FREE Taking Care of Your Braces Questions and Answers

When wearing braces, how frequently should you visit your orthodontist?

When wearing braces, you should see your orthodontist every 6 to 8 weeks.

Every week, you should visit your orthodontist.

Your orthodontist only has to be seen twice: once to place your braces and again to remove them.

Your orthodontist just has to be seen once a year.

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How should you respond if your braces itch your cheeks or lips?

Ask your orthodontist to remove your braces if they hurt because braces shouldn't ever be uncomfortable.

Put up a fight! Everything is a step in the process.

Use orthodontic wax to cover any itchy areas.

Use any tape you have at home to cover the brackets.

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How many times a day should someone with braces brush their teeth?

With braces, you actually don't need to bother about brushing because the brackets guard your teeth from plaque.

Only once in the morning is required for tooth brushing.

Just before going to bed is the only time you need to wash your teeth.

After each meal, you must brush your teeth.

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How frequently should someone with braces floss?

When wearing braces, you should floss right away after every meal.

With braces, flossing is only necessary once per week.

When you have braces, one daily flossing is sufficient.

Brackets prevent flossing because they are in the way.

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When participating in sports while wearing braces, is a mouthguard required?

There is no need to use a mouthguard while playing sports because the likelihood of harming your teeth or braces is negligible.

If you choose to, you are not required to use a mouthguard.

False question If you have braces, you should avoid playing sports since you could harm your teeth.

In order to protect your braces, teeth, and other players from injury while playing any sport, it is best to use a mouthguard. To fit over your braces, an orthodontist can create one specifically for you.

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If your braces are causing your teeth to hurt, do you need to see your orthodontist?

If you have braces on and your teeth are hurting, see your dentist.

Braces shouldn't ever hurt. Make a trip to the emergency department if you are in pain.

It varies. Your braces will cause some discomfort as they work their magic to reposition your teeth. Only in cases when the pain is severe or is brought on by damaged brackets and wires should you visit your orthodontist.

Yes. Ask your dentist to see you right away if you're hurting from your braces.

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What foods can I safely consume while wearing braces?

With braces, bananas are completely safe.

The saying "an apple a day keeps the braces away" is true.

Anything is up for grabs!

None of the above.

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