Braces in Meridian & Laurel

The cost of treatment with orthodontic braces can vary considerably based on the nature and severity of the misalignment.

It can also vary depending on the type of braces being used. Translucent and self-ligating braces braces, for example, tend to be more expensive than traditional metal ones.

Your orthodontist will be able to provide you with an estimate of what your braces treatment may cost.

Children, teens and adults who have healthy teeth and gums are generally considered good candidates for braces.

Braces come in a variety of styles and can address a wide range of moderate to complex orthodontic issues, so there are very few limits to who can benefit from braces treatment.

As far as low-profile braces go, we offer self-ligating braces and translucent (ceramic) braces at Douglas Orthodontics.

Self-ligating braces don't require elastics or ties like traditional braces do, giving them a neater, more streamlined look. Ceramic braces have brackets made from a ceramic material that is color matched with your teeth, allowing them to blend in with your smile. Find out more about both these types of braces on this page under 'Types of Braces'.

Invisalign clear aligners can also be a great option for many people looking for a low-profile orthodontic treatment.

The average treatment time for braces is 12 to 24 months, but this can vary significantly from patient to patient. The duration of your orthodontic treatment depends primarily on the type and severity of your misalignment. As you might expect, mild or moderate cases are more quickly resolved than complex ones.

You'll probably need a week or two to become fully accustomed to your braces after you first get them. You may find it hard to resist poking them with your tongue as you get used to how the wires and brackets feel.

You may also notice that certain areas of your mouth rub against the braces and get sore. Relief can often be found simply by placing a small ball of orthodontic wax over the problematic bracket or wire. This will smooth out the area and reduce friction. You can find orthodontic wax in the toothpaste area of many stores.

Again, this discomfort is temporary, and after a couple of weeks, your mouth will likely feel normal again.

If you have traditional metal braces with rubber bands, you can update the color of your braces whenever you visit us for an adjustment appointment. Orthodontic elastics come in a rainbow of different colors for you to choose from. Having the option to personalize your braces in this way can make the orthodontic treatment process a little more fun!

You can change your braces color based on the season, upcoming holidays, or your personal style.

You will almost certainly experience some discomfort at different points of your orthodontic treatment with braces. However, any pain you feel during your braces treatment is temporary and usually resolves over a few days or even hours.

Discomfort from braces typically happens for a week or so after you first get them, and also for a few hours or days after your adjustment appointments, as the teeth begin to shift. Patients tend to describe it as a sensation of pressure or an ache. This type of pain can usually be managed with over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen.

Another type of temporary discomfort you may experience during your braces treatment is when the brackets and wires rub against the inside of your mouth. This can also happen when you first get your braces and directly after adjustment appointments. Orthodontic wax can be applied to the braces in the areas where the rubbing occurs to create a smoother surface against the inside of your mouth. You can also use painkillers to manage this discomfort until it passes.

Yes, adults can get braces! More and more adults these days are opting to undergo orthodontic treatment that they missed out on when they were younger, to improve their oral health and the appearance of smiles.

Many of our adult patients prefer the lower profile, more streamlined look of translucent ceramic braces, self-ligating braces, or Invisalign clear aligners. All these options allow you to straighten your teeth without the more pronounced appearance of traditional braces.

Yes, children as young as seven years old may be candidates for braces. In fact, developing misalignments and bite problems are often more easily treated when children are young, when we can work with and guide their oral development, rather than undoing issues that are already established later on.

With all that being said, we take a very conservative approach to braces for children and only prescribe them when there's a serious risk of future orthodontic problems.

Yes, it's a good idea to brush your teeth at least after each meal throughout your braces treatment.

Oral hygiene becomes more important than ever while you're wearing braces. The presence of braces in your mouth introduces a multitude of tiny crevices, nooks, and crannies that were not there before. It's very easy for food particles to get caught in these tiny spaces, making them a breeding ground to bacteria.

To avoid developing cavities (not to mention tooth discolouration and bad breath) extra vigilance with your oral hygiene is essential.

Flossing is an important element of a good oral hygiene routine. Flossing with braces may seem complicated, but it's fairly straightforward once you get the hang of it!

To floss your teeth with braces, feed the floss down through the space between the arch wire and your teeth. You can purchase floss threaders and/or special orthodontic floss to make this easier. Pull the end of the floss gently towards the back of the tooth and draw the floss up and down between the teeth. Then repeat this process between each pair of teeth.

Eating with braces requires some extra care, but you should still be able to eat the vast majority of the foods you love.

You'll want to exercise extreme caution with hard, crunchy, or overly sticky/tacky foods. Chew carefully and take your time. Avoid biting into foods like apples or corn on the cob (cut your apple into bite-sized pieces and shell your corn instead!) and avoid chewing gum completely.

For the most part, though, you can go on eating your normal diet – with a few modifications along the way!

When you get your braces, your orthodontist will give you a rundown on foods to avoid.

We generally recommend avoiding any sports that involve direct blows to the face as a matter of routine while wearing braces. Even with a mouth guard, sports like boxing are not advisable.

Other contact sports, like football or rugby, may be possible if you wear a mouth guard, but we advise extreme caution in these cases as well.

For most sports, though, you should be able to keep playing with no problem. If you want to continue getting out on the field, court, or rink during your treatment, we recommend wearing a sports mouth guard to protect your teeth, your mouth, and the braces themselves from damage.

Braces and Invisalign are both effective orthodontic treatment options, but there are differences between them that may affect their suitability for different individuals. 

Factors to consider when choosing between braces and Invisalign include your personal preferences and lifestyle, aesthetics, the nature and severity of your misalignment, and cost. You can learn more here.

Your orthodontist will assess your specific case and recommend the best treatment option for your needs.