Braces FAQ - Get Answers from Elite Orthodontists!

Most Frequently Asking Questions About Braces (Videos)

Here you will find answers to the questions that patients frequently ask about braces. Whether you are thinking about getting braces or already have them, this page will answer many of the questions that you may have.

You can use this page to help you make educated decisions about your treatment type or other decisions during treatment. The information on this page will save you an extra phone call to the office or save you time during your appointment, since the responses to the questions here are provided by licensed orthodontic professionals.

Orthodontic Wax Guide: FAQs, Proper Use, Risks, And More

Is a dab of braces wax a day really as effective as they say? Find out that and more through this comprehensive orthodontic wax guide.

Can I Eat Popcorn With Braces?

Can you eat popcorn with braces? Unfortunately, the hulls and unpopped kernels can cause serious damage to your brackets and wires. In this video, Diamond Braces orthodontist Dr. John Castronova explains why you should avoid popcorn with braces.

Orthodontist vs. Dentist: Which Should You Choose?

All orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists: only orthodontists attend specialist training to learn the art of straightening teeth.

Is a Waterpik Better than Flossing with Braces?

When wearing braces, is a Waterpik better than flossing? The answer may surprise you, but both items are necessary. More details here

Essix Retainer: Cost, Care, Benefits, How it Works

Essix retainers are clear, removable retainers that protect the stability of your smile after braces. Learn more with this full guide.

At-Home Braces Care: Follow This Guide for Healthy Teeth

Keep your teeth clean and healthy to ensure a lifelong, beautiful smile! Regular brushing and flossing are key to oral health: what else do you need to know?

How Much Do Braces Cost?

Braces cost between $1,700 to $13,000, depending on which kind of braces you get: traditional metal braces cost less, while lingual braces cost more.

How Do I Know If I Need Braces?

How do you know if you need braces? Rather than diagnosing at home, the best way to determine your specific condition and decide whether or not to get braces is to schedule a consultation with a licensed orthodontist. Your teeth may need adjustments that you didn’t even know about, but which could have huge benefits for your health.

Can My Teeth Move Back After Braces?

Learn more about how to prevent teeth from moving back after braces are removed. The most important thing to do is wear your retainer as directed by your doctor!

Complete Braces Guide: Cost, Insurance, Pain & More

Braces are an orthodontic treatment used to straighten teeth & create healthy smiles. Learn more about how braces work, where to get them, and what to pay.

Can You Be Allergic to Braces?

Dr. Abey answers the question if someone can be allergic to braces.

What Type of Toothpaste Should I Use With Braces?

Toothpaste is a critical part of keeping your teeth clean during orthodontic treatment! Learn which type of toothpaste you should be using to ensure proper oral healthcare while wearing braces.

What Can I Eat the First Day Wearing Braces?

Diamond Braces’ Dr. Jacy Papasikos describes food you should avoid the first few days after getting your braces on.

Can I Eat Ice Cream With Braces?

Diamond Braces Treatment Coordinator Elina Shnayderman explains about eating ice cream with braces on.

Self-Ligating Braces vs Metal Braces: Cost, Pros & Cons, Pictures, FAQs

Self-ligating braces use specialized brackets to connect the archwire without the use of colored rubber bands. They cost from $2,500 to $7,000.

What to Expect on Your First Visit | Diamond Braces

Here at Diamond Braces, we focus on providing a comfortable environment for our patients from the moment you walk through our doors. Please watch the video below for a detailed overview of what to expect during your first visit.

Is It Safe To Use Mouthwash With Braces?

Should you use mouthwash with braces? Yes! Mouthwash is recommended as part of your regular oral healthcare routine. There are several brands that work best for oral healthcare with braces; read on to find out more.

Why is the Glue Around My Braces Turning Yellow?

Diamond Braces orthodontist Dr. Muhammad Abey of Diamond Braces explains why the glue around the braces turns yellow, and how to prevent it.

How Often Do I Need To Tighten My Braces?

Learn how often you will have to come in to get your braces and what the purpose of tightening them is.

Can My General Dentist Remove My Braces?

In this video, Diamond Braces orthodontist Dr. Arianna Papasikos explains why a general dentist can remove your braces, but the best choice is to see a licensed orthodontist for braces bonding and removal.

Invisalign vs. Braces: Which Is Right For You? | Ultimate Guide

Thinking about orthodontic care? You might be wondering: what's the difference between braces and Invisalign? This ultimate guide will fill you in.

Can I Eat an Apple with Braces?

Is it a bad idea to eat an apple with braces? You can still eat apples, but you have to prepare them carefully so they don’t damage your braces! Watch this video to learn more about safely eating apples and other foods with braces.

Do Ceramic Braces Stain?

Find out if ceramic braces stain your teeth.

Can Veneers Replace Braces?

In this video, Diamond Braces orthodontist Dr. Douglas Palaganas explains the difference between veneers and braces – and why only one treatment provides you with a truly lifelong, healthy smile.

How Long Do You Need to Wear Braces?

Braces take between 12 and 36 months, with an average of 2 years. The length of treatment depends on your specific case and your treatment type.

Can You Wear Braces with Crowns?

You can wear braces with crowns: this video explains how your expert orthodontist will keep your crowns safe throughout orthodontic care.

How Long Do You Have to Wear Retainers After Braces?

Retainers are "nighttime for a lifetime": it's important to wear your retainer for good in order to protect the results of your orthodontic care.

Ceramic Braces vs Metal Braces: Cost, Pros & Cons, Pictures, FAQs

Ceramic braces use clear or tooth-colored brackets for a less noticeable treatment than metal braces. They tend to cost more, around $4,000 or more.

Can I Join the Military If I Have Braces?

Thinking about enlisting in the armed forces? Here’s what you need to know about getting braces treatment before or during military service, from Diamond Braces Treatment Coordinator Elina Shnayderman,

Can I Claim Braces on My Taxes?

In this video, Diamond Braces’ Dr. Arianna Papasikos answers the question whether you can deduct the cost of braces on your taxes.

How Can I Brush My Teeth With Braces?

See a video demonstration from a licensed orthodontist about the proper way to brush your teeth with braces.

Going Back to School with Braces? 5 “Metal-Mouth” Myths You Can Bust Right Now!

It happened – you got stuck with braces. You finally finished the school year, and while you were just trying to relax for the summer and make the latest viral TikTok video, your parents dragged you to the orthodontist, and now you’ve got a mouthful of metal. Worried you’ll be the laughingstock of the grade when you get back to class? Worry not. If any snaggle-toothed kids try to throw these myths your way, here are some cold hard facts to straighten them out

Can Braces Cause Bad Breath?

The question we are answering today is “Do braces cause bad breath?” The answer is no. Braces, on their own, do not cause bad breath. More detail here.

What Can & Can’t You Eat with Braces?

Avoid crunchy, hard, and sticky foods when wearing braces: these can damage your brackets and wires. Soft foods and cool drinks are safe with braces and good for pain.

How to Qualify for Free Braces

If your family qualifies for Medicaid or CHIP, your child may have their braces fully covered. Certain conditions apply: learn about free braces with this guide.

Can I Have Braces While Pregnant?

The question of the day is “Can I Have Braces While Pregnant?” The answer is yes, it’s ok. For more details click here.

Can I Get a Filling While Wearing Braces?

Dr. Jason Berk explains how you can get a filling with braces treatment - and how to protect from cavities during your orthodontic care.

Can Someone With Periodontal Disease Get Braces?

Read about what someone with periodontal disease needs to do before wearing braces.

Can You Get Your Teeth Cleaned While Wearing Braces?

Diamond Braces orthodontist Dr. Abey explains the critical importance of dental cleanings while in braces treatment. Don't skip out on this vital part of your orthodontic care.

Braces vs. Veneers; FAQs, Comparison, Cost, and More

Veneers and braces provide similar, yet slightly different benefits. Learn more about their differences and which option is right for you.

Why Does My Mouth Feel Dry with Braces?

Why does your mouth feel dry with braces? Diamond Braces orthodontist Dr. Oleg Drut explains why and what to do about it.

Digital X-Rays: Cutting-Edge Imaging for Picture-Perfect Smiles

Digital dental x-rays give your orthodontic team a full picture of your teeth, jaw, and bones, to create a comprehensive plan to straighten your teeth and a healthy, beautiful smile designed to last!

Can You Get a Root Canal with Braces? | Diamond Braces

Dr. Arianna Papasikos from Diamond Braces answers the question: Can You Get a Root Canal with Braces?" The answer is yes, you can. More details here.

Can I Make Fake Braces at Home?

Making fake braces at home is dangerous for your health and your smile: never use toxic materials in your mouth, and leave orthodontics to the true experts.

Metal, Ceramic, and Incognito® Braces: Premium-Grade Materials for Premium-Grade Smiles

So what are braces made of, anyways? Read on to find out what’s behind premium-grade metal, ceramic, and Incognito® braces, and how they give your smile the cutting edge.

Is It OK to Get a Tongue Piercing with Braces?

Dr. Oleg Drut from Diamond Braces answers your questions about getting oral piercings while undergoing braces treatment, including recommendations from the American Dental Association.

Do Braces Hurt? 8 Tips for Pain Relief

Braces may cause some pain or discomfort, especially in the first few days after they are put on. Read on for simple pain relief tips you can try from home.

What To Do If Your Retainer Doesn’t Fit Anymore

What should you do if your retainer no longer fits? Don't force it - it may break or hurt your teeth! Read this guide for more info on your retainer.

Your Guide to Metal Braces: Everything You Need to Know

Metal braces are the most common orthodontic treatment. Here is everything you need to know about them: cost, pros & cons, and more.

Are Electric Toothbrushes Good for Braces?

Electric toothbrushes are one of the most important advancements in dental hygiene - but are they good for braces? Read on to find out.

Invisalign vs. Braces: What’s the Difference?

Find answers to all your questions about the differences between Braces or Invisalign.

How to get Braces with no Insurance

It is still possible to get a beautiful smile without insurance. Diamond Braces Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Oleg Drut explains what to look for when you’re paying for braces or Invisalign without insurance coverage.

Why Do Teeth Relapse After Wearing Braces?

There are many factors that contribute to tooth relapse after orthodontic treatment. Learn why orthodontic relapse happens, and what you can do about it.

Why is My Lip Swollen from Braces?

If your lip is swollen or feels irritated, your braces could be bothering it. Dr. Drut explains how this could happen and what to do about it.

Can I Get Braces With a Missing Tooth?

Dr. Jason Burke of Diamond Braces explains more about how braces treatment works if you are missing a tooth or even several teeth.

Can I Whiten My Teeth While Wearing Braces? | Diamond Braces

One of the most common questions people have for orthodontists is whether they can whiten their teeth while wearing braces. The answer is, you can and you can’t. So, this is how it works.

Can My Teeth Fall Out With Braces?

Should you worry about teeth falling out with braces? This is never a concern for healthy patients, but those with periodontal disease should seek treatment for that condition before being treated with braces. Learn more in this video by Diamond Braces orthodontist Dr. Palaganas.