FAQs

• ALWAYS remember to brush your teeth after every meal and floss at least once a day.
• Make sure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride, and ask our team or your family dentist if you need a fluoride rinse. This will help prevent cavities!
• If you take out your retainer to eat, make sure you brush your teeth, floss, and remember to keep the retainer safe in its container so it does not get lost or broken.
• Keep your retainer clean, too, by brushing it gently with a toothbrush and toothpaste. You may also soak it in retainer cleaner tablets as instructed by our office. Do not put your retainer in boiling water or in the dishwasher.
• During your treatment, try to avoid foods with a lot of sugar (which increases the amount of bacteria that grows in your mouth, and can cause more plaque and potential cavities).
• Avoid sticky and chewy foods (caramel, chewing gum, gummy bears), hard foods (hard candy, nuts, ice cubes), or any foods that could possibly get stuck in your braces (corn on the cob, soft bagels, ribs, taffy, etc.).
• Be sure to schedule your routine checkups with your family dentist. It is recommended that you continue to visit the dentist regularly throughout your treatment.

Invisalign aligners are clear; no one may even notice that you’re wearing them, making Invisalign a seamless fit with your lifestyle and day-to-day interactions with others.

Invisalign aligners are removable.

Unlike braces, you have the flexibility to eat and drink what you want during treatment simply by removing the aligners when you eat. You can also remove the aligners to brush and floss as you normally would for fresh breath and good oral hygiene.

Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign does not use metal brackets or wires that could cause irritation to your mouth. In addition, you’ll spend less time in the doctor’s chair, and more time out doing the things you love.

If your lifestyle includes travel or if kids go to summer camp, Invisalign is great to keep your treatment on track.Your Orthodontist can work with your schedule so that you can usually get enough aligners for your trip – not delaying treatment. There are also fewer emergencies or extra visits to worry about while you are away.

With braces, you should brush your teeth at least three times a day to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy and clean. Brushing regularly will help remove any food that may be caught between the braces.

You should also floss daily to get between your braces where your brush isn’t able to reach. We can show you how to brush and floss properly once your braces are placed.

Time for a snack? No problem. Take out your aligners to eat or drink whenever you want (but always be sure to remove your aligners when drinking any sugary or acidic drinks)

Since Invisalign is almost invisible, chances are that no one will even notice anything is different. You can remove your Invisalign aligners, so you can brush and floss regularly and keep your teeth and gums healthy.

There’s no need to change a thing. Continue your day-to-day activities while still straightening your teeth.

Be yourself with Invisalign. Since it’s clear, you don’t have to hide your smile while going through treatment.

With Invisalign, it’s easy to make your smile picture perfect for that special occasion.

Invisalign appointments work with your schedule. Most Invisalign appointments are short and your Orthodontist usually needs to see you every 10-12 weeks.

Yes, Invisalign works. Each new set of aligners progressively moves the teeth in the proper direction prescribed by your Orthodontist and your customized treatment plan. The only difference is, the flexibility of the aligners provide the gentle force to move the teeth, as compared to the wires in traditional braces.

Over 10 million people have been treated with fantastic results, so call to book a complimentary consultation and our team will discuss just how beautiful your smile can be.

No. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their smiles by wearing a mouthguard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouthguards are inexpensive, comfortable, and come in a variety of colors and patterns.

Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment (e.g. expander or partial braces) before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Such treatment can occur between the ages of six and ten. This treatment is sometimes recommended to make more space for developing teeth, correction of crossbites, overbites, and underbites, or harmful oral habits. Phase II treatment is also called comprehensive treatment because it involves full braces when all of the permanent teeth have erupted, usually between the ages of eleven and thirteen.

Yes. A tooth with a crown will move just like a tooth with a simple filling. When teeth are missing, orthodontic treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth.

Yes! Regular checkups with your family dentist are very important while in braces. Your family dentist will determine the intervals between cleaning appointments while you are in braces.

Sometimes. It really depends on the situation and that’s why an orthodontic evaluation is important. The overall space available for the teeth does not increase after the age of about 8 years old. In fact, the space available for the permanent teeth to grow in can actually decrease as the last baby molars fall out so the timing of orthodontic treatment can be very important.

Yes! There are very few foods that we recommend you avoid during your treatment due to the possibility of damage to the wires or brackets. Any damage can extend your treatment times, so we’d encourage you to stay away from foods like hard candy, caramel, and nuts. You can still enjoy many of your favourite foods, but your preparation of them might change. For example, you should cut hard vegetables into smaller pieces, and always ensure you brush and floss afterwards! With Invisalign, because the clear aligners are removable during meal times, you can eat all of your favourite foods!

• A more attractive smile
• Reduced appearance-consciousness during critical development years
• Better function of the teeth
• Possible increase in self-confidence
• Increased ability to clean the teeth
• Improved force distribution and wear patterns of the teeth
• Better long-term health of teeth and gums
• Guide permanent teeth into more favorable positions
• Reduce the risk of injury to protruded front teeth
• Aids in optimizing other dental treatment

Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. Everyone wants a beautiful and healthy smile. Twenty to twenty-five percent of orthodontic patients today are adults.

It is impossible to give an exact cost for treatment until we have examined you. We will review the exact cost during the initial examination, and we have several financing options available to accommodate your needs. We will review these with you so that you’re comfortable with the arrangements.

This initial consultation offers you the chance to get acquainted with our team, explore the world of orthodontics, undergo a comprehensive examination, and identify the treatment options that best suit your needs. We will cover the following during your initial consultation:

- Examine your dental and medical history records

- Conduct a thorough oral examination, which may include digital photos and X-rays, to determine if treatment is required

- Assist in developing a tailored treatment strategy

- Discuss financial details, insurance choices, and payment plans

The position of the teeth, and sometimes entire facial structures, are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment. It is important that the situation be diagnosed properly, and that the treatment be appropriately and properly completed. Orthodontic specialists have the extensive and specialized training that enables them to provide their patients with the professional and personalized treatment that orthodontic treatment requires.

Simply call our office or book your consultation online. We will be happy to schedule an appointment for you. When you call to schedule your appointment, our front office staff will collect some basic information from you.

No, it is not. While many of our patients are indeed referred by their family dentist, many other patients take the initiative to schedule an examination themselves. We are happy to see new patients and give you our opinion.

We sure do! docbraces’ goal is to not let finances get in the way of obtaining a beautiful smile. Your local docbraces team will work with you to find a flexible, interest-free financing plan that meets your needs, with no credit checks required.

Your treatment is as unique as you are, so there is no “one size fits all” length of time that you’ll wear your braces or undergo other forms of treatment. However, average treatment times typically range between 6 and 24 months and each case varies in complexity.

Patients who practice good oral hygiene can expect to have a positive impact on their treatment. Keeping up good habits like regularly flossing and brushing your teeth can help your treatment go faster, as can complying with treatment recommendations, like wearing your elastics.

Invisalign is a unique orthodontic system that straightens your teeth with clear plastic aligner trays, in place of wires and brackets. These aligners are custom-made for your smile, based on a treatment plan created specifically for you by your Orthodontist.

Over the course of your treatment, you will be provided with a number of trays, each tray making small changes to your tooth and jaw alignment. The aligner trays are designed in such a way that each will move your teeth into the desired position, as identified by your Orthodontist; because the trays are clear, they provide patients with a discreet approach to orthodontic treatment.

There are many ways in which having Invisalign can have a positive impact on your overall health and well-being. First, braces or Invisalign can make a huge difference for your self-confidence as they can alleviate any concerns that you have about your teeth and smile. Second, braces can reduce the likelihood of several diseases, such as tooth decay or gum disease, and can even prevent the development of heart disease. Finally, treating any issues you have with your bite or the alignment of your teeth can greatly reduce the likelihood of you needing more expensive or complex treatments like jaw surgery or a tooth extraction.

Yes, you can continue to participate in contact sports while wearing braces. However, it's recommended to wear a mouthguard specifically designed for orthodontic patients to protect your teeth and braces from potential injuries. Your orthodontist can provide you with the necessary information and guidance regarding mouthguard options.

If a wire or bracket becomes loose or breaks, contact docbraces immediately. They will advise you on the next steps, which may include scheduling a repair appointment or providing instructions on how to temporarily alleviate any discomfort until you can see the orthodontist. It's important not to try fixing the issue yourself as it could lead to further complications.

If you participate in sports or play a musical instrument, docbraces can provide you with special mouthguards or provide guidance on how to protect your braces during these activities. It's important to let your orthodontist know about your specific concerns so they can provide appropriate solutions.

Yes. A tooth with a crown will move just like a tooth with a simple filling. When teeth are missing, orthodontic treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth.

While you may experience some discomfort when the braces are first applied and after adjustments, this is usually temporary. Over-the-counter pain relief can help manage any discomfort, and most patients adjust to their braces within a few days.

Yes, some signs include early or late loss of baby teeth, difficulty chewing or biting, mouth breathing, and crowded or misplaced teeth. If you notice any of these, it's a good idea to consult with an orthodontist. .

Candidates for braces or Invisalign include individuals with crowded teeth, gaps, overbites, underbites, or other alignment issues. Your orthodontist will determine the best treatment option based on your specific needs.

The duration of orthodontic treatment varies depending on the complexity of the case. On average, treatment with metal braces can take between 18 to 24 months, but your orthodontist will provide a more accurate timeline during your consultation.

It’s recommended to bring your child for an consult with an orthodontist around the age of 7. Early assessment allows the orthodontist to identify potential issues and determine the best time to start treatment.

Absolutely! Braces are not just for children and teens. Metal braces are a popular and effective treatment for adults seeking to improve their smile or correct alignment issues. Orthodontic treatment can significantly enhance oral health, improve bite function, and boost confidence at any age.