351 Montreal St. KIngston, ON, K7K 3H4

(613)766-9977

Call Us

(613) 766-9977

Opening Hours

Mon-Fri: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Sat: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Book Appointment

Your perfect smile is a click away!

Call Us

(613) 766-9977

Opening Hours

Mon-Fri: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Sat: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Book Appointment

Your perfect smile is a click away!

The Right Braces for You

The impressions have been made, and the appointment has been set: It’s time for getting braces. Once all the prep work has been done, your orthodontist has to actually apply the braces to your teeth, something which might jangle your nerves. Whether it’s you or your child in the orthodontist’s chair, knowing what to expect and how to prep for braces can help calm some of those jitters.

Clean Your Teeth

If your teeth aren’t sufficiently clean before you get braces, your orthodontist will have to clean them with a polishing paste so that the braces can properly be cemented to your teeth. If possible, schedule a regular professional cleaning appointment with your dentist a few days before you get your new braces so the teeth will be plaque-free prior to your braces appointment. Then, brushing with a Colgate Total® toothpaste — along with flossing and gargling mouthwash before your appointment — can help make you feel more confident and will speed things along with the orthodontist.

Talk Types of Braces

Before your orthodontist gets started, make sure that you understand what type of braces are being used and how they’ll affect your teeth. According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, there are typically three types of braces, all of which utilize wires and elastic bands to attach the braces together and align teeth:

  • Brackets that are bonded to the front of the teeth, which are most typical for children.
  • Brackets that are bonded to the back of the teeth.
  • Metal bands that wrap around the teeth.

Your orthodontist will choose the right type of braces based on your specific dental challenges. Luckily, there are several options from which to choose to make braces uniquely yours, such as choosing clear bands so they’re less noticeable or letting kids pick out bright, fun colors.

Expect Some Discomfort

You can expect some mild discomfort as you head home. Your teeth might be sensitive, and the new braces can cause sores in your mouth, warns the Seton Hill University Center for Orthodontics. Try eating soft foods, such as soup, pasta and bananas, in the few days following the application, and take an over-the-counter pain medication as needed. If you experience high levels of discomfort that won’t go away with ibuprofen or acetaminophen, however, call your orthodontist for a second opinion. Your sensitivity should go away after a few days.

Talk to your orthodontist about proper care of your braces. You’ll need to brush regularly and use a Waterpik to flush out the food particles that can get caught between braces and teeth; you should also avoid sticky foods. With proper care and by seeing your orthodontist regularly for checkups, you can keep your teeth healthy while your braces are in place.

Getting braces can be a little nerve-wracking, but the fear of the unknown is usually the worst part. Asking plenty of questions and prepping physically for your appointment should go a long way toward increasing your comfort level. Next stop: A perfect smile!

Common Oral Care Occurrences for TEENS

As teens continue to grow, they’re faced with certain dental issues, such as getting braces or having their wisdom teeth removed. Many of these procedures are a normal part of life, while others are proactive steps dentists take to help ensure a lifetime of oral health.

Here are some good topics to discuss with your teen:

  • Bad breath causes – bad breath, or halitosis, usually comes from bacteria that form on the tongue. In many cases, a simple change in your teen’s personal oral hygiene habits can freshen him up, starting with good oral hygiene, brush the tongue and keep regular visits to your dentist.
  • Whitening options – whitening those pearly whites can be done with whitening toothpastes, mouth rinses and toothbrushes. The dentist also offers whitening treatment options that are done in the dental office and at home.
  • Tobacco use – tobacco products contain toxins that can cause various types of cancer, gum disease, bad breath, tooth discoloration and a diminished sense of smell. It’s easier to kick a smoking habit earlier rather than later.
  • Oral piercings – oral piercings can have adverse affects on the health of your tongue, lips, cheeks and uvula. Oral problems associated with swallowed/aspirated jewelry, speech impairment, fractured teeth and gingival recession can occur.