Is it required that I have a referral to come for an initial consult for braces?
No, you may schedule an appointment when you feel the time is right. Many patients will be given a referral from their regular family dentist. Both of these are the right decision.
Is there a fee for my first visit?
Your first visit with us is free. We will evaluate to see if it is the right time for you to start treatment with us.
What is the right age to start treatment?
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends children have an initial evaluation at the age of seven. We may decide to start treatment at this time or put your child on a recall status to watch the development of teeth so we begin at the right time for them.
Am I too old to get braces?
You are never too old for braces! Everyone deserves a beautiful smile and a great functioning bite.
Do braces hurt?
The process of getting braces on doesn’t hurt. We do tell our patients that teeth will be sore for a few days and recommend they take Tylenol or Advil to help with the discomfort they may have. You may also have some discomfort from your follow-up visits. You may need a little Tylenol to get through but not always necessary.
Can I be with my child during all their visits?
Parents are always welcome at our office!! You may go anywhere your child goes in our office. We encourage you to be here with them so you know what is happening every step of the way in their treatment. You may ask questions, watch or just come for a visit!
How often do I come for visits?
We schedule our appointments every 6- 8 weeks. Sometimes this may be a little different depending on your treatment.
Will I need teeth out for my orthodontic treatment?
That is something we will not be sure of until the diagnostic records are done. We will only remove teeth if that is the best option for a good functioning bite. If treatment calls for teeth out we will refer you to your family dentist or an oral surgeon.
When should I brush my teeth?
We recommend that you brush your teeth morning, night, and after every meal. It is very important to your treatment that you maintain healthy dental habits while you are in treatment.
Do I still go to my family dentist?
Yes, you will still go to your regular dentist for dental cleanings. We do not clean your teeth here and you still need to have that done on a regular basis. Please talk to your dentist for their recommended cleaning schedule.
Can I go to school after braces are placed?
Yes!! You can go right to school after your appointment. You may want to eat right after your appointment before you experience any discomfort. Fill the stomach and keep yourself busy!
Do you have before and after school times?
We do have some times set aside for before and after school. We try to see as many people during this time, but they are very popular spots and you may not always get one. If you miss an appointment or have to reschedule you may not be able to get another before or after school time for that appointment. We will work with you the best we can to find something that works for you and us.
Do you give shots?
No way, not a chance!! No shots here!
Can I play sports?
Yes, we just recommend you wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth.
Are there any emergencies in braces?
Most of the time there are no emergencies in braces. If you are having problems at home refer to our orthodontic problems and solution page. If you still can’t fix the problem please feel free to call our office and talk to one of us. If this problem happens on the weekend there will be numbers you can call. Please leave a message and someone will call you back.
Can I chew gum?
Yes, you may chew gum as long as is it little, soft, and sugar-free.
Are there foods I can’t eat with braces?
Yes! Hard and sticky foods can damage or pull off the braces. If this occurs a lot it may slow your treatment down. Please refer to our braces no-no section for a complete list of foods.
Do you use recycled braces?
We don’t use recycled braces, every patient receives a new set of braces!
Will I have to wear a retainer?
Yes! Yes! The retainer is a very important part of your treatment. We have moved your teeth to a new position and need to hold them there while the bone stabilizes around them. You must wear your retainer for 12 hours a day for the first 3-4 weeks then move to only night time wear. We recommend you wear them for years to maintain your new beautiful smile.
Albert Lea
1206 W. Front St.
Albert Lea, MN 56007
Phone: 507-373-1915
Fairmont
1235 Hwy. 15 S.
Fairmont, MN 56031
Phone: 507-238-4512
Rochester
2460 Hwy. 63 N.
Rochester, MN 55906
Phone: 507-282-6447