FAQ's Teeth Braces

How long do braces have to be worn?

The total treatment times with braces usually lasts from 9 months to 5 years, but the average amount of time is 18 to 24 months.

Will I still be able to talk when I have braces?

Yes, standard braces should not affect how you talk or the sound of your voice. In certain cases, the orthodontist may need to use an appliance that could get in the way of your tongue. You could experience trouble talking clearly for a day or two, but then your tongue will adjust and you'll be able to talk just fine.

Do braces hurt?

It depends on the type of braces you use. Old-fashioned braces will hurt many times. However, if you have modern braces, it is possible to have slight discomfort when they are first put on, and a day or two after adjustments.

Can I still play football, soccer and other sports if I have braces?

Absolutely. You can play football, baseball, basketball, soccer. You can still go bowling. You can still do everything (maybe not a pie-eating contest). Just wear a mouthguard for your sports, and try to not get hit in the mouth. Avoid sports where you will get hit in the face (fighting, boxing, contact karate, snowball fights).

Can I eat with braces?

Yes! You can eat most of the good things that you can eat now. The only issue is that your mouth will be sore after you first get braces, so for the first week or so you may only want to eat softer foods. However, after that you should be able to eat normally.

How about chewing gum with braces?

Gum usually is not recommended. It can get caught on braces and pull them off. In addition, the sugar in the gum can get around behind the braces and cause cavities.

Is there anything else that I can't eat?

You should not eat hard sticky, gooey or crunchy foods. Caramel, taffy, peanut brittle can stick on your braces and pull the braces off your teeth. You also need to be careful with crunchy foods like carrots and apples and hard rolls so that you do not knock your braces off your teeth.

What happens if the braces come off?

We will attach them again. Usually, this is not a problem, although if it happens lots of times, your orthodontic treatment will take longer.

What happens if a piece of my braces comes off and I swallow it?

It usually is not a serious problem if you swallow parts of your braces. All braces are tested so they are completely safe. The parts just pass through your digestive system. Inhaling a part from your braces is a problem however. If you inhale a part of your braces, and the part gets into your lungs, it could cause a problem.