Orthodontic FAQs

If you have a loose or broken bracket, it is NOT an orthodontic emergency unless you are in pain. Generally speaking, if you have a loose bracket and it’s surrounded on either side by other brackets, you may not even feel the loose bracket at all, or it may slide on the wire. In that case, you are OK to wait until your next appointment. If it is a back molar bracket, you may feel the end of the wire poking. If you are uncomfortable, please call our office, and we will get you in to get you comfortable.

Soreness from a recent adjustment is completely normal! Your teeth are moving into a new position, which sometimes will create minor soreness. We sometimes have to use powerchains, heavier wires, or elastics to move your teeth into the ideal position. This can create some tenderness. Over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol or Advil are advised if you are sore after an adjustment. Usually, soreness only lasts for the first couple of days after your adjustment.

Getting braces usually doesn’t hurt when they’re placed, but it’s common to experience some mild discomfort or soreness afterward. Here’s what to expect:

Initial Placement:
Placing braces doesn’t cause pain. You might just feel slight pressure during the procedure.

Afterward:
For a few days after getting braces, your teeth and gums may feel sore or tender as your teeth begin shifting. Over-the-counter pain medication, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can relieve this discomfort.

Adjustments:
Every few weeks, Dr. Roeder will adjust your braces. This may lead to temporary soreness again, but typically it’s less intense and lasts only a day or two.

Managing Discomfort:
Eating soft foods, drinking cold beverages, or using orthodontic wax to prevent irritation can help ease any discomfort you experience.
Most people find that any soreness quickly fades, and it’s manageable with simple at-home remedies. The long-term benefits—a healthier bite and beautiful smile—far outweigh the temporary discomfort.

You can absolutely play sports while receiving orthodontic treatment! If you are involved in a high-impact sport we provide you with a mouthguard to wear to protect your teeth. 

You can absolutely play a horned musical instrument while in treatment. There will be a short adjustment period at first, but we have many patients who play musical instruments without any issue.

The treatment plan is just as individual as the treatment fees we present. Every mouth is different and we will review in detail at your exam appointment the projected length of treatment.

You will come back for adjustments about every 8-10 weeks. We may see you a little more frequently depending on the treatment plan Dr. Roeder has developed for you

Retainers are lifelong! No matter how long you have been finished with treatment, your teeth will always want to move. That is why it’s so important to be consistent with retainer wear. Most of the time, retainers are only worn at night and are very comfortable to sleep in. Once you get used to them, your teeth will feel lonely without them 🙂

You are welcome to use bleach after treatment. We don’t recommend using bleach during active treatment due to the bleach not being able to penetrate underneath your braces or attachments. 

As long as you are breathing you are never too old for treatment! Teeth do not know how they are being moved or how old they are, so you are never too old for braces or aligners.

We do not need to give you any shots to bond your braces. Dr. Roeder can provide an injection for specific procedures as required, but this very rarely happens. 

No! Consultations are always free. Schedule yours today!

Yes!!

Orthodontics (also referred to as dentofacial orthopedics) is a specialized form of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial abnormalities.

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has received two to three years of additional training and experience. Dr. Roeder is able to straighten teeth, correct misaligned jaw structure, and improve the function of your smile.

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

About one in every five orthodontic patients is over the age of 21. Whether you’re considering treatment for yourself or for a child, any time is a good time to visit the orthodontist.

Yes! In fact, it’s even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit their dentist regularly. With braces, food may be caught in places your toothbrush can’t reach. This causes bacteria to build up and can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Our team will work closely with your dentist to make sure your teeth stay clean and healthy while you’re wearing braces.

Time for a snack? No problem. Take out your aligners to eat or drink whenever you want.
You can remove your Invisalign aligners so you can brush and floss regularly, and keep your teeth and gums healthy.
You can occasionally remove your Invisalign aligners to enjoy a special night out.
There’s no need to change a thing. Continue your day-to-day activities while still straightening your teeth.
Be yourself with Invisalign aligners. Since they are clear, you don’t have to hide your smile while going through treatment.
With Invisalign treatment, it’s easy to make your smile picture-perfect for that special occasion.
Invisalign treatment appointments work with your schedule. Most visits are in and out, with a quick progress check once every six weeks.

The Invisalign system is the virtually invisible way to straighten your teeth and achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Invisalign treatment uses advanced 3D computer imaging technology to depict your complete treatment plan, from the initial position of your teeth to the final desired position.
Then a series of clear aligners are custom-made for your teeth – and your teeth only – to move them little by little. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks before being replaced by the next in the series until the final position of your teeth is achieved.
Your Invisalign treatment time will be determined by your doctor based on your specific needs.

Invisalign aligners are clear, which makes Invisalign treatment a seamless fit with your lifestyle and day-to-day interactions with others. Invisalign aligners are also 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 metal braces, Invisalign treatment 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 scheduling appointments, and more time out doing the things you love.
Lastly, Invisalign treatment technology allows you to view your virtual results and treatment plan before you start your treatment, so you can preview how your straight teeth will look once your treatment is complete.

Studies have shown that treatment time with Damon Smile is typically much faster than with conventional braces. Also, far fewer appointments are required during treatment.

No. In fact, what makes Damon Smile work so quickly is its use of gentle, more biologically-sensible forces than conventional braces. The low-friction nature of the system ensures improved tooth position and improved facial harmony. Very light-weight, shape memory wires are used to gently guide your teeth to their ideal position resulting in a beautiful Damon Smile.

While braces of any kind may cause slight discomfort, many patients experience very little discomfort with Damon Smile braces because of the system’s low-force, low-friction nature.

Not anymore! Braces are much smaller than they were just a few years ago, and new materials are now used that make them very discreet. Damon Smile braces have a particularly low profile, so you might forget you’re even wearing them!