You should avoid foods that are chewy, sticky or hard. In general, avoid anything that could pull your brackets loose, break your wires or snap your rubber bands. Stay away from chewing gum, eating popcorn kernels and chewing ice, no matter what. You can still eat most types of bread, meat, veggies, fruits, and dairy. If you’ve got a craving for a food that you shouldn’t eat, consider eating it in a new way. For example, shave the corn off the cob, and you can still enjoy that delicious farm-fresh corn.

Brushing your teeth with braces is simple: You just need to be extra cautious. Take your time to make sure that you cover all areas of the mouth, around every bracket and wire, to prevent food from getting lodged in your braces. Brush three times a day (after every meal) and floss every night as well. Flossing should be slow and careful, never tugging on the wires. Dr. Feldman may recommend a special flosser or special flossing technique to make it easier.

Braces may cause some soreness in the beginning and just after an adjustment. This is normal, and it won’t last long. You can make a saltwater rinse (1 teaspoon of salt dissolved in 8 ounces of warm water) to swish around your mouth for pain relief. If that’s not quite enough to ease your discomfort, you can use an over-the-counter pain reliever like Tylenol or Advil in the dosage recommended on the bottle.

It depends on your specific situation. Most patients wear braces for anywhere from 12 to 24 months. Dr. Feldman can discuss your projected treatment path with you so you are able to estimate the amount of time you will be wearing your braces.

Yes, you have a couple of options for this. Ceramic braces are tooth-colored and blend in with your teeth very well. For an even less noticeable option, there are lingual braces. Lingual braces are applied to the back of your teeth, so nobody will ever know you have braces. However, they’re not right for everyone, and the treatment with lingual braces is more complex than with other kinds of braces. If you want a no-metal option, clear aligners might be a great choice. These are clear plastic aligners that shift your teeth gradually, and it takes about the same amount of time as braces.

The cost of braces depends on several factors, including the type of braces you choose and the length of time that you wear them. Therefore, the cost can vary considerably from one patient to the next. At Feldman Orthodontics, we fully understand that you need to stick to your budget, and we will do everything possible to make braces affordable for you. We can work with your insurance provider and offer payment plans as well.