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Braces FAQ

Home » Braces » Braces FAQ

Why Should an Orthodontic Specialist Complete My Treatment?

Teeth, and sometimes entire facial structures, are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment. It is important that the treatment be appropriate and properly completed. Orthodontic specialists have extensive and specialized training that enables them to provide their patients with professional, personalized treatments.

At What Age Should I Schedule an Appointment for an Orthodontic Screening?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age 7. For most children, several permanent teeth have erupted by this age, allowing the orthodontist to effectively evaluate the patient’s orthodontic condition.

Will My Teeth Straighten Out As I Grow and Get Older?

No, they will not. The space available for the front teeth does not increase as you grow. In most people, after the permanent molars erupt, the space available for the front teeth decreases with age.

Is It Too Late to Have Braces if I’m Already an Adult?

No patient is “too old” to wear braces! A surprising percentage of our patients are adults. 25 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults. Health and happiness are vitally important to adults, and orthodontic treatment can increase your self-esteem at any age!

How Long Will It Take to Complete Treatment?

Overall treatment time depends on each patient’s specific orthodontic problem(s). In general, treatment times range from 12 to 30 months. The “average” timespan a patient wears braces is approximately 22 months.

How Often Will I Have an Appointment?

Appointments are scheduled according to each patient’s needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every 5 to 10 weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly. At Dressler Orthodontics, we are available over text to help you with minor problems, so you don’t need to come into the office unless it’s absolutely necessary.

Can I Drop My Child Off for an Appointment?

Yes. We understand your schedule is busy, and we are happy to help you make the most of your time. On some occasions, we may request to speak with a parent when they return, so we ask that parents check-in with their patient manager before dropping off their child.

Does Wearing Braces Hurt?

Generally, braces do not “hurt.” After certain appointments, your teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, over-the-counter pain medications, such as Advil or Tylenol, will ease the discomfort. However, after most visits, patients do not feel any soreness at all! We often remind our patients, “It does not have to hurt to work!”

Can I Still Play Sports or Play My Instrument While Wearing Braces?

Yes! We recommend that patients wear mouthguards while playing sports. Musicians will likely experience an adjustment period until they are comfortable playing while wearing braces.

Do I Need to See My General Dentist While Wearing Braces?

Yes! Regular check-ups with your general dentist are important while in braces. Your dentist will determine the intervals between each cleaning appointment while you have your braces.

How Often Should I Brush My Teeth While I Have Braces?

Patients should brush their teeth at least four times each day – after each meal and before going to bed. We will also show you how to floss your teeth with braces, and we may provide a prescription for a special fluoride treatment, if necessary.

Are There Any Foods I Cannot Eat While I Have Braces?

Yes. Once treatment begins, we will explain our complete instructions and provide you with a comprehensive list of foods to avoid. Some of those foods include ice, hard candy, raw vegetables, and all sticky foods (i.e. caramel and taffy). You can avoid most repair appointments by carefully following our instructions!

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Please fill out the information below, and one of our team members will contact you to schedule an appointment time. We look forward to seeing you soon.
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Chattanooga
  • 6820 Lee Hwy
    Chattanooga, TN 37421
  • (423) 894-6318
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South Pittsburg
  • 1904 S Cedar Ave
    South Pittsburg, TN 37380
  • (423) 894-6318
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What Our Patients Are Saying

Brianna S.
Literally had the best experience! Couldn’t ask for a better orthodontist.
Anna A.
Came in because I ate a chip and messed up my retainer. Dr Dressler’s and his assistants were amazing!!!! Shout out the girls in the back. Highly recommend this place! Thank you guys! 💕
Shoey R.
If I was to recommend anyone to get braces, I would tell them to come here! Love this crew and Dr. Dressler… also teeth came out amazing!
Kelly C.
Dr. Dresslers office is awesome, my Daugther’s braces were done by them and they did wonderful! My son just had his put on and I’m sure the results will be just as great! Highly recommend!
Mary B.
Wonderful group of people. Everyone was really nice and helpful. The place is very nice and clean.
Laura J.
The staff is super nice, they are very flexible with you if something happens. They get you in right away. We have had nothing but great experiences there.
Robert B.
This is our second child getting braces here and they are phenomenal again! Staff is always great! Dr Dressler really knows his stuff. He is quite funny as well. My kids love them! Well worth the money!
Sarah P.
Dr. Dressler and all of his staff are wonderful! Both my girls are current patients and we could not be happier with the service provided by Dressler Orthodontics.
Stephanie P.
This is our 2nd child added to Dr Dresser's office. We received a generous discount for having multiple children in braces thru his practice. At any time we were having problems making monthly payments we just had to call and they worked with whatever was best for us. I truly have never had a better experience with any medical or dental practices than with Dr Dresslers.
The S.
We immediately felt very welcomed by their staff. Dr. Dressler took the time to explain in detail what to expect over the next 2 years of this journey and quickly got us in for her appointment to put on her braces. An area where they truly excelled was their office manager took the time to call our insurance company and obtain all of the information including their her actual policy information since we had just changed companies and didn’t have the cards yet. She had in minutes what could’ve taken weeks potentially!! We also had established an expense account to go towards health costs and she helped us track that down with the utmost patience and diligence. I love the sense of family amongst the staff, and their office is very clean and love that they diffuse yummy smelling essential oils vs harsh scents; so being someone who’s very sensitive to chemicals, this made a good impression. My daughter loves her braces, ands they got us in immediately when we needed a quick repair . I know we made the right decision going with Dresslers office, and not knowing where to start, since we are brand new to the area and knew no one. A true gem and win!
Andrea G.
Being a prior patient with a “Dressler Smile”, I only wanted the best when it comes to my son. If excellent care by Dr Dressler and his staff wasn’t enough of a reason to come see him, the convenience of being able to text pictures of my sons teeth, and receive a quote on braces, check my insurance, schedule an appt, all on my lunch break at work would be my next reason to go here. 1st visit we were in and out with braces! It seems I never remember that I need to call and make an appt until I am at work which is inconvenient time to call, then try and look at my schedule, this takes out all of that hassle and puts my life back in my hands.
Hannah F.
Dr Dressler & staff are fantastic! We never have to wait long either, the staff is quick to respond if we need help after hours. This is our 3 set of braces (third patient) with in our household he has done!
Cannon W.
Everyone at Dr. Dressler’s office was amazing! Very clear with plans, instructions, and information. I’m so glad we chose them! My son really liked Bria. She was great with him, she’s awesome! Dr. Dressler took his time and explained the needs and what he looked to happen in the future.
Josslyn K.
Great place! Wonderful staff. They took my very shy and anxious kid and made her experience one that she raved about. Keep up the great work.
Marionnth “Maudi” D.
Dr. Dressier and his staff are amazing. My daughters felt comfortable and they guided us through the whole process.
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