Current Patients
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about your orthodontic treatment.
How often do I need to come in for appointments?
Will my braces or aligners hurt?
You may experience some mild discomfort for a few days after getting braces or starting a new set of aligners. This is normal and means your teeth are moving! Over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods can help. The discomfort typically subsides within 3-5 days.
Can I still play sports with braces?
Absolutely! We recommend wearing a mouthguard during contact sports to protect your braces and teeth. We can provide a special orthodontic mouthguard designed to fit over your braces comfortably.
What foods should I avoid with braces?
Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can damage your braces. This includes: hard candy, popcorn, ice, sticky candy, gum, and whole apples or carrots (cut them into smaller pieces instead). We'll provide you with a complete list at your appointment.
How long will my treatment take?
Treatment time varies based on individual needs, but most cases take 12-24 months. Factors that affect treatment time include the complexity of your case, the type of treatment, and how well you follow instructions (like wearing rubber bands or aligners as directed).
What happens after my braces come off?
You'll receive retainers to maintain your beautiful new smile! Wearing your retainer as directed is crucial to prevent your teeth from shifting back. We'll provide detailed instructions on retainer care and wearing schedule.
Oral Hygiene During Treatment
- Brush after every meal and before bed
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush at a 45-degree angle
- Clean above and below the brackets
- Brush for at least 2 minutes each time
- Replace your toothbrush every 3 months
- Floss threaders or orthodontic flossers daily
- Interdental brushes for hard-to-reach areas
- Water flosser for deep cleaning
- Fluoride mouthwash to strengthen enamel
- Orthodontic wax for irritation
Watch Our Hygiene Tutorial
Learn proper brushing and flossing techniques with braces in our step-by-step video guide.
Video Tutorial Coming Soon
Orthodontic Emergencies
- • Loose bracket or band
- • Poking wire
- • Lost aligner
- • Loose or lost separator
- • General discomfort
These can usually be addressed at your next scheduled appointment or with simple at-home care.
- • Severe pain or swelling
- • Trauma to the mouth or teeth
- • Wire cutting into cheek or gums
- • Broken appliance causing discomfort
- • Infection or unusual symptoms
We'll see you as soon as possible for urgent issues.
Contact Us for Emergencies
Novato Office
Mon-Fri: 8am - 5pm
Santa Rosa Office
Mon-Fri: 8am - 5pm
After Hours: If you have an emergency outside of office hours, please call our main number. Our voicemail will provide instructions for urgent care.