LIFE WITH BRACES
SEE WHAT BRACES WILL ENTAIL DURING YOUR TREATMENT PLAN.
Here’s everything you need to know and what to expect when you embark on your bespoke braces smile journey.
YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT
At Walt Orthodontics we do our best to make your first braces appointment quick, and easy. The procedure itself is painless and lasts for about one hour. There are no needles or freezing done. Feel free to bring some music to help pass the time and don’t forget to brush and floss before you come. If you don’t have a chance we will make sure your teeth are nice and clean before we begin.
We will then insert some cheek stretchers to keep your mouth open and dry, as well as your tongue in place. We will dry your teeth and apply a gel to make the tooth surface ideal for bonding.
Next, the braces will be placed on your teeth using a special orthodontic adhesive. A curing light will be used to harden the adhesive and set the bond. Finally, we will run the wire through the brackets and clip or tie it in place. Kids love to pick colours to decorate their braces and we have lots of colours to choose from. We will go over all the instructions on how to care for your braces and what foods to avoid.
FIRST DAYS WITH BRACES
For 24-48 hours after getting your braces or adjustments, colder foods will be soothing, and softer foods will be easier to eat. Foods such as soups, pasta, yogurt, and smoothies should be eaten, especially if your teeth feel sore.
Feel free to take pain medication (such as Tylenol or Advil) for any discomfort you feel, following the dosing instructions on the bottle. Rest assured this will dissipate as treatment goes on.
ORAL HYGIENE
Brushing teeth should be 3 times per day for 3 minutes each time. Try to brush your teeth after every meal, but if it is not possible then at the very least, you should rinse your mouth with water. It is imperative to brush your teeth very well and floss at least once per day with special floss threaders as any food particles stuck on your teeth and in your braces and wires could cause decay and cavities.
We offer instructions as well as special brushes and flossing tools to reach under the wires. You will be given a full set at your first appointment.
Using a daily rinse such as Listerine® Total Care Zero can also reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth. Please brush before each appointment at home or at our brushing station in our office.
It is also important to have regular dental cleanings and check-ups at your regular dental office every 3-6 months.
TYPICAL TREATMENT TIMELINE
Treatment varies from patient to patient but for limited braces treatment, the length would be 12 to 15 months and for full comprehensive treatment needs you can expect the timeline to be 18 to 24 months.
ORTHODONTIC EMERGENCIES
We are here to help you if you experience any problems with your braces. In the event that you are experiencing a true orthodontic emergency, meaning you are in significant pain, bleeding or swelling due to your braces and it is outside of office hours, if you cannot wait, you should visit your nearest dental emergency clinic.
For more minor orthodontic problems (broken brackets, poking wires or loose appliances), please text our office at 289.205.4999 or email us at info@waltortho.com along with a picture of the problem, and we will schedule you accordingly.
If a minor orthodontic emergency occurs when the office is closed, the wax we provided you with at your initial bonding (in your braces kit) should be used. Make sure you always have some at home, and let us know if you run out, we would be glad to give you more.
See our full Additional Care page for more information on other common issues.
TYPES OF BRACES
You have options. we’ll break down what may be best for you bepsoke smile during your free initial consultation.
LightForce™ – The Fan FavouriteEmpower® (Metal) – The Next Best Thing
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW?
OUR PATIENTS’ COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE IS OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE. UTILIZING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY AND PROVIDING VALUE THROUGH FINANCING IS PART OF WHAT MAKES US WOW.
RETAINERS & AFTERCARE
After orthodontic treatment teeth tend to want to go back to their original spots. Research shows that the lifetime wear of retainers is the only way to permanently maintain the results of your orthodontic treatment.
FINANCING BRACES
At Walt Orthodontics, we would never want finances to get in the way of yours or your child’s dream smile. We offer interest free payment plans to accommodate your needs.
FAQS
Here are some common questions we get asked about braces.
How do I manage oral hygiene with braces, and how should I brush and floss my teeth?
Brushing (3 times per day) and flossing (at least once per day) should become a critical part of your daily routine when undergoing braces treatment. You should also use a daily fluoride rinse such as Listerine® Total Care Zero. It’s important to visit your general dental office every 3-6 months for regular dental cleanings. Caring for your teeth, and keeping them clean will avoid decay and cavities.
See our Life with Braces page for more on brushing and flossing instructions to ensure a clean and healthy smile.
What can I eat and drink with braces?
The wrong types of food or eating certain foods improperly can cause loose or broken brackets, bends in wires, or food to get stuck in the brackets.
Hard foods, such as popcorn, hard candies, ice, hard crusty breads or bagels, and nuts as well as sticky and chewy foods such as gum, toffee, chewy granola bars, and gummy candies must be completely eliminated from ones diet for the entire length of treatment to prevent breakages.
Foods with bones or pits must be avoided too, and corn must be cut from the cob. Raw foods like apples, carrots, and celery should be cut into small pieces before eating to avoid bending wires or breaking of the braces.
When in doubt, avoid it! Also, please avoid biting fingernails, pens/pencils, mouthguards and water bottles.
At what age should my child get braces?
The truth is, there is no universal age at which children should get braces. Some can start very early (with a phase one treatment before all their permanent teeth have grown in), while some have all their permanent teeth and are ready for full braces treatment earlier than others. Scheduling an appointment for a full assessment at Walt Orthodontics, to discuss your child’s specific needs with Dr. Walt and Dr. Grossman will give you a better idea as to when your child can and should begin treatment. We see kids as young as 7 for their initial consultation.
Are braces or Invisalign a better option?
Both are popular options, but knowing the pros and cons of each can help you make an informed decision.
We are working hard on creating a blog post comparing Invisalign® and braces. Check back soon for more information.
Are braces available for adults?
In short – of course! When most people think of braces, they think of teenagers. While it is true that most do get their teeth corrected when they are teens, more and more adults are beginning to seek options to correct their teeth – whether for cosmetic reasons or to fix more serious structural problems.
Are braces really that bad?
Due to developments in orthodontic technology and bracket design, braces are far less painful than ever before. Braces can be uncomfortable for the first few days after they have been bonded, and sometimes for a few hours after an adjustment, but they are not painful.
Ready for some
If you have been wanting your bespoke, dream smile, our team at Walt Orthodontics is happy to help you achieve that. Book your complimentary consultation!