Frequently Asked Questions

No, we also provide alternatives to traditional stainless-steel braces. We want you to have options in your orthodontic treatment, so Dr. Jordan offers clear braces as well as clear aligners—a form of “invisible braces.”

Take special care to avoid any foods that could damage your new appliances. We recommend choosing soft foods to eat with braces, including any of the following: 

• Dairy – soft cheese, yogurt, pudding, milk-based drinks 
• Breads – soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins without nuts 
• Grains – pasta and/or soft-cooked rice 
• Meats/Poultry – soft-cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats 
• Seafood – tuna, salmon, crab cakes 
• Vegetables – mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans 
• Fruits – bananas, apple sauce
• Treats – ice cream without nuts, milkshakes, gelatin, soft cake

It is very important to avoid foods that could result in broken brackets, loose wires, or broken appliances. Examples of foods that you should avoid:

• Chewy foods such as bagels, fruit leathers, or beefy jerky
• Sticky foods like caramel candy, licorice, and marshmallows
• Crunchy foods like chips, raw carrots, raw celery, and popcorn
• Hard foods such as hard candy, hard breadsticks, or pizza crust
• Foods that require significant force to bite into such as corn on the cob and apples. You can still enjoy these foods by slicing the apples or removing the corn from the cob.

A common question we get is, “How long after getting braces can I eat normal foods?” We tell patients that it’s best to avoid foods that can damage braces throughout the treatment period. If you can’t say no to the craving, eat with extreme caution.

Before brushing, do a quick rinse with water. This will dislodge any food particles stuck between the wires or brackets. Beginning at the gum line, brush using a 45-degree angle of approach. As you move towards the brackets, brush from both the top and the bottom, ensuring that the bristles reach under the wires and around the brackets. This process may take some extra time in the beginning, but will soon become routine. Follow up with a thorough flossing.

We recommend using an electric toothbrush such as Sonicare or Oral-B. If you do not decide to use an electric toothbrush, use a toothbrush with soft bristles.

Generally, braces do not hurt, but when you first get them, you may feel a little sore or uncomfortable immediately afterward. Soreness is normal, and it’s temporary.  

One thing that helps is a saltwater rinse: 

1. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a full cup of lukewarm water.  
2. Swish it around your mouth for a few minutes.  
3. Repeat, if needed.  

If soreness persists, taking an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen (Advil®) or acetaminophen (Tylenol®) may help. Lastly, if you have lip, cheek, or tongue irritation in the weeks after getting braces, use your orthodontic wax to help alleviate the problem quickly. 

The amount of time that you will need to wear braces varies, depending on several things such as the severity of your bite problem. Most patients need to wear braces for 12 to 24 months, but this can be shorter or longer depending on your case. Dr. Jordan will discuss this with you and give you a general idea of what you can expect. After several months of wearing braces, the progress can be measured more easily, and a more accurate update can be given to you regarding how much longer you can expect to wear braces.

The cost of braces depends on which type of braces you choose, how long you will need treatment, and any other factors that might be unique to your treatment plan. Our treatment coordinators offer payment plans that can work with your budget and get you the orthodontic care that you need. 

Yes. Generally, you’ll be able to return to school or work the same day. 

Yes, you can still play sports with braces. It’s highly recommended that you wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and your braces.  Please ask Dr. Jordan about mouthguard options.

No matter how old you are, the answer is no. There is no age limit for braces and Dr. Jordan provides braces for children, teens, and adults. Modern adult braces are more discreet, more comfortable, and more effective. More adults are choosing orthodontic treatment now more than ever before.

Don’t panic if your teeth begin to feel a little loose. This is a normal part of the treatment process. Your braces must first loosen your teeth to move them into the right position. Once your teeth have been repositioned, they will stabilize and no longer feel loose.