Most people come to an orthodontic consultation ready to ask about treatment options and timelines, but the best questions are the ones you didn’t know you needed to ask! Dr. Brian and Dr. Lynn at Smith & Smith Orthodontics want every patient to feel confident in their treatment plan—not just in how it works, but in how it fits into their everyday life. Let’s go beyond the usual questions and dive into five that will give you a better understanding of what to expect.
How Will My Treatment Fit Into My Daily Routine?
Orthodontic care should work for you, not the other way around. Dr. Brian and Dr. Lynn at Smith & Smith Orthodontics know that whether you’re juggling school, work, or weekends spent at San-Lee Park, the right treatment should blend seamlessly into your daily routine.
Braces vs. Clear Aligners
- Braces: Brushing takes a little extra effort, food choices might need adjusting, and regular checkups with Dr. Brian and Dr. Lynn help keep things on track.
- Clear Aligners: 3M Clarity aligners offer more flexibility, but they need to be worn 20-22 hours a day—and don’t forget to take them out before your favorite meal at La Dolce Vita Pizzeria.
If you’re always on the go, Smith & Smith Orthodontics can recommend options that require minimal maintenance throughout the day. The more your treatment fits into your schedule, the easier it is to stay on track.
When life throws a curveball—like a misplaced aligner or a popped bracket—it helps to know exactly what to do. Let’s break down how to handle these hiccups so your treatment stays on track.
What Happens If I Lose an Aligner or Break a Bracket?
Life doesn’t stop for orthodontic treatment, and accidents can happen. Dr. Brian and Dr. Lynn at Smith & Smith Orthodontics have seen it all—lost aligners at family cookouts, brackets knocked loose during a pickup game at Kiwanis Park, and wires bending after biting into something crunchy at Fairview Dairy Bar. Knowing what to do in these situations can help you stay on track without stress.
Braces
- If a bracket breaks or a wire pops out of place, call Smith & Smith Orthodontics for advice.
- Orthodontic wax can help cover sharp edges until you come in for an adjustment.
- Avoid hard or sticky foods that could make the issue worse.
Clear Aligners
- If one of your Smith and Smith aligners is lost, contact the office right away—skipping trays for too long can slow progress.
- In some cases, Dr. Brian and Dr. Lynn may recommend moving to the next aligner in your series.
- Keeping your previous aligner as a backup can help if you ever misplace one.
A quick call to Smith & Smith Orthodontics can help you figure out the best next step. Now, let’s talk about something patients don’t always expect—how treatment can affect speech.
Will Braces or Aligners Change the Way I Speak?
Adding something new to your mouth—whether it’s braces or clear aligners—can feel a little different at first, and some patients worry about how it might affect their speech. Dr. Brian and Dr. Lynn at Smith & Smith Orthodontics reassure patients that while there may be a short adjustment period, it won’t last long. Braces typically don’t change the way you speak, though some patients notice that their tongue needs a little time to get used to the brackets and wires. If anything feels awkward at first, reading aloud or talking more frequently can help you adapt quickly.
Clear aligners, on the other hand, may cause a slight lisp in the beginning, but this usually disappears within a few days. Practicing conversations, singing along to your favorite playlist, or even reading out loud can help your tongue adjust faster. The most important thing? Wearing aligners as directed. Taking them out too often can actually extend the learning curve. Speech adjustments are minor and temporary, and before you know it, talking will feel completely natural again.
Now, let’s get into something everyone asks about—food!
Can I Still Enjoy My Favorite Local Foods?
Braces or clear aligners don’t mean giving up great food, but they do require a few adjustments. Dr. Brian and Dr. Lynn at Smith & Smith Orthodontics help patients enjoy meals without worrying about damaging their braces or affecting their aligners.
Braces: Small Changes, Plenty of Choices
Braces require avoiding foods that are hard, crunchy, or sticky—so no popcorn at The Temple Theatre or caramel apples from the Lee Regional Fair. But that doesn’t mean missing out! Softer options like mac and cheese from Smoke and Barrel or fresh seafood from Mayo’s are great alternatives.
Clear Aligners: Eat What You Want—With a Routine
Aligners are removable, meaning no food restrictions—just take them out before eating and brush them before putting them back in. That means you can still grab a sandwich from Kathy’s Java Express without worry.
Eating with braces or aligners just takes a little planning. Now, let’s talk about what comes after treatment—your retainer routine.
What Will My Retainer Routine Look Like?
Finishing braces or clear aligner treatment doesn’t mean you’re done—keeping your teeth in place requires a retainer. Dr. Brian and Dr. Lynn at Smith & Smith Orthodontics help patients transition from active treatment to long-term maintenance with a retainer routine that fits their lifestyle.
Types of Retainers
- Removable Retainers: Worn at night and taken out during the day.
- Bonded (Fixed) Retainers: A thin wire is placed behind the teeth for a low-maintenance option.
What to Expect
- Retainers are worn full-time at first, then gradually reduced to nighttime wear.
- Cleaning is simple—removable retainers should be brushed daily, and fixed retainers need flossing to stay clear of buildup.
- Lost a retainer? Call Smith & Smith Orthodontics to replace it before the teeth shift.
Keeping your teeth in place is simple with the right routine, and Dr. Brian and Dr. Lynn will make sure you feel confident about what comes next!
From Questions to Confidence
Starting orthodontic treatment is exciting, and asking the right questions makes the process even smoother. Dr. Brian and Dr. Lynn at Smith & Smith Orthodontics are here to make sure every step—from your first consultation to your final retainer check—is clear and comfortable. No matter if you’re considering braces or clear aligners, the best way to get started is by scheduling a free consultation at our Sanford or Bayboro locations. Let’s talk about what’s next for your smile!