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.

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.

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.

Invisalign vs. Braces: What’s the Difference?

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What Are Partial Braces?

Partial braces offer a less obvious orthodontic option than a full mouth of brackets and wires. Learn more about partial braces and when they're used.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Different Types of Insurances for Braces?

First of all there are two major types of insurances, PPO’s, and State Medicaid. With PPO’s such as Delta, or MetLife it is best to call your provider directly for information. Sometimes there are certain age restrictions, such …

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.

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.

How Visible Are Ceramic Braces?

Ceramic braces are a great alternative to metal braces and are less visible.

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.

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.

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.

Lingual Braces: Cost, Pros & Cons

Lingual braces are applied behind the teeth, facing the tongue, making them much less visible to others. They work the same way as traditional braces.

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 Ceramic Braces Stain?

Find out if ceramic braces stain your teeth.

Why Is My Gum Growing Over My Braces?

Why are my gums growing over my braces? There are several causes for this, but usually the answer stems from poor oral hygiene! Watch this video with Dr. Oleg Drut to learn more.

Braces Colors: How to Pick the Best Colors for Your Braces

Choose braces rubber band colors to complement your skin tone: darker skin looks best with bright jewel tones, lighter skin with darker cool tones.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

Can I Get an Implant With Braces?

Find out what needs to be done in order to get an implant while wearing braces.

Can Someone With Periodontal Disease Get Braces?

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

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.

Is It Normal For My Gums To Bleed When I Have Braces?

What does it mean if your gums bleed during your braces treatment? In this video, Dr. Papasikos explains why your gums may be bleeding or inflamed, and how to treat the problem.

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 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,

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Can I Get an MRI With Braces?

Is is safe to get an MRI with braces? The answer is yes, it is safe for your health, but imaging of certain areas near your face may be distorted by the metal. Dr. Palaganas explains more!

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?

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.

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 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 Eat Ice Cream With Braces?

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

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.

Hawley Retainer: Cost, Care, Benefits, Colors

A Hawley retainer is a removable orthodontic appliance made of a metal wire & a colorful plastic or acrylic plate. It protects the results of braces treatment.

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

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.

Spacers for Braces Guide: How They Work, Pain & More

Spacers are a temporary orthodontic device used before straightening teeth with braces. They create space for the metal bands that go around the back molars to secure the archwire..

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

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.