Orthodontic FAQ

Do you have questions about orthodontic treatment in Manchester, Connecticut? We have provided this page of answers to frequently asked questions for you! If you have additional questions or would like to make an appointment with our orthodontist, Dr. Jason Raney, give us a call at 860-649-4655.

What is the best age to visit the orthodontist?

If you want to improve the look and feel of your smile, then any age can be a great age to see the orthodontist. The American Association of Orthodontists® recommends that children first visit an orthodontist around the age of 7; however, orthodontic treatment is not exclusive to children and teens.

How can I take care of my teeth if I am wearing braces or a retainer?

• ALWAYS remember to brush your teeth after every meal and floss at least once a day.
• Make sure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride. Moreover, we recommend that you use a fluoride rinse or a prescription toothpaste like Prevident 5000 to help prevent cavities!
• If you take out your retainer to eat, make sure you brush your teeth, floss and remember to keep it safe in its container so that 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 denture cleaner as instructed by your orthodontist. Do not put your retainer in boiling water or in the dishwasher.
• During your treatment, try to avoid foods with a lot of sugar because they increase the risk of 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 every six months.

If I get braces, how long do I have to wear them?

The amount of time spent in braces will vary depending on the individual patient because every smile responds differently to treatment. Treatment times can take anywhere between six and 30 months.

Do braces hurt?

Braces do not often hurt, though you may feel a small amount of discomfort for a couple days as your teeth, gums, cheeks and mouth get used to your new braces.

Do I need to brush my teeth more often if I have braces?

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 in between your braces where your brush is not able to reach. Your Pediatric Dental Associates & Orthodontics team can show you how to properly brush and floss once your braces are placed.

If I have braces, do I still need dental checkups every six months?

Yes! In fact, it is even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit their dentist regularly. With braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush cannot reach. This causes bacteria to build up that can lead to cavities, gingivitis and gum disease. At Pediatric Dental Associates & Orthodontics, we will closely monitor your children’s dental health while wearing braces.

Will my braces interfere with my school activities like sports, playing an instrument or singing?

Playing an instrument or a contact sport may require some adjustment when you first get your braces, but wearing braces will not stop you from participating in any of your school activities. If you play a contact sport, it is recommended that you wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth. Our pediatric dentists at Pediatric Dental Associates & Orthodontics can customize a mouth guard while your child is in braces to protect their teeth against injury while playing sports.