Braces – West Palm Beach, FL

It’s normal to feel some soreness when braces are first placed or after adjustments. Braces work by applying steady, gentle pressure to move your teeth into the correct position, and this pressure can cause temporary discomfort. The good news is that the soreness usually fades within a few days as your mouth adjusts. The result is a healthier, more confident smile that can last a lifetime.

At McCranels Orthodontics, we make your comfort a priority. Our team will guide you through the process and provide tips to ease any temporary discomfort, so your braces experience is as smooth as possible. Schedule a free consultation to learn more about how braces can transform your smile.

No. You should avoid chewing gum with braces. Gum can and will stick to the brackets and wires, becoming difficult to remove and creating hygiene problems like bacterial buildup that can harm your teeth. Steering clear of gum helps keep your treatment on track and your smile healthy.

With braces, it is important to choose foods that will not damage the brackets or wires. Hard, sticky, or crunchy foods such as nuts, popcorn, chips, hard candies, and raw apples can cause damage and delay your treatment progress.

Instead, stick to softer options that are safe and easy to chew. Foods like pasta, yogurt, soups, soft fruits, cooked vegetables, and boneless meats are all excellent choices. These options keep your braces protected while still giving you plenty of variety in your diet.

Brushing your teeth with braces requires a careful approach to keep your teeth and braces clean. Start by rinsing your mouth to remove any loose food particles or debris around the brackets and wires. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, preferably one with a smaller head for precision, to brush each tooth thoroughly. Pay close attention to the areas around and under the wires.

For the best results, brush after every meal and use an interdental brush or floss threader to reach tight spaces. Regular brushing will help maintain your oral health throughout your orthodontic treatment.

The length of time braces take depends on your unique orthodontic needs. On average, most patients achieve properly aligned teeth within 12 to 24 months. Minor issues, such as mild underbites or overbites, often take about a year, while more complex cases may need closer to two years of treatment.

These timelines are general estimates. At McCranels Orthodontics, our skilled team provides personalized treatment plans to meet your specific needs. Schedule a consultation to find out exactly how long your braces will take and start your journey toward a healthy, confident smile.

Getting braces placed is a straightforward process that usually takes about 1-2 hours. After your braces are on, it’s normal to experience some mild tenderness as your mouth adjusts, so plan your first day accordingly.

While McCranels Orthodontics is not in-network with any insurance, patients can submit claims for direct reimbursement to help offset treatment costs.

We also offer interest-free in-house financing to make braces more affordable. Contact our team to discuss your options and learn how we can support your smile journey. At McCranels Orthodontics, we are committed to helping you achieve a healthy, confident smile without financial stress.

Braces treatment is recommended to begin around age 7, when children start losing their baby teeth and permanent teeth begin to come in. Starting early helps address misalignments before they develop into more complex issues, reducing treatment time later on.

There is no upper age limit for braces. Adolescents and adults can receive orthodontic treatment as long as their teeth are healthy and in need of alignment.

For guidance on the right timing for your child or yourself, schedule a free consultation with McCranels Orthodontics. Our skilled orthodontists can assess your teeth and recommend the most effective treatment plan to achieve a healthy, confident smile.

Braces and Invisalign both effectively straighten teeth, but each has different benefits. Braces are fixed to your teeth and align them without needing to be removed, making them a reliable option for patients who prefer a low-maintenance solution. Invisalign aligners are removable, offering more flexibility and discretion, but they need consistent wear to be effective.

The best option depends on your individual needs, lifestyle, and treatment goals. McCranels Orthodontics can help you determine whether braces or Invisalign is the right choice. Schedule a free consultation to begin your journey toward a healthy, confident smile.

Signs that you might need braces include visibly crooked or crowded teeth, difficulty biting or chewing, frequent tongue or cheek biting, jaw pain, or teeth that do not meet properly. Treating these issues early can prevent more complex problems and help you achieve a healthy, comfortable smile.

If you’re considering braces in West Palm Beach, McCranels Orthodontics can help. Schedule a free consultation with our experienced orthodontists to evaluate your teeth and determine the best treatment plan for your smile.

Wax floss, which slides smoothly between teeth and around wires, is the best tool for flossing with braces. Gently guide the floss to the base of each tooth and use a curved motion, forming a “C” around the tooth, to clean thoroughly. After flossing, rinse your mouth with water to remove any remaining food particles or plaque.

Rubber bands, also called elastics, help braces correct bite issues such as overbites, underbites, and jaw alignment. They work by applying gentle, consistent pressure to guide teeth and jaws into their proper positions.

Not every patient needs rubber bands, as their use depends on your individual treatment plan. To find out whether rubber bands will be part of your braces, schedule a consultation with McCranels Orthodontics. Our experienced orthodontists will create a personalized plan to help you achieve a healthy, well-aligned smile.