At Smile Appeal Orthodontics, we specialize in creating healthy, straight, and beautiful smiles. We want you and your child to feel comfortable and informed throughout treatment. We know you’ll have some questions along the way, and we want to make it easier to answer the most common questions we hear. If you have any questions that are not answered on our website, feel free to give us a call. One of our staff members will be happy to answer any question you may have.
- What’s the right age to get braces?
Braces work at almost any age, but determining the right age varies from patient to patient. The American Association of Orthodontists recommend a child’s first orthodontic screening around the age of 7, but you can request to see an orthodontist sooner for your child if you are concerned. - Can I play sports with braces? Can I play a musical instrument?
Absolutely! Playing sports or a musical instrument with braces may require some adjustments, but braces will not prevent you from enjoying these activities. If you do play a contact sport, we encourage you to wear a mouthguard to keep your smile and appliances protected. - What foods am I not allowed to eat with braces?
Be careful of foods that are hard, sticky, crunchy, or chewy. We will make sure to go over specific foods to avoid with braces at our office. More information on eating with braces can be found on our “Life with Braces” page. - How long will I have braces?
In short, treatment time varies from person to person. The best way to answer this question is to come in for a complimentary consultation. Dr. Youngker will perform a thorough oral evaluation and create a customized treatment plan just for you. - How often do I need to come in for appointments?
Just like every treatment plan is unique to each patient, appointment frequency varies from person to person. In general, you can expect to come to our office every one to two months. - Do braces hurt?
When you first get your braces on and after an adjustment appointment, you may experience some minor discomfort. Your orthodontist may recommend an over-the-counter medication, such as Tylenol® or ibuprofen, to help as your mouth adjusts. In general, braces do not hurt. - Do I need to take time off from work/school while I get braces?
We do our best to schedule appointments with your busy schedule in mind. If you are getting braces during a time when you have work or school, you will be able to return right after your appointment. - How do I care for my new braces?
Daily brushing and flossing are good oral hygiene practices for everyone, but they are especially important to give your smile some extra care while you have braces. Braces make it easier for plaque and bacteria to develop, which can lead to cavities or gum disease if not cared for. - I want a straighter smile, but don’t like the look of metal braces. What options do I have?
New advances in orthodontics have made it easier than ever to enjoy a beautiful smile without compromising aesthetics for treatment. We offer several options for a straighter smile, including Invisalign. Please see our page on Invisalign® for more information. - Do I still need checkups with a dentist while I’m seeing an orthodontist for braces?
Yes! It is important to continue to see your dentist regularly while you are undergoing orthodontic treatment. Your dentist can help keep your teeth healthy and ensure the best possible outcome.
