Now you are ready to get braces. This usually involves two appointments. The first appointment is very quick. We will place little rubber separators between your back teeth. They look like tiny rubber doughnuts. They will move your teeth apart a little bit so we can place the braces on your teeth. Your second appointment will be three to seven days later.

Finally, the big day!

This is a long appointment, usually one to two hours. We will usually put your braces on your teeth during this time; this is an easy appointment too! Putting braces on your teeth does not hurt. We will explain everything that we are doing. If you have any questions about what we are doing, just ask us!

Now What?

Congratulations! You are the proud owner of a new set of braces! We will usually ask you if you want colored elastics on your braces. These hold your wires into your braces and are changed every month when you come in for your monthly check-ups. We have almost every color, including glow-in the dark. So think about what colors you like-we can match your favorite color, favorite sports team colors, school colors, holiday colorsÉ The orthodontic assistants will give you a braces survival package. Inside you will find everything you need to take good care of your braces. The orthodontic assistants will explain everything in the braces survival pack. After that you can take your new braces home!

Will It Hurt?

Good question! Your teeth are going to be sensitive, like you have a little headache in each tooth. You will probably have to take some asprin or tylenol and eat some soft foods. After the first day, the soreness will start to go away and by the third day, your teeth should not hurt at all! Your cheeks may take several more days to "toughen up" and get used to the braces rubbing against them all the timeÑwe will give you some wax to put over the braces to make this easier.

What Can I Eat?

Foods that cannot be cleaned off the braces may lead to discoloration and decay of the teeth. Even though our braces and wires are metal, they are fragile and can be damaged by eating the wrong foods, thus taking us longer to finish treatment.

Absolutely no:

Gum: sugarless or otherwise

Sticky Foods: caramels, Sugar Daddies, Star Burst, caramel apples, Sugar Babies, Licorice, Toffee, Now & Laters, Tootsie Rolls

Hard Foods: nuts, popcorn, hard candy, bagels, pizza crusts, hard pretzels, ice, hard fruits and veggies such as apples and carrots, unless cut into small pieces

Eat and drink much less: candy, cookies, cake, pie, ice cream, pop and other drinks with sugar. Avoid chewing on pens, pencils, and fingernails.

What Next?

Usually, you will come back and see Dr. Mazzocco about once-a-month. We will probably "tighten" your braces and change your colored elastics. Your teeth may get a little sore, but this time only for several hours. As the months go by, your teeth will get straighter and straighter. You may need to help your teeth move by wearing elastics if Dr. Mazzocco thinks you need them. The more you wear them the faster your teeth will move. This brings us to our next question, a very important oneÉ

When will my braces be coming off?

If all goes well and you have done everything you were supposed to, usually braces are ready to come off after (2.5) years. Don't worry, time goes by very fast! When we take your braces off, we will make you 2 retainers. One for the top and one for the bottom. You will wear these all the time in the beginning, and then just at night as time goes by. The retainers will help keep your teeth straight and your smile great!