a payment, it is important to contact our office as soon as possible to discuss the situation. We understand that unexpected financial circumstances can arise, and we are here to help. We may be able to work with you to create a payment plan that fits your budget and ensures that you are able to continue your treatment.

To determine what your insurance will cover for orthodontic treatment, our office will perform an insurance verification process that will involve contacting your insurance company and reviewing your policy. We will then provide you with a detailed breakdown of your insurance benefits and any out-of-pocket expenses that may be required.

We work with most insurance companies. We will always verify your individual benefits during the consultation process so you will be aware of the specifics of your coverage BEFORE you begin treatment.