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.

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.

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 Be Allergic to Braces?

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

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.

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.

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.

Do Ceramic Braces Stain?

Find out if ceramic braces stain your teeth.

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.

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.

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 Ice Cream With Braces?

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

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.

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.

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 to Get Braces

Getting braces requires a visit to a local orthodontist, to find out what is wrong with your teeth and how to correct the issue, and to discuss cost & treatment.

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!

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.

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 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.

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.

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 I Get an Implant With Braces?

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

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.

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 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.

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.

What is the Best Age to Get Braces?

The best age to get braces is between 10-14 years old, due to the still-developing dental structure, but braces can correct smiles at any age.

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 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.

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.

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 Someone With Periodontal Disease Get Braces?

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.