FAQs

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Frequently Asked Questions About Braces for Parents

Parents, we know that the transformation of your young son or daughter’s smile is simply another milestone for your baby growing up too fast. To help you with this transition, we’ve supplied answers to four commonly asked questions by parents just like you!

Will my child be made fun of?

Typically, students see braces as a rite of passage into life as a teenager. Middle school students even see them as “cool.”

Will my child still be able to play sports & instruments with braces?

Yes! For contact sports, you will want to equip your child with a braces-ready mouth guard to protect their mouth from the braces and protect the braces from impact. For instruments, your child will automatically adjust to their new appliance and play the same as they did before!

Will my child have a limited diet with braces?

Yes, braces require special care to be effective. This will mean brushing well, using an interdental toothbrush to brush behind the wires and altering your child’s diet. Foods that are chewy (like bagels), sticky (like caramel), hard (like ice) or crunchy (like raw carrots) must be avoided to reduce the length of the treatment.

How long will my child need to wear braces?

The average length of treatment is one to two years. However, with AcceleDent® Optima™ technology, you can reduce the length of time by up to 29%!

Frequently Asked Questions About Braces for Kids

Kids know that getting braces is a big change. Chances are, some of your friends may already have braces. Whether they assure you that braces are painless and fun or some tease that they are painful and awful, we are here to straighten out a few things.

Do braces hurt?

While you may experience tenderness and soreness after adjustments, getting the braces on and wearing them does not typically hurt. If you experience pinching or poking from a wire, you can use dental wax to reduce irritation. For a few days after the adjustment, you may want to stick to softer foods like pasta, fish, mashed potatoes, yogurt and smoothies until the tenderness to bite wears off.

How long will I have braces?

Every mouth is different, so every treatment is different. You can expect to wear braces for one to two years. With AcceleDent® Optima™ technology available only at TS Orthodontics in North West North Carolina, you can expect to get your braces off sooner!

Are there certain foods I can’t eat with braces?

Unfortunately, certain foods have to be eliminated from your diet. Foods that are chewy (like bagels), sticky (like caramel), hard (like ice) or crunchy (like raw carrots) must be avoided to reduce the length of your treatment.

Can I still play sports with braces?

Yes! If you have metal braces, you will want to wear a braces-ready mouth guard that protects both your braces from impact and your mouth from the braces.

Can I still play my instrument with braces?

Yes! You will automatically adjust to your new appliance and be able to play the same as you did before!

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As one of the premier orthodontic practices in Asheville, North Asheville, Marion & Rutherfordton, NC, our orthodontist and the team at TS Orthodontics also provide five-star orthodontic care to patients from Spruce Pine, Burnsville, Morganton, Marshall, Weaverville, Black Mountain, Sylva, Canton, Fairview, Royal Pines, Old Fort & Mars Hill, NC, and the surrounding areas.