Braces Treatment

Braces are a big investment of both time and money. There’s the time you will spend with them on your teeth and the money it costs for treatment. The rewards are big too, however. You will get straight teeth, a great smile and all the confidence that goes along with these things. To best take advantage of this orthodontic treatment, you need to take care of your new braces. The following are some food items to avoid as while you undergo the teeth straightening process.

The braces we use are the newest technology. They are "self-ligating" which means they do not need to be tied in with elastic ties. Instead, they have a little clip that snaps into place. In the early stages of treatment this reduces friction, which allows teeth to move faster with minimal force and discomfort. Clear brackets are also available. We also have an option of digital treatment with Insignia. We use Insignia software to personally design each patient's smile for precise, comfortable tooth movement.

During the time you’ll be wearing braces, you may not be able to eat all the food that you previously enjoyed, but keep in mind, and it’s only temporary. For the time being, however, there are a few things you’ll need to avoid. A general rule would be any foods that are hard, chewy, crunchy or sticky as well as foods that you bite into.

Chewy and sticky foods, like licorice, taffy or bagels and certain candies, can get stuck in the wires of your braces making them difficult to clean. They can also pull the wires loose as you chew. Any sort of chewing gum should also to be avoided for this reason. Crunchy foods like popcorn and chips, and hard food like nuts and hard candy, need to be avoided as well. Most candy falls into one of these categories and should be abstained from. Your teeth don’t need all that sugar anyway! Foods that you bite into can also pose a problem because they meet with your braces first instead of your teeth. Corn and apples are good examples of these types of food.

Don’t worry, there is plenty of good food that you can consume worry-free. Dairy products, bread, rice, meat and seafood should be safe as long as they don’t fall into the hard, crunchy, chewy or sticky categories. That means milkshakes and ice cream are fine, in moderation, of course. Stick to these guidelines and before you know it, your treatment will be complete, your braces will be off and you can go back to eating all the foods you enjoy.

Wear Your Braces With Confidence.

If you're a teen, you deserve the confidence to carry you through the best years of your life, and a beautiful, healthy smile is just the ticket to get you there. If need braces, it’s no big deal. There's never been a better time for orthodontic treatment because we have the most advanced technology to make this the best experience possible.

Braces for teens are more comfortable than ever before and can show off your unique style.

How Long Is This Going To Take?

We get it. You don’t want braces to slow you down. Well, here’s the good news, Dr. Karanth utilizes the most advanced technology and materials. Orthodontic treatment is more efficient than it has ever been before. Our staff is experienced in the best care, and we understand exactly what you are going through.

The amount of time it takes to complete your customized treatment plan will depend on several things including your age, your individual orthodontic needs, and how active and involved you are in your care. You must be willing to commit to achieve the best result, and we know you can do it. The average treatment time is about 18 months, but it varies for each patient.

You Want Options, And We've Got Them.

You’ve got your own sense of style, and we're here to help you express yourself. Choose from traditional silver braces or a less noticeable, clear option.

Talk to us to find out whether or not Invisalign is right for you. With Invisalign Teen, your friends may never even know you're changing your smile. Don't forget to ask us about adding colors to your braces to show off your unique personality.

You Need To Eat! How Do You Do That With Braces?

Yes, there are some limitations to your diet while you are in treatment with braces. But, really, it’s not that much. And, if you're a candidate for Invisalign Teen, there are even fewer restrictions.

We’ll go over the complete list of what you can and cannot eat while wearing braces, but basically avoid anything hard, sticky or chewy, and you’re all good. Remember, keep the finish line in mind, and it’s all for the best. You’ll get there before you know it.

How Can Treatment Help?

Many times, orthodontic treatment starts between the ages of 12 and 16. During this time period, a talented orthodontist can diagnose and begin repairing orthodontic alignment and appearance of the teeth. The following are some of the common issues that might occur during this time:

  • Uneven spacing between teeth
  • Misaligned teeth
  • Deep overbite
  • Open bite
  • Underbite
  • Missing Lateral Incisors
  • Jaws that shift or make noise
  • Difficulty chewing or biting
  • Irregular loss of baby teeth

How Long Is Treatment?

Treatment courses vary depending on what the individual is experiencing. Typically we see treatment times ranging from 6-18 months. At Gainesville Dental Arts Orthodontics we have completed several case studies that show our treatment times are significantly less than typical orthodontic treatment. Depending on how severe issues are, treatment can be shorter or longer. Another variable is the method of treatment you and the doctor decide on. You can save time by receiving quality orthodontic care the first time around. The sooner you start, the sooner you will be done.

Types Of Treatment Available

Invisalign Teen is a great option for someone who wants to retain a great amount of flexibility during their course of orthodontic treatment. Crafted from translucent SmartTrack material, Invisalign is fast, effective, and comfortable. More so than ever before. Aligners are completely removable and great for patients who want the most subtle appearance possible.