Life with Braces

At Trimmell Anders & White Orthodontics, we utilize the latest, most efficient orthodontic technology and offer a variety of braces options! Most of our brackets are self-ligating. Simply put, each bracket has a little door/clip keeping the wire in place. Whether you want to rock metal braces with colors or you prefer a more discreet, less-visible option, our braces are sure to fit your needs!

Metal Braces

Metal braces have been around for many years and are our most popular brackets.  BONUS - choose from 20 colors to decorate the braces!  Favorite sports teams, school colors, holidays...showcase your personality in your smile! Not interested in colors? No problem - it's totally fine to rock the metal without colors!

Clear braces

Our clear braces are made of strong ceramic material and work just as effectively as the metal braces.  They look great on the teeth, are less noticeable than metal brackets, and will give you the confidence to smile both during and after orthodontic treatment!

Got braces? Check out these helpful tips and tricks to enjoying life with braces!

Getting braces or other orthodontic appliances is such an important life event. But, this can also require some slight adjustments to eating and oral hygiene habits. We've listed a few here to keep you on the right track to a new, improved, healthier smile!!

For the first 24 hours, your new braces will definitely need some TLC. The bonding material used to hold the brackets on the teeth needs time to set up, so we suggest eating soft foods during this time. Some good examples are:

• Macaroni & Cheese
• Applesauce
• Pudding
• Yogurt
• Mashed Potatoes
• Smoothies
• …and, of course, ICE CREAM!!

Avoid biting into foods such as sandwiches, cookies, chicken, pizza, and anything hard. (You may begin to slowly add foods back into your diet as you progress through treatment, but be careful not to bite into anything too hard.)

Since you now have brackets and wires, your teeth will begin moving and will be sensitive and sore. Keep in mind, the discomfort is normal and can last anywhere from three days to two weeks. We suggest taking an over-the-counter pain reliever (follow directions on the label for dosage). This can reduce the discomfort and help you through this adjustment period.

A few more helpful hints:

• See your dentist every 6 months for regular cleaning and examination
• Brush your teeth before visiting your orthodontist and staff - Remember we have a fully stocked brushing station for your convenience! 
• Don't hesitate to ask questions about your treatment while you are being seen by the doctor or the assistant
• Before leaving, check your wires to ensure nothing is poking you

Having some issues with your braces? Check out more tips here: Handling Orthodontic Issues/Emergencies