Orthodontic treatment has come a long way in the recent years, new technology uses lighter forces to move teeth over much shorter amount of time.

You can expect the braces to make your teeth sore for a few days after they are placed & after each adjustment. This discomfort can be relieved with an over-the-counter pain reliever.

Treatment time varies with each patient’s specific needs. In general treatment time lasts from 12 to 30 months and this can vary based on treatment complexity and needs.

Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean & maintain. A bad bite can also cause abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, difficulty in chewing and/or speaking, and excess stress on supporting bone and gum tissue. Without proper orthodontic treatment, many problems become worse.

The retainers can be either removable (the kind you put in and take out) or fixed (bonded behind your teeth). There are many reasons teeth may move following orthodontic treatment, as your teeth are set in bone, and the bone around your teeth keeps remodelling. By wearing your retainers as prescribed, it will keep your teeth in place.

Always remember to brush your teeth after EVERY meal and floss at least once a day. Use an interdental brush to get rid of food particles stuck between your teeth, also use a antimicrobial mouthwash whenever necessary.

Try to avoid foods with a lot of sugar, as it increases the amount of bacteria that grows in your mouth, resulting in more plaque and potential cavities. Avoid sticky and chewy foods (caramel, gum), hard food (candy, nuts, ice cubes), or any food that could possibly get stuck in your braces.

And for removable retainers, keep your retainers clean too, by brushing it gently with a toothbrush and always rinse your mouth before wearing them after every meal.