Orthodontic Braces in Lake Oswego

The cost of braces treatment varies considerably based on the nature and severity of the misalignment being treated. It can also vary depending on the type of braces being used. Translucent braces, for example, tend to be more expensive than traditional metal ones.

Most children, teens, and adults with healthy teeth and gums are generally considered suitable candidates for braces. That said, certain people with significant recession or oral health conditions may not be candidates.

Braces come in a variety of styles and can address a wide range of moderate to complex orthodontic issues, so there are very few limits to who can benefit from them.

We offer translucent (polycrystalline) braces at Orthodontic Specialists of Lake Oswego as a more subtle option.

Translucent braces have brackets that are made from polycrystalline that is color-matched with your teeth, allowing them to blend in with your smile. You can learn more about these braces on this page under 'Types of Braces'.

Invisalign clear aligners are also an option for low-profile orthodontic treatment.

The average treatment time for braces is 12 to 24 months, but this can vary significantly from one patient to another. The duration of your orthodontic treatment depends primarily on the type and severity of your misalignment. As you might expect, mild or moderate cases are quicker to treat than more complex ones.

You'll probably need a week or two to become fully accustomed to your braces after your first get them. You may find it hard to resist poking them with your tongue as you get used to how the wires and brackets feel.

You may also notice that certain areas of your mouth rub against the braces and get sore. Orthodontic wax can be placed on the braces in these areas to help create a smoother surface with less friction as your mouth adjusts. Again, this discomfort is temporary, and after a couple of weeks, your mouth will likely feel normal again.

If you have metal braces with rubber bands, you can update the color of your braces when you come in for an adjustment appointment. Orthodontic elastics can come in a rainbow of different colors for you to choose from. Having the option to personalize your braces in this way can make the orthodontic treatment process a little more fun!

We also often use e-chain to close the spaces between teeth, and these come in lots of colors as well.

You can change the color of your braces based on the season, upcoming holidays, or your personal style.

You will almost certainly experience some discomfort at different points of your orthodontic treatment with braces. However, any pain you feel during your braces treatment is temporary and usually resolves over a few days or even hours.

Discomfort from braces usually occurs a week or so after you first get them and also for a few hours or days after your adjustment appointments as the teeth begin to shift. Patients tend to describe it as a sensation of pressure or an ache. Until the pain passes, it is usually easily managed with over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen.

Another type of temporary discomfort you may experience during your braces treatment is when the brackets rub against the inside of your mouth. This can also happen when you first get your braces and directly after adjustment appointments. Orthodontic wax can be applied to the braces in the areas where the rubbing occurs to create a smoother surface against the inside of your mouth. You can also use painkillers to manage this discomfort until it passes.

Absolutely! Adults are great candidates for braces! More and more adults these days are opting to undergo orthodontic treatment that they missed out on when they were younger, to improve their oral health and the appearance of smiles.

Many of our adult patients prefer the lower profile, more streamlined look of translucent ceramic braces or Invisalign. All these options allow you to straighten your teeth without the more pronounced appearance of traditional braces.

Yes, children as young as seven years old may be candidates for braces in some cases. Certain developing misalignments and bite problems can be more easily treated when children are young, when we can work with and guide their oral development, rather than undoing issues that are already established later on.

That said, we take a conservative approach to braces for children and only prescribe them when there's a risk of future orthodontic problems.

Yes, it's a good idea to brush your teeth at least after each meal throughout your braces treatment.

Oral hygiene becomes more important than ever while you're wearing braces. The presence of braces in your mouth introduces a multitude of tiny crevices, nooks, and crannies that were not there before. It's very easy for food particles to get caught in these tiny spaces, making them a breeding ground for bacteria.

To avoid developing cavities (not to mention tooth discoloration and bad breath), extra vigilance with your oral hygiene is essential.

Flossing with braces may seem complicated, but it's fairly straightforward once you get the hang of it!

To floss your teeth with braces, feed the floss down through the space between the archwire and your teeth. Floss threaders are available and can make the processes easier. Pull the end of the floss gently towards the back of the tooth and draw the floss up and down between the teeth. Then, repeat this process between each pair of teeth.

Eating with braces requires a little extra care, but you should still be able to eat many of the foods you love.

Avoid hard, crunchy, or overly sticky/tacky foods. In general, it's important to chew carefully while wearing braces and take your time. Avoid biting into foods like apples or corn on the cob (cut your apple into bite-sized pieces and shell your corn instead!) and avoid chewing gum completely.

For the most part, you can go on eating your normal diet – with a few modifications along the way.

Sports are fun and great exercise. In most cases, there is no reason to miss out on sports because of braces. If you want to continue getting out on the field, court, or rink during your treatment, we recommend wearing a sports mouth guard to protect your teeth, your mouth, and the braces themselves from damage.

Braces and Invisalign are both effective orthodontic treatment options, but there are differences between them that may affect their suitability for different individuals. 

Factors to consider when choosing between braces and Invisalign include your personal preferences and lifestyle, aesthetics, the nature and severity of your misalignment, and cost. You can learn more here.

Your orthodontist will assess your specific case and recommend the best treatment option for your needs.