Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have put together a helpful list that outlines when you should call Dr. Reed. Here are some early warning signs indicating it’s time to check in with us:

1. Early or late loss of baby teeth
2. Difficulty of chewing or biting
3. Mouth breathing
4. Finger sucking or other oral habits
5. Crowding, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
6. Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or retrude
7. Speech difficulty
8. Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
9. Protruding teeth
10. Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all
11. Facial imbalance or asymmetry
12. Grinding or clenching of teeth

Do any of these warning signs fit you? If so, give us a call as soon as possible!

Hope this helps,

Dr. Charles Reed

As the holiday season approaches, Dr. Charles Reed and the team at Reed Orthodontics wanted to celebrate the season by supporting our community through a holiday food drive.

Please bring non-perishable food donations to our office from now until December 22. When you drop off your donation, your name will be placed in a drawing to win a SuperTarget gift card!

If you have questions, give us a call at either our Denver or Centennial offices or contact us on Facebook.

Help us put a smile on everyone's face during the upcoming holidays and thank you for your support!

Happy October! For those who don't know, it’s National Orthodontic Health Month. This month-long event is organized by our pals at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO.

Dr. Reed and our team realize that this is a great opportunity for us to raise awareness about the importance of oral hygiene. National Orthodontic Health Month also aims to recognize the dedicated work of orthodontists like Dr. Reed and other dental professionals in Colorado.

The AAO recommends patients avoid the following Halloween treats, or recipes with these ingredients:

• Caramel
• Nuts
• Popcorn (including un-popped kernels)
• Taffy
• Jelly beans
• Hard pretzels
• Licorice
• Bubblegum
• Ice

If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call, ask us on Facebook, or ask Dr. Reed during your visit this month!

Here at Reed Orthodontics, we know that it can sometimes be difficult for our orthodontic patients to avoid foods that are sticky, crunchy or chewy. That's why we wanted to share a braces-friendly recipe for Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, which was submitted to us by Constandina A. These cookies are delicious, and they only take 10-12 minutes to bake. Let us know what you think!

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup butter flavored shortening
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. salt
3 cups rolled oats
1 cup raisins

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, butter flavored shortening, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt; stir into the sugar mixture. Stir in the oats, soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt; stir in the oats and raisins. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake 10-12 minutes until light and golden. Do not over bake. Cool 2 minutes before removing from cookie sheets.

Just a reminder – If you haven’t already, there’s only a little over two weeks left to submit your contest entries for The Reed Orthodontics iPad Contest. The more entries that you submit, the greater your chance is to take home that brand new iPad! Check out this short video to learn more about how you can enter to win.

The weather is warm here in Aurora, Denver and Centennial, CO, and we know that patients don't want to fuss with heating up the oven to bake cookies! That's why our team thought that we'd share this delicious no bake cookies recipe on our blog this week. Thanks to Mary for this wonderful addition to the Reed Orthodontics Cookie Cookbook!

Ingredients
Part A:
2 cups sugar
3 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa
1/2 cup margarine
1/2 cup milk
Dash of salt

Part B:
3 cups quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 tsp. vanilla

Directions
Bring ingredients in Part A to a rapid boil. Boil for 1 minute and then add ingredients in Part B. (Have part B ingredients measured and ready to dash into cooked mixture). Mix well and (working quickly) drop by spoonfuls onto waxed paper.

Don't forget that the "Where in the World is Dr. Reed" contest is still going on at Reed Orthodontics! It is the perfect opportunity for anyone traveling outside of Denver and Centennial, CO, to share their vacation with Dr. Reed and our team.

All you have to do is snap a photo with Dr. Reed's photo on your summer vacation. We already have some great pictures on our Facebook page, but there is always room for more! Don't have Dr. Reed's picture? No problem, you can pick up a Dr. Reed on a stick at your next appointment. Our team will be selecting five winners in the following categories: Most Unusual, Closest to Denver, Farthest Away from Denver and Funniest.

The contest winners will be selected at the beginning of September, so don't delay in submitting your entry! Thank you for all of the great pictures already and we look forward to seeing more! Don't forget to have fun and be creative!

We can't wait to see where Dr. Reed ends up next!

Are you brushing and flossing daily properly during your orthodontic treatment? If yes, that’s great! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit your general dentist every 3-to-6 months in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing (and visiting Reed Orthodontics, of course). Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health, especially during orthodontic treatment.

Your general dentist can check for problems that might not be seen or felt, detect cavities and early signs of decay, treat oral health problems early and show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth.

During an oral exam your dentist can check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, let us know during your next visit and we will provide a few great references in the greater Denver and Centennial, CO areas!

The activism of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was integral to the U.S. civil rights movement of the 1950s and ‘60s. As the social justice leader once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’” There are many ways that you may answer this question, whether it is by participating in a environmental impact project, volunteering through an education program, or serving veterans and military families. Are you in search of a Day of Service project? You can always ask Dr. Charles Reed, or visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service website.

All of us here at Reed Orthodontics would love to hear what you’re doing for others in the Centennial, CO and Denver, CO areas. We encourage you to share any pictures, videos, or information about your Day of Service project on our Facebook page. Happy MLK Day!

Hey Seniors! Are you excited to show off your fabulous smile in senior pictures? Reed Orthodontics invites you to share your senior photo on our Facebook page, or by emailing them to beg4braces@aol.com, for a chance to win $100 in our contest.

Invite your friends to vote for your photo on our Facebook page as the most FABULOUS! The more people you invite to "like" your photo, the better your chances to win $100. Good luck!

Let’s face it- when was the last time you managed to keep a New Year’s resolution? We at Reed Orthodontics believe the key to sticking to a goal is picking one that is both reasonable and attainable. If you haven’t yet picked a New Year’s resolution, consider setting one that will improve your oral health!

For example, resolve to brush twice and floss once a day. Good oral hygiene only takes a few minutes a day, and can make a big difference in your oral health and overall health too! For more oral health-themed resolutions for you and your family, check out this article.

We would love to see what you come up with, share with us by commenting on this post or on our Facebook page. Whatever your New Year’s Resolution, we wish you the very best for 2011!

-Happy New Year, from your friends at Reed Orthodontics

Dr. Reed and our team are excited to announce that Jordan is the winner of the Reed Orthodontics Cute Pet Contest. His Chihuahua received 52 Facebook "likes" and 9 comments. Congratulations Jordan!

Jordan said that he would like to use the $100 Visa gift card to buy food, blankets, and toys for the Dumb Friends League. Be sure to visit our Facebook page for pictures in the upcoming weeks!

Happy Holidays, from our entire team at Reed Orthodontics!

Everyone loves fun facts. Fun, fun, fun! The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that our team at Reed Orthodontics thought you might enjoy.

• There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States. Three out of four are younger than 18.
• The first mechanical treatment for correcting irregular teeth was suggested by Gaius Plinius Secundus (A.D 23-79).
• The American Association of Orthodontists is comprised of more than 12,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad.
• The time required to complete orthodontic treatment ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem.
• Of the 160,000 dentists in the United States and Canada, 8,000 are practicing orthodontists.
• The cement that attaches the braces to the teeth is now made with a special fluoride-releasing substance.
• Wires activated by body heat used in today's braces originally were developed by NASA for use in the space program.
• In addition to alleviating or preventing physical health problems, orthodontics can boost self-esteem as treatment aligns teeth, jaws and lips.
• Famous orthodontic patients include: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes and Brandi.

From your very first visit to Reed Orthodontics our doctors and team strive to provide superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. Have you had a great experience at our office?

Share your story with the world!

Just select the "Write a Review" button above to write a review on our Google Place Page. We look forward to receiving your feedback!

Thank you,

The team at Reed Orthodontics

At Reed Orthodontics, we embrace technology, whether it’s through the innovative treatments we offer, our high-tech web site or our Facebook fan page. As you can probably tell, we love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas and pictures from our Cash For Candy event on our Facebook fan page. For social media to work, we understand that conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind. Although social networks are hugely popular these days, we know they’re unpredictable and ever-changing.

While Dr. Reed and our staff take a little time to research how to best use social media, we thought we’d ask you, our loyal patients: How would you like us to use our social networks? What would you like us to share on our blog? Please post your thoughts or give us a call!

Would you like to turn your Halloween candy into cash? With Halloween only two weeks away, Dr. Reed knows that there will soon be many tricks and treats! That's why we would like to invite all of our young trick-or-treaters to join us and the Cody Dental Group at our Denver, CO office for our Cash for Candy event.

You're invited:
Who: All of our friends, family, and neighbors
What: Cash for Candy
Where: 4301 E. Amherst Ave., Denver, CO 80222
When: 9am - 1pm on Nov. 6, 2010
Why: To receive $1 per pound of wrapped Halloween candy for up to 10 pounds of candy. All of the candy collected will be sent to our active duty troops by Operation Gratitude.

Don't hesitate to give Dr. Reed or our team a call or visit the Cody Dental Group website if you have any questions about Cash for Candy. We look forward to seeing you there!

Our team at Reed Orthodontics loves interacting with our patients online through our social networks. This fall, Dr. Reed is excited to announce our Pet Contest. Now through mid-December, we would like to encourage our patients to share their pet photos with our office, their friends, and family, for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card.

There are three simple ways that you can enter our Pet Contest:

1) "Like" the Reed Orthodontics Facebook page and upload your pet photo onto the Facebook page wall.

2) Email your pet photo to beg4braces@aol.com, and we will share the photo on the Reed Orthodontics Facebook page wall.

3) Stop by one of our offices and drop off your pet photo. We will share the photo on the Reed Orthodontics Facebook page wall.

Now that you've entered your pet photo, invite all of your friends and family to "like" the Reed Orthodontics Facebook page and "like" your pet photo.The pet photo that receives the most "likes" on our Facebook page will win the $100 Visa gift card! This contest is open to all of our patients, as well as those that are not are patients.

Please give us a call if you have any questions about the contest, or if you would like to schedule an appointment.

Did you know that back in 2002, Tom Cruise had braces? During this time, he was 40 years old and filmed Minority Report, Austin Powers in Goldmember and the Last Samurai. Check out his smile in Jerry Maguire, Rain Man or The Firm and compare to the post-braces Tom Cruise in Valkyrie or Tropic Thunder. The fact is, movie stars need to look their best for the silver screen, and it wouldn't be possible without orthodontists like Dr. Reed.

In fact, lots of Hollywood stars have had orthodontic treatment. Check out this slideshow of famous faces with braces. If you’ve thought about getting the perfect smile you’ve always wanted, please give Reed Orthodontics a call.

Shannon has two children that receive treatment at Reed Orthodontics. Thanks for sharing your family's story, Shannon!

Reed Orthodontics has been serving the Aurora, Littleton, Englewood and Greater Denver area since 1984. Dr. Reed is an orthodontist specializing in braces for adults and children. We offer the state of the art Damon® System and Invisalign, as well as traditional braces. For more information on orthodontic treatment at our office, feel free to give us a call!

Grind, grind, grind. If you live with a teeth grinder, you may be familiar with this unpleasant sound, especially recently. A recent study published in the journal Head & Face Medicine suggests that people—adults and kids—faced with stress tend to cope by grinding their teeth. In addition, the Chicago Dental Society suggests that since the recession began in 2007, teeth grinding, or bruxism, has been on the rise.

The Chicago Dental Society surveyed more than 250 members about the connection between stress and oral health. Nearly 75 percent of dentists said their patients reported increased stress over the past year, largely due to the economic recession. During stressful times, teeth grinding can be a nuisance that causes headaches and sleep problems, but it also can cause lasting problems for your teeth and gums, including chipped teeth, worn enamel, chronic pain, or even TMJ, a painful jaw disorder.

The first step of recovering from teeth grinding is noticing the problem. Symptoms of teeth grinding include:

• Sensitivity in the teeth
• Tightness or pain in the jaw
• Dull headaches, earaches, or facial pain
• Chipped, worn down, or loose teeth

An important thing to remember is that people frequently grind their teeth in response to stress, and taking measures to reduce or eliminate stress can help solve the problem. If the teeth-grinder in your house can’t stop, schedule an appointment to see us by giving us a call. Dr. Reed and our team at can help determine the cause of the problem.

It’s June already! Where does the time go?

Dr. Reed and team are excited to tell you June marks National Smile Month, a great time to remind our patients to brush, floss, practice good nutrition at home (and over the summer) to avoid cavities and gum disease, among other dental health issues.

After all, there’s more and more evidence that suggests folks with gum disease are more at risk for serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and strokes.

Here are a few easy steps you can improve your oral health at home:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth and braces
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks during orthodontic treatment.
* Visit your general dentist regularly (usually every six months apart).

If you have questions about any of the tips here, we encourage you to give us a call!

–Reed Orthodontics of Centennial & Denver, CO

Usually patients in orthodontic treatment already have their permanent teeth – they are pre-teens, teens and adults. But in some cases we have to start treatment earlier, even before the patient’s permanent teeth come in. We call this “two-phase treatment.”

When we have patients with clear developmental problems at an early age, it’s best to start work when they are young, before the problems get bigger and more difficult to treat.

Examples include:
• An upper or lower jaw that is not growing correctly
• A mouth growing in a way that doesn’t leave enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in
• A severe malocclusion, or bad bite, which means the jaw doesn’t fit together correctly

In these cases we will start early and do one round of treatment – phase one – while the patient still has their baby teeth. Phase one usually does not involve braces, but can include a different type of appliance that helps the jaw grow into place properly. We’ll follow up with phase two usually a few years later, when permanent teeth are in place. Generally phase two involves standard braces.

In order to catch early problems, we recommend that children have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven (and so does the American Association of Orthodontists). However, if your dentist or pediatrician sees any sign that early treatment might be necessary, he or she may recommend your child visit our office even sooner.

Questions? Give us a call and set up your initial consultation to learn more about orthodontics and two phase treatment in our Centennial or Denver, CO offices.

The American Association of Orthodontists sets the record straight on some of the biggest myths surrounding braces and orthodontic treatment. Currently more than four million children and one million adults in North America wear braces. Below are the answers to some of the most popular-and strange- questions orthodontists across the country have received from their patients recently:

If two people with braces kiss, can their braces become locked together?

With today's smaller, sleeker braces it is extremely difficult, almost impossible, to lock braces while kissing. Also braces are not magnetic, which means any "attraction" felt is on the part of the wearers, so pucker up!

Will my braces set off the metal detectors in the airport?

You are cleared for takeoff -- the lightweight materials used in braces will not affect metal detectors.

Can braces rust?

No. Today's braces are made of new stronger materials, like titanium alloy, and will not rust.

Will my braces interfere with radio signals or electronic devices?

No. Radio-loving gadget fanatics can rest easy.

Can I play a musical instrument?

Yes-- that is if you could play a musical instrument before you got braces.

Will braces increase my chance of being struck by lightning?

No. With or without braces the chances of a lightning strike remain the same which, in the US in any one year, according to National Geographic, is one in 700,000.

Now that I have braces, can I still play sports?

Yes, but be sure to wear a mouth guard. Mouth Guards are one of the least expensive pieces pf protective equipment available. Not only can mouth guards save teeth, they may also protect against jaw fractures. Mouth guards are advisable for anyone, whether they wear braces or not.

Will my braces attract unwarranted attention from fish?

Scuba aficionados take heart: there is no need to cancel your next dive. The small brackets used in today's braces, especially the ceramic or tooth-colored brackets, will not attract attention from unsavory fish or sea life.

Once braces are removed, my teeth will remain straight forever, right?

Wrong. Teeth move throughout one's lifetime, therefore it is important to hold on to retainers as prescribed by your orthodontist to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.

One of the leading causes of extended orthodontic treatment is the slow eruption of permanent teeth. Often, we have waited up to twelve additional months for these reluctant teeth to come in, which means you/ your child’s time in braces is extended due to no fault of their own. To reduce this waiting time, we have added Laser uncovering of these teeth, which has little operative discomfort and a rapid healing time. We will also be using the Laser to remove excessive gum tissue which may remain after the braces are removed.

The procedure is done in our office and takes very little time. Dr. Reed uses a strong topical or local anesthetic which makes the procedure very comfortable. The area numbs very quickly and Dr. Reed will remove the tissue. Because it is a laser, there is no bleeding and the area will heal very quickly.

After the laser procedure is completed, there are a few rules to follow. It is most important that patients brush very well at least three times daily with the new toothbrush they are given. Special attention should be made to brushing the area Dr. Reed has treated. Rinse at least twice daily with warm salt water. This can be made by adding a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water.

You will notice that the area is slightly discolored for about three to four days. It will look better each day following the laser procedure. Discomfort is usually limited to just a very slight amount when the numbing feeling has worn off. Advil or Tylenol is very effective for the minimal discomfort. Continuing the Tylenol or Advil for the first twelve hours has proven to be very effective.

As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 303-617-3333.

What are TADs (temporary anchorage devices)?
TADs are titanium-alloy mini-screws, ranging from 6 to 12 millimeters in length and 1.2 to 2 millimeters in diameter. They are fixed to bone temporarily to enhance orthodontic anchorage. Titanium alloys have been used as joint replacements and for dental implants for many years. These alloys are not rejected by the body.

Where are TADs placed?
TADs are placed in the bone between the roots of the teeth and can be placed in the bone in the roof of the mouth as well.

How is a TAD placed and does it hurt?
Placement is minimally invasive and often completed using topical anesthetic. TADs are inserted directly into the bone using a special instrument. There is little or no discomfort because there are no nerve endings in the bone tissue. Once placed, Dr. Reed is able to use the TAD as orthodontic anchorage immediately. Because of the possibility that TADs can loosen or fall out, patients should avoid picking or pulling at the TAD. If the TAD does become loose or come out, call Dr. Reed as soon as possible.

Who places the TAD?
Dr. Reed will refer you to one of our oral surgeons that we work closely with. Because of the ease of the procedure, the procedure is able to be done in office. The procedure is complete in a matter of minutes and relatively painless.

How long are TADs left in?
Dr. Reed will advise you about how long a TAD will be needed. It may be required only for a few months, or it may be needed throughout your orthodontic treatment. TADs are versatile and may be used in different parts of treatment.

Can TADs be used for patients at any age?
TADs are placed on patients who have permanent teeth. Patients with active periodontal (gum) disease may not be candidates for TADs.

At Reed Orthodontics, our goal is to provide you with a beautiful smile. This can only be accomplished if the braces stay attached to your teeth. We do not want to interfere with your nutritional intake, but we do ask that you watch the types of foods you eat. Some types of foods are capable of breaking your bands or brackets, bending your wires, and breaking the cement under your bands or brackets. All these things prolong treatment time.

A careful patient can eat a nutritionally balanced diet and do no harm to their braces. We hope that you will strive to be this type of patient. The foods listed below are the ones that we have found to be the most common cause of loose bands, brackets and broken appliances.

Hard Foods

1. ice (no crunching, please)
2. hard edges of pizza
3. peanuts (all nuts)
4. popcorn (hard kernels)
5. hard candy
6. carrots & apples (may be eaten if cut into small pieces)
7. Corn-on-the cob (may be eaten if sliced off the cob)

Sticky & Chewy Foods

1. caramels
2. taffy
3. gum
4. “Now or Later” candy
5. Gummy Bears
6. Milk Duds
7. “Snickers” candy bars
8. Jelly Beans
Sweet Foods

Although they may not cause damage to your appliances, care should be taken to brush your teeth immediately after eating very sweet foods. If you cannot brush at least rinse your mouth out with clear water.

1. cake
2. pie
3.candy
4. ice cream
5. cookies
6. sweet drinks (cokes, lemonade)

Be a good “brace watcher”. Please notify our Centennial or Denver offices if appliances become loose or broken in order that we might minimize prolonged treatment time.

Brushing is important at all times-but especially now that you have braces. Work hard to keep your braces just as shiny as the day they were placed. Then when your treatment is complete and your braces are removed you will be proud to smile, because a smile is forever!

Should you need to call Dr. Reed in case you sustain any damage to your braces, we can help you more effectively if you can tell us exactly which piece is in trouble! Here’s a handy diagram and corresponding list of all the parts that make up your braces.

Elastic Tie: Tiny rubber band that fits around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.

Archwire: The main wire that acts as a track to guide the teeth along. It's changed periodically throughout treatment, as teeth move to their new positions.

Loop in Archwire: Frequently used for closing space left by an extraction. Many archwires don't have a loop.

Bracket: Small attachment that holds the archwire in place. Most often, a bracket is cemented directly onto the tooth's surface, eliminating the need for a band.

Headgear Tube: Round, hollow attachment on the back bands. The inner bow of the headgear fits into it.

Coil Spring: Fits between brackets and over archwire to open space between teeth.

Tie Wire: Fine wire that is twisted around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.

Band: A thin ring of metal fitted around a tooth and cemented in place. The band provides a way to attach the brackets to the tooth.

Hook: Welded or removable arm to which elastics (rubber bands) are attached.

Elastic (Rubber Band): Small rubber band that is hooked between different points on the appliance to provide pressure to move the teeth.

Hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions, at either our Centennial or Denver, CO orthodontic offices!

There are so many questions about orthodontics that we never ask, so Dr. Reed took some time to explain the most common concerns.

At what age should orthodontic treatment occur?

Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age. Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age before jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may mean that a patient can avoid surgery and more serious complications. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist by age seven or earlier if a problem is detected by parents, the family dentist or the child's physician.

What is Phase I and Phase II treatment?

Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment (i.e. expander, Herbst, Facemask, headgear, or partial braces) before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Such treatment can occur between the ages of six and ten. This treatment is sometimes recommended to make more space for developing teeth, correction of crossbites, overbites, underbites, or harmful oral habits. Phase II treatment is also called comprehensive treatment, because it involves full braces when all of the permanent teeth have erupted, usually between the ages of eleven and thirteen.

Would an adult patient benefit from orthodontics?

Absolutely!! Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. Everyone wants a beautiful and healthy smile. Between 30-40% of our patients are adults.

How does orthodontic treatment work?

Braces use steady gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into their proper positions. The brackets that are placed on your teeth and the arch wire that connects them are the main components. When the arch wire is placed into the brackets, it tries to return to its original shape. As it does so, it applies pressure to move your teeth to their new, more ideal positions.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

Treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis, but the average time is from one to two years. Actual treatment time can be affected by rate of growth and severity of the correction necessary. Treatment length is also dependent upon patient compliance. Maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping regular appointments are important in keeping your treatment time on schedule.

Do braces hurt?

The placement of bands and brackets on your teeth does not hurt. Once your braces are placed and connected with the arch wires, you may feel some soreness of your teeth for one to four days. Your lips and cheeks may need one to two weeks to get used to the braces on your teeth.

Will braces interfere with playing sports?

No. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their smiles by wearing a mouth guard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouth guards are inexpensive, comfortable, and come in a variety of colors and patterns.

Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?

No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment. In addition, brace covers or wax can be provided to prevent discomfort.

Should I see my general dentist while I have braces?

Yes, you should continue to see your general dentist every six months for cleaning and dental checkups, or more frequently as recommended.

Got more questions? Give us a call at Reed Orthodontics in Centennial and Denver, CO. We'd love to hear from you.