Life With Braces - E&S Orthodontics

Braces

Everything You Need To Know

E&S Orthodontics offers a wide range of braces and treatment options! Specializing in the Damon System and Invisalign, Dr. ‘O’ El-Hillal and Dr. Wil Saavedra offer traditional braces, Damon Braces, Damon Clear Braces, Invisalign and Invisalign Teen.

E&S Orthodontics believes in a 100% self-ligating braces philosophy for our patients. Face-driven orthodontics is an approach that gives us the best opportunity to achieve the facial and functional outcomes we want for our patients. In addition to face-driven orthodontics, Dr. ‘O’ and Dr. Saavedra employ a smile-arc technique designed to give the most aesthetically pleasing look that is designed to last.

Braces FAQ

What People Ask Us The Most

So you have braces…now what? Don’t worry, having braces doesn’t mean you have to change your lifestyle. We have gathered a list of most commonly asked questions to help start your journey.

When possible, a child should have the first orthodontic exam as early as age seven and, certainly, before the age of nine. Early diagnosis and treatment by a specialist can help guide facial growth and tooth eruption, and prevent more serious problems from developing. Our goal is to reduce treatment time in full braces and to provide the best and most stable results possible.

Orthodontic treatment can vary in cost based on factors like length of treatment time and severity of correction.

Treatment time with the Damon System is typically much faster than with conventional braces. Also, far fewer appointments are required during treatment.

Invisalign is an alternative to braces that consists of clear aligners which facilitate orthodontic movement while remaining virtually invisible

A band is a ring that is fitted around a tooth. A loose band can generally be left in place until you are able to schedule a visit at the office. You should call and speak with a team member to schedule a visit at your earliest convenience.

A bracket is the part of the braces that is attached to the teeth using adhesive. A loose bracket can generally be left in place until you are able to schedule a visit at the office. Additionally, comfort wax may be used to hold the bracket in place to avoid irritation. You should call and speak with a team member to schedule a visit at your earliest convenience.

Occasionally, a loose or pokey wire may present itself during treatment. Don’t be alarmed! If a wire protrudes and is irritating, use a blunt instrument (the back of a spoon or the eraser end of a pencil) and carefully, gently push the irritating wire under the archwire. The main goal is to get it out of the way so it is no longer causing you discomfort. It is also helpful to use wax to place over the pokey wire to avoid further irritation. You should call and speak with a team member to schedule a visit at your earliest convenience.

It is highly important for your oral health to continue to visit your dentist for regularly scheduled visits at a minimum of twice a year.

Eating With Braces

Foods That Are Ok and Foods To Avoid

You’ve probably heard from friends and family members who have worn braces that you won’t be able to eat some of your favorite foods while you’re in treatment. That’s true – if your favorite food is hard candy :-). Truth is – you can eat most anything as long as you avoid anything that might cause you to lose a bracket, break a wire, or get tangled up in goo. Here’s a simple, helpful guide to help you avoid any issues. Feel free to put this up on the fridge.

life-with-braces

FOODS YOU CAN ENJOY WITH BRACES

  • Dairy: soft cheese, milk
  • Breads and Grains: pasta, rice, soft tortillas
  • Meats: soft-cooked chicken, meatballs
  • Vegetables: steamed spinach, mashed potatoes
  • Fruits: bananas, berries without seeds
  • Treats: ice cream and milkshakes
food-care-right-image-2

FOOD TO AVOID WITH BRACES

  • Ice — At least not if you chew on it.
  • Potato Chips — Be really careful with these.
  • Caramel — Sticky goo which pulls off brackets.
  • Some Breads — Bend wires and break brackets.
  • Beef Jerky — Tough as nails.
  • Hard Candy/Suckers — You might forget and bite.
  • Nuts — No nuts of any kind.
  • Ribs — Knock off brackets.
  • Popcorn — Hulls get caught between gums and bands.
  • Raw carrots — Try to avoid raw carrots.
  • Apples — You can eat them, just cut them up first. Sorry, no caramel apples!
  • Corn on the cob — Can stay in your teeth for weeks.

PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

  • Check your braces every day for breakage. Please let us know if you have broken braces!
  • We can’t put all the damaging foods on this list, so be smart.
  • Broken brackets DON’T WORK! If you break them, then you may have to wear braces longer.
  • Brush and floss! If you don’t there might be scars on your teeth when you’re done.
  • Gargle with LISTERINE every night for a minimum of one minute!

PREVENTING DECALCIFICATION
– ACID IS YOUR ENEMY

DECALCIFICATION is a dull white spot on a tooth which is a permanent scar that is caused by poor oral hygiene. Plaque left around brackets releases acid and leaches minerals out of the tooth causing a white spot. We believe that ACIDIC BEVERAGE intake has increased in our teenage patient population and is a major player in DECALCIFICATION!

Below is a chart illustrating pH values for various products as well as sugar amounts per 12 ounces. The lower the pH level the worse the enamel dissolution. The more sugar a drink has, the more likely it is to promote decalcification and cavities. Water, being neutral, has a pH value of 7.00 and 0.0 teaspoons of sugar per 12 ounces. Battery acid has a pH of 1.00 and 0.0 teaspoons of sugar.

food-care-right-image-3
  • PRODUCTACIDSUGAR (tsp. per 12oz.)
  • Water7.00 (neutral) 0.00 BEST!!
  • Diet 7-Up3.970.0
  • Sprite3.429.0
  • Diet Dr. Pepper3.410.0
  • Diet Coke3.390.0
  • Mountain Dew3.2211.0
  • Surge3.0210.0
  • Dr. Pepper2.9211.02
  • Gatorade2.953.3
  • Coke Classic2.639.3
  • Pepsi2.499.8
  • Battery Acid1.000.0 WORST!!

Book your child’s FREE

orthodontic appointment