FAQS
STRAIGHT SMILES FOR TEENS AND ADULTS
How long will it take to complete treatment?
Treatment time obviously depends on each patient’s specific orthodontic problem. In general, treatment time lasts from 18 months to 28 months. The “average” time frame a person is in braces is approximately 22 months.
Do braces hurt?
Generally, braces do not “hurt.” After certain visits, teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, pain medications such as Advil will ease the discomfort. However, after most visits, patients do not feel any soreness at all! We often remind our patients, “It does not have to hurt to work!”
Can I still play sports?
Yes, and we recommend a mouthguard for all sports.
BRACES QUESTIONS
Dr. Fretty uses braces to help patients correct alignment problems with their teeth or jaws. While braces have been around for generations, new procedures and options
continue to advance how we address certain needs. If you
have questions, please contact us to help answer your
specific concerns.
At what age should I schedule my child’s first appointment for an orthodontic screening?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age seven. By this age, several permanent teeth have erupted in most children, allowing us to effectively evaluate a child’s orthodontic condition.
Are there foods I can’t eat while I have braces?
Yes. Once treatment begins, we will explain the complete instructions and provide a list of foods to avoid. Some of those foods include: ice, hard candy, raw vegetables and all sticky foods (i.e. caramel and taffy). You can avoid most emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces by carefully following our instructions.
How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?
Patients should brush their teeth at least four times each day: after each meal and before going to bed. We will show each patient how to floss their teeth and may also provide a prescription for a special fluoride. All patients receiving a full set of braces will receive an electric toothbrush from us.
What is an emergency appointment? How are those handled?
If your braces are causing extreme pain or if something breaks, you should call our orthodontic office. In most cases, we can address these issues over the telephone. If you require an emergency appointment, we will set aside time for you.
Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?
A surprising percentage of our patients are adults. In fact, 25 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults. Health, happiness and self-esteem are vitally important to adults. No patient is “too old” to wear braces!
BRACES QUESTIONS
Dr. Fretty uses braces to help patients correct structural problems with their teeth or jaws. While braces have been around for generations, new procedures and options
continue to advance how we address certain needs. If you
have questions, please contact us to help answer your
specific concerns.
Yes, and we recommend a mouthguard for all sports.How long will it take to complete treatment?
Treatment time obviously depends on each patient’s specific orthodontic problem. In general, treatment time lasts from 18 months to 28 months. The “average” time frame a person is in braces is approximately 22 months.
Do braces hurt?
Generally, braces do not “hurt.” After certain visits, teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, pain medications such as Advil will ease the discomfort. However, after most visits, patients do not feel any soreness at all! We often remind our patients, “It does not have to hurt to work!”
Can I still play sports?
Yes, and we recommend a mouthguard for all sports.
At what age should I schedule my child’s first appointment for an orthodontic screening?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age seven. By this age, several permanent teeth have erupted in most children, allowing us to effectively evaluate a child’s orthodontic condition.
Are there foods I can’t eat while I have braces?
Yes. Once treatment begins, we will explain the complete instructions and provide a list of foods to avoid. Some of those foods include: ice, hard candy, raw vegetables and all sticky foods (i.e. caramel and taffy). You can avoid most emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces by carefully following our instructions.
How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?
Patients should brush their teeth at least four times each day: after each meal and before going to bed. We will show each patient how to floss their teeth and may also provide a prescription for a special fluoride. All patients receiving a full set of braces will receive an electric toothbrush from us.
What is an emergency appointment? How are those handled?
If your braces are causing extreme pain or if something breaks, you should call our orthodontic office. In most cases, we can address these issues over the telephone. If you require an emergency appointment, we will set aside time for you.
Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?
A surprising percentage of our patients are adults. In fact, 25 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults. Health, happiness and self-esteem are vitally important to adults. No patient is “too old” to wear braces!
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