The moment your braces come off is a reward, but the weeks before you start treatment can be the time when the most questions begin to accumulate. What age is right? Which type of braces fit your lifestyle? What happens on the day you get your braces?
The moment your braces come off is a reward, but the weeks before you start treatment can be the time when the most questions begin to accumulate. What age is right? Which type of braces fit your lifestyle? What happens on the day you get your braces? At Runnels Orthodontics, Dr. Scott Runnels serves the communities of Destin and Santa Rosa Beach, FL, and is always ready for questions from first-time patients. We will walk you through each stage of starting braces so you know what to expect even before you sit in the chair.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child have a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, which lets Dr. Runnels spot bite and spacing problems while the jaw is still growing. Most 7-year-olds do not need braces yet, but early screening catches issues that are simpler to correct now than later. If you are unsure whether your child is ready, our blog on signs your child needs an orthodontist covers what to watch for.
Most patients start braces between ages 11 and 14, once the permanent teeth have come in. The jaw is still developing at this stage, so teeth respond well and move more predictably. Many teens also feel comfortable in braces because friends are wearing them at the same time.
Adults can straighten their teeth at any age because healthy teeth move regardless of how old you are. One of the biggest questions adults have is whether braces or aligners are better for them. Aligners can be a great option for the right patient, but they are more limited in the orthodontic problems that they can address, so they aren’t the right option for everyone.
The old putty molds used to take an impression of the teeth were never comfortable for patients. The thick gel was gag-inducing, and it often tasted unpleasant. We have replaced this method with the iTero digital scanner, which takes a fast and accurate picture of your teeth. Digital scanning provides many other benefits, including better precision and treatment visualization.
Dr. Runnels uses a proprietary S.M.A.R.T. Analysis that looks past the teeth to the smile, upper jaw width, airway, tonsils and root angles. Our 3D evaluation can flag breathing and developmental concerns that a standard exam would not be able to catch, and you can receive a flash drive of your records to share with a pediatrician or ENT.
During your first visit, you can expect a digital scan and an exam, along with a conversation with Dr. Runnels about your orthodontic health and what solutions may be available to address your concerns. Once he understands your situation, Dr. Runnels will review your treatment plan and explain the timeline and potential cost. We can estimate your insurance coverage and explain your out-of-pocket portion. To make your first appointment even easier, you can download your new patient forms ahead of time and read our office and insurance policies so the appointment moves quickly.
Metal brackets and wires are the most durable and cost-effective option we offer. Many kids and teens choose them, and colored bands let younger patients personalize their look.
Clarity ceramic brackets are translucent and stain-resistant, so they blend with your natural teeth and stay clear throughout treatment. Ceramic is more brittle than metal, so Dr. Runnels may not recommend this option for every situation, or may suggest a mouth guard during sports or other activities.
Lingual braces attach to the back of your teeth and stay hidden from view. Few orthodontists have the training to fit them, but Dr. Runnels completed extensive continuing education to offer this option to patients who want their treatment invisible. Still not sure which is best for you? See all three side by side.
Placing braces takes one to two hours, and the process does not hurt. We polish and dry each tooth so the adhesive bonds well, then paint on a conditioning gel that helps the brackets grip the enamel. Dr. Runnels positions each bracket by hand and hardens the dental adhesive with a curing light, threading the archwire through the brackets and holding it in place with elastic ties. You can pick your color for the elastic ties.
During this process, you will feel pressure as the wire is put into place, but this is not painful. Before you leave, we will show you how to brush and floss around your new hardware and give you a kit that includes wax in case you notice any rubbing or irritation as your mouth gets used to your braces.
Your teeth will feel sore for about two to three days as they start to shift. You can manage this with over-the-counter pain medication and cold foods or drinks. Your tongue and lips may also need a few days to get used to the brackets rubbing against the inside of your mouth. The orthodontic wax will cover over any sharp edges while the soft tissue toughens.
Some people notice slight changes in their speech as they adjust, but this resolves after several days as your tongue learns the new shape of your teeth. Eat softer foods the first week, like yogurt, pasta, eggs and smoothies so you don’t have to put as much pressure on your sore teeth. Eventually, your mouth will adjust, and you will likely forget your braces are even there.
Once you have braces, you will need to change several of your eating habits for the duration of your treatment. You will need to avoid popcorn, hard candy, gum and other sticky or crunchy foods to keep from bending or breaking your brackets and wires. Make sure to brush thoroughly after every meal and floss every day using a threader or a small proxy brush to clean around the brackets. Trapped food around your braces can raise your risk of decay and gum disease. You will see Dr. Runnels every four to six weeks for adjustments.
Treatment usually lasts 18 months to 3 years depending on your case. Once your braces come off, teeth naturally drift back toward their old position, so you wear a retainer to hold your result. Our clear Runnels Retainers come in four sets and stay invisible, and our post on common retainer mistakes explains how to keep your smile straight for good.
Dr. Runnels has treated first-time patients of all ages across Destin and Santa Rosa Beach for more than 25 years, with many five-star Google reviews. Contact us or call 850-252-8139 to book your consultation at Runnels Orthodontics and see your treatment plan before you begin.
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