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Frequently Asked Orthodontic Questions – Rochester, NY | Webster, NY

At Drabik Orthodontics, our team is always available to answer your questions and address any concerns about orthodontic treatment in Rochester. To save some time, we have compiled many of the questions we hear most often along with their answers. If you have already read through this page and do not see the information you are looking for, please contact us directly.

When should my child come in for their first orthodontic consultation?

We follow the American Association of Orthodontists’ recommendation which strongly encourages parents to bring their children in for an initial screening by the age of seven. At this stage of development, several permanent teeth may already be in place. This helps Dr. Drabik evaluate their dental development and better understand what types of concerns they may face in the future. If needed, he may recommend Phase One Pediatric Orthodontics to guide future oral development and minimize potential harm.

Is it too late to get braces if I am an adult?

Definitely not! We care for many adults at our Webster and Rochester locations. Health, happiness, and self-esteem are important parts of life at every age. Quality orthodontic treatment can go a long way towards helping you improve all three.

How long will it take to straighten teeth with braces?

Every case is different and treatment time will depend on the specific orthodontic concerns being corrected. We have varying lengths of treatment, some as short as 4-6 months. Full orthodontic treatment plans can be 12 months, 18 months or 24-30 months depending on the type of treatment needed. After an initial consultation, Dr. Drabik can provide a much more accurate estimate.

I do not want to wear dark metal brackets and wires. Is there another option?

Absolutely! Dr. Drabik understands the importance of esthetics for many teenage and adult patients. This is why he offers a wide variety of orthodontic services beyond traditional braces. Clear/ceramic braces are the exact same bracket as a metal bracket but they are tooth colored so they are less noticeable. Invisalign® is a series of plastic aligners which are virtually invisible. Contact our office to explore all the treatment options available!

Will braces hurt?

Generally, the level of discomfort associated with orthodontic treatment in Webster is low. Many patients will experience some soreness following the initial placement of their braces or after inserting their first aligner. This discomfort should only last a few days and is easily managed with over-the-counter medication like Advil or Tylenol. Routine adjustment appointments do not normally cause the same level of soreness.

Can I still play sports while wearing braces/aligners?

Yes – just make sure you wear a mouthguard. Dr. Drabik has several mouthguard options ranging from free to custom. He would be happy to discuss all of these options with you.