No, getting braces does not hurt! When an expert orthodontist applies the braces to teeth, there is no pain at all. Most patients experience a bit of soreness a few hours after the orthodontic wire is put into the brackets, but that should dissipate after a few days as the teeth adjust to the pressure.
Braces Overview
Braces align your teeth and create a straighter, happier smile using a series of brackets, elastic, and wires. Children, teens, and adults are all candidates for traditional braces.
What Braces Address
Braces can treat a variety of alignment issues, including:
Overbite
Underbite
Open bite
Cross bite
Crowded teeth
Spacing
Generally crooked teeth
How Braces Work
Traditional braces use a system of brackets, bands, and wires to correct the alignment of your teeth and straighten your smile. They require regular adjustments to advance treatment and achieve your final alignment goals. With a variety of color choices possible at every visit, usually our younger patients choose traditional braces as a treatment of choice when offered.
What to Expect
Everyone who gets braces in Fairfax at Trü Orthodontics receives a customized treatment plan. After we first apply your braces, it will probably take a little time for your lips and cheeks to adjust, but our state-of-the-art practices and materials ensure the most comfortable braces. Once your braces are in place, your provider will show you everything you need to know to care for them and your teeth. Usually the wire needs replaced every 1 to 2 months to refine adjustments.
A Better Braces Experience
Advanced Techniques
We use advanced 3D scanning that eliminates the mess and discomfort of traditional mold-taking. This achieves the best possible treatment plan and fit for your braces.
Focus on Education
Our role is to help you understand the “why” behind your treatment, every step of the way. If you’re seeking braces for your child or teen, we make sure you fully understand the ins-and-outs. Every patient should feel like part of the process.
Always Accessible
With 4 board-certified orthodontists and 4 convenient locations in the Northern Virginia area, we’ve made it easy for you to obtain the friendly, positive care you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can customize the color of the elastic bands on your braces. Your child can choose the colors that best represent their personality, their favorite football team—you name it!
While you can mostly eat and drink everything you did before braces, there are certain foods that can damage your braces and should be avoided:
- Ice — Eating ice can damage both your teeth and your braces.
- Snack chips — Chips like Doritos, Cheetos and tortilla chips can cause damage to your braces, causing them to fall off your teeth
- Sticky foods — Caramels and chewing gum can get stuck in your braces, causing your appliances to come loose
- Hard foods — Much like ice, it is important to avoid foods that are hard and can break brackets, like nuts and hard candies.
- Foods that require biting into — Eating corn on the cob, apples or carrot sticks will be difficult and can also damage your braces.
Yes! Trü Orthodontics is committed to providing flexible and accessible payment options. Our goal is to make orthodontic treatment more affordable for everyone getting braces in Fairfax! Our options include discounts for those without insurance, monthly promotions, and even extended payment plans through our trusted third-party agency, Cherry.
Are Traditional Braces Right For You?
Our orthodontists are here to help you get the most from your smile.