Orthodontic Braces for All Ages in Stillwater

There is really only a small list of foods to avoid while wearing braces. This is to avoid damaging the brackets or to prevent food particles from becoming trapped between the brackets and wires. Foods to avoid include:

• Chewy foods such as fruit leathers, beef jerky, or bagels
• Highly crunchy foods like raw carrots, chips, raw celery, and popcorn
• Sticky foods like caramel candy, licorice, and marshmallows
• Very hard foods like hard candy, hard breadsticks, or pizza crust
• Any food that requires significant force to bite into such as apples or corn on the cob. You can still enjoy these foods by slicing the apples or removing the corn from the cob!

1. Before brushing, do a quick rinse with water. This will dislodge any food particles stuck between the wires or brackets.
2. Beginning at the gum line, brush using a 45-degree angle of approach. As you move towards the brackets, brush from both the top and the bottom, ensuring that the bristles reach under the wires and around the brackets. This process may take some extra time in the beginning but will soon become routine!
3. Follow up with thorough flossing. You will need to use precise and careful flossing techniques to make sure you do not dislodge or loosen the brackets or wires. Your doctor will help you perfect your flossing technique during your appointment.

Generally, braces are not painful. However, you may feel a little soreness or discomfort immediately after you first get them. This is completely normal, and it will not last long.

A saltwater rinse can help relieve any soreness and inflammation. In a full cup of lukewarm water, dissolve a single teaspoon of salt and swish around your mouth for a few minutes. If soreness persists, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If you experience lip, cheek, or tongue irritation in the weeks after getting braces, applying a small amount of dental wax can alleviate the problem quickly.

The million-dollar question. How long you will need to wear braces varies, depending on several things, such as the severity of your bite problem. Most patients need to wear braces for 12 to 24 months, but this can be shorter or longer depending on your case. We’ll discuss this with you and give you a general idea of what you can expect.

After several months of wearing braces, we can measure progress more easily, and provide a more accurate update regarding how much longer you can expect to wear braces.

Absolutely! The most popular option for less noticeable orthodontic treatment is clear Invisalign alingers. Comfortable and discreet, clear aligners are an effective way to treat complex cases for teens and adults. The best part? They are covered by most insurance plans and the overall cost is comparable to traditional braces!

The cost of braces depends on the timeframe of your treatment and your unique treatment needs. Because we’re out to make treatment affordable for all, Croix View Orthodontics offers payment plans that can work with your budget and get you the orthodontic care you need.