Braces FAQ

Are you considering getting braces? Or maybe one of your young ones is looking to start the process of straightening their teeth, and you want to know more about it. Our lead orthodontist, Dr. Larson, makes it a point to ensure that every one of his patients is well-informed and confident in their decision to step through our doors. And as a first step in the process, we’ve put together this FAQ guide to answer the questions our patients ask most before scheduling their appointment for braces in Lake Havasu City, AZ!

Will I Need To Wear A Retainer After Getting My Braces Off?

We highly recommend that you wear a retainer after your braces have been removed. Your retainers should be worn full-time for the first few months post-treatment. Beyond that, we recommend that you continue to wear them nightly to ensure that your newly straightened smile lasts a lifetime!

What Is Smile Arch Protection?

As part of our Smile Arc Protection (SAP) process, brackets are positioned closer to the gums in order to produce a better-aligned, more aesthetically beautiful smile. This process enables us to precisely tailor your smile to the outcomes you want. We do so by focusing on the three major components of a smile: your smile arc, smile width, and the position of your vertical incisor.

How Do I Know If I Need Braces?

There are a variety of orthodontic issues that may call for braces in Lake Havasu City, AZ. Those can include:

• Frequent jaw or tooth pain
• Uncomfortably protruding teeth
• Underbites, overbites, and crossbites
• Crooked, gapped, or overcrowded teeth
• Speech impediments caused by misaligned teeth

If you are experiencing any of these orthodontic issues or something else that wasn’t listed, Dr. Larson and the Havasu Orthodontics team have you covered!

What Foods Will I Need To Avoid With Braces?

Though there are still plenty of delicious meals and snacks you can eat if you wear braces in Lake Havasu City, AZ, there are certain foods that you should definitely avoid:

• Hard Foods—Such as hard candy, nuts, popcorn, chips, etc. These can damage your braces’ wires and brackets.
• Chewy Foods—Such as jerky, certain breads, tough meats, pizza crusts, etc. These can also damage your braces.
• Sticky Foods—Such as caramels, gummy bears, bubble gum, etc. These stick to your braces and can be tough to clean and remove.

How Do I Care For My Teeth With Braces?

Other than being conscious of the foods that you’re eating, the best way to care for your teeth with braces is to carefully and thoroughly brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. It also helps to use a quality fluoride mouthwash to help clean both your teeth and your braces. Thankfully, Dr. Larson or one of our amazing orthodontic specialists will lay out comprehensive instructions on properly cleaning your teeth and braces so you can achieve the best possible smile with ease.

Are Braces Painful?

Generally, the taking on and off of braces and their adjustment involves little to no pain—even for children who may be nervous about the process. After routine adjustments, patients may experience slight discomfort, however, this is normal and is a sign your braces are doing their job! Rest assured that this discomfort is only temporary and should never be severe. Under the care of Dr. Larson, you can rest easy knowing that you’re receiving high-quality and comfortable orthodontic care in Lake Havasu City, AZ.