Braces in Parsippany, NJfor Kids, Teens & Adults

Self-ligating braces are a modern alternative to traditional orthodontic braces. They consist of a special kind of brackets that have a built-in clip to hold the wire in place, eliminating the need for elastic bands. This design allows teeth to move more freely, reducing discomfort and potentially speeding up the treatment process. Furthermore, they are easier to clean and require fewer visits to the orthodontist for adjustments. If you’re seeking a more efficient and comfortable choice for braces, our self-ligating bracket system could be the perfect fit for your orthodontic needs.

The amount of time spent in braces will vary depending on the individual patient because every smile responds differently to treatment. Treatment times can take anywhere between 6 and 30 months, but most standard treatments take about 22 months.

When you first get your braces, you may notice that your teeth and mouth feel a little tender or sore. This is perfectly normal, and we promise your mouth will not be sore forever! To relieve the pain, we recommend dissolving one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of lukewarm water. Swish and gargle this solution in your mouth for just a couple of minutes. (Do not swallow the saltwater.)

If the pain is more severe and does not go away after rinsing, you can also try taking an over-the-counter pain reliever (such as Tylenol or Advil). It is also not uncommon for your lips, cheeks, and tongue to become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become used to the braces. We would be happy to give you some wax that you can put over the braces to lessen the tenderness. If you need some wax, please let us know.

With braces, you should brush your teeth at least three times a day to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy and clean. Brushing regularly will help remove any food that may be caught between the braces. You should also floss daily to get in between your braces where your brush isn’t able to reach. Our team can show you how to properly brush and floss once your braces are placed.

Don’t worry — you’ll be eating popcorn and snacking on potato chips again in no time! However, before you can start enjoying some of the treats you love, you will need to take special care to avoid any foods that could damage your braces.

Some foods to avoid with braces are:

• Chewy Foods — Bagels, licorice
• Crunchy Foods — Popcorn, chips, ice
• Sticky Foods — Caramel candies, chewing gum
• Hard Foods — Nuts, hard candies
• Foods That Require Biting Into — Corn on the cob, apples, carrots

However, there are still many foods you can enjoy with braces!

• Dairy — Soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks
• Breads — Soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins without nuts
• Grains — Pasta, soft cooked rice
• Meats/Poultry — Soft cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats
• Seafood — Tuna, salmon, crab cakes
• Vegetables — Mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans
• Fruits — Applesauce, bananas, fruit juice
• Treats — Ice cream without nuts, milkshakes, Jell-O, soft cake

For some foods, you can still incorporate them into your diet. Whole apples should be cut into wedges, and vegetables should be cooked until soft.

Yes! In fact, it’s even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit their dentist regularly. With braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush can’t reach. This causes bacteria to build up that can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Your dentist will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while wearing braces.