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  • COMPLIMENTARY CONSULT
  • Our Practice
    • Who We Are
    • What Makes Us Different
    • Meet Our Doctors
    • Meet Our Team
    • Technology
    • Community Involvement
    • Refer a Patient
    • Patient Reviews
  • Orthodontics
    • Braces
      • Types Of Braces
      • Braces For Kids
      • Braces For Teens
      • Braces For Adults
      • Braces FAQ
      • Payment Calculator
    • Invisalign
      • About Invisalign
      • Invisalign For Kids
      • Invisalign For Teens
      • Invisalign For Adults
      • Invisalign FAQ
      • Payment Calculator
    • Other Treatments
      • Early Orthodontics
      • Brava Independent Movers
      • Gum Contouring & Reshaping
      • Enamel Shaping
      • Zoom Whitening
  • Patient Resources
    • Your First Visit
    • Patient Forms
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    • Orthodontic FAQ
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Braces FAQ

Home » Braces » Braces FAQ

How Do Braces Work?

Traditionally, braces are made of brackets and wires that hold the braces on the teeth. While the brackets can be either metal or ceramic, depending on your preference, the archwire is always a flexible wire made of stainless steel used to connect the brackets. Ligatures, which are little elastic bands, are used to keep the archwire in place on the bracket.

The way braces work is by applying gentle pressure to gradually move the teeth into the right places. This process takes time, and throughout your treatment, we will make adjustments to the archwire to ensure there is consistent pressure being applied.

Do Braces Hurt?

Today’s orthodontic appliances make wearing braces a breeze. While braces themselves are painless to have put on, it’s normal to feel some discomfort or soreness after initially getting your braces on and after regular adjustment appointments.

What Foods Will I Have To Avoid When Getting Braces?

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 new braces. At your initial appointment, we’ll review in detail the foods that you will need to avoid and give you any tips on how to prevent food from damaging your brackets. Here are some common foods to avoid while you have braces:

  • 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

How Do I Care For My Teeth While Wearing Braces?

At your initial appointment, our team will explain the best way to care for your braces and teeth during treatment. Generally, you’ll need to be extra diligent about cleaning your teeth while wearing braces. When you have braces, it’s very important to brush and floss after every meal in order to keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment. If you need help choosing the right toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss, please ask us and we can help you choose the right products for your teeth and your appliance.

It’s important to follow our instructions carefully and call us if you have any questions or concerns about caring for your braces.

Should I Continue To See My Family Dentist While In Braces?

Absolutely! Our orthodontic team works closely with your family dentist to ensure that you receive the best care possible. It’s important to continue your routine dental cleanings to ensure your teeth are staying healthy during your braces treatment.

How Much Do Braces Cost?

The cost of braces varies by each case depending on the extent of any issues needing correction. At Holmes & Palmer Orthodontics, we work very hard for you to get the maximum insurance benefits for your treatment and customize all financing options to fit your specific budget. We believe everyone deserves a smile they are proud of and will work with you to make treatment affordable.

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Patient reviews

EVERY SMILE TELLS A SPECIAL STORY

We are thankful for the opportunity to serve our community with excellent care and take pride in our mission of having a patient-centered philosophy. Check out what our patients are saying about us!

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Rebecca M.
Everyone was very friendly, answered all questions, and very efficient! Gave us all the information we needed for this experience.
Sara W.
We are thrilled with the service at Holmes & Palmer Orthodontics! My son got his braces on a few months ago, and the entire process was seamless. The initial consult was extremely informative. The process of getting them on was efficient; they made sure he was comfortable and knew what was happening with each step. 10/10 - highly recommend
Sara W.
We are thrilled with the service at Holmes & Palmer Orthodontics! My son got his braces on a few months ago, and the entire process was seamless. The initial consult was extremely informative. The process of getting them on was efficient; they made sure he was comfortable and knew what was happening with each step. 10/10 - highly recommend
Gail B.
The entire staff is stellar. I had been told previously that my bottom teeth could not be corrected, but Dr. Palmer took a second look and is going to try. Makes me very happy.
Gail B.
The entire staff is stellar. I had been told previously that my bottom teeth could not be corrected, but Dr. Palmer took a second look and is going to try. Makes me very happy.
Kimberly N.
We moved to WV FROM NC and were worried about finding a orthodontist to pick up where we left off, and Dr.Palmer and Dr.Homes made us feel so welcome and comfortable.
We are thankful!
Kimberly N.
We moved to WV FROM NC and were worried about finding a orthodontist to pick up where we left off, and Dr.Palmer and Dr.Homes made us feel so welcome and comfortable.
We are thankful!
Jennifer P.
They are the best. So friendly and nice. My daughter never dreads her visits. They also make it very fun with a brace bucks program. Highly recommend!
Jennifer P.
They are the best. So friendly and nice. My daughter never dreads her visits. They also make it very fun with a brace bucks program. Highly recommend!
jellyfish53
Quick and efficient service from entire staff. Convenient location and courteous staff, from doctors to the dental assistants to the office staff. Makes orthodontic work enjoyable (well, almost)!
jellyfish53
Quick and efficient service from entire staff. Convenient location and courteous staff, from doctors to the dental assistants to the office staff. Makes orthodontic work enjoyable (well, almost)!
Amanda O.
Place was amazing to us!!!! Get experience the staff are so great and knowledgeable with explaining the whole process with us and answering all of our questions and concerns highly would recommend this place thank you all
Amanda O.
Place was amazing to us!!!! Get experience the staff are so great and knowledgeable with explaining the whole process with us and answering all of our questions and concerns highly would recommend this place thank you all
Amanda O.
Amazing place the staff were so great with my son clean environment everyone was so sweet and were so helpful along the way
Amanda O.
Amazing place the staff were so great with my son clean environment everyone was so sweet and were so helpful along the way
Our locations

Come by one of Our offices

  • Charleston, WV
  • 867 Oakwood Road
    Charleston, WV 25314
  • (304) 343-3672
Huntington office
  • Hurricane (Teays Valley), WV
  • 3659 Teays Valley Road Suite 200
    Hurricane, WV 25526
  • (304) 201-3672
Hurricane office
  • Huntington, WV
  • 451 Kinetic Drive Suite 200
    Huntington, WV 25701
  • (304) 343-3672
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  • Ashland, KY
  • 2000 Carter Ave.
    Ashland, KY 41101
  • 606-388-2561

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