Braces for Kids: The Right Age and What to Expect
Most kids get braces between ages 9 and 14, after a first orthodontic check-up by age 7. Learn the signs to watch for...
Braces
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What Not to Do After Getting Braces Off: Key Mistakes
The biggest mistake to avoid after braces off is skipping your retainer, even for a few days, since teeth can begin shifting surprisingly quickly w...
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Can You Have Cavities With Braces? Prevention Guide
Yes, you can absolutely get cavities while wearing braces, and in fact the risk of tooth decay increases somewhat during orthodontic treatment. Bra...
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How Long Does Removing Braces Take? What to Expect
Braces removal typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on how many teeth are involved and whether your appointment also includes a cle...
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Pros and Cons of Dental Braces: A Balanced Overview
Yes, for most people considering treatment, the benefits of braces outweigh the drawbacks, especially when misalignment affects oral health, not ju...
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Can You Use an Electric Toothbrush with Braces?
Yes, electric toothbrushes are not only safe to use with braces — research suggests they can clean more effectively around brackets and wires than ...
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Can Braces Cause Gum Recession?
In certain situations, yes — braces can contribute to gum recession, but this is less common than online searches might suggest, and it's frequentl...
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Can You Smoke With Braces? What It Does to Your Treatment
Physically, yes — nothing about having braces prevents you from smoking. But smoking while wearing braces affects your treatment in several specifi...
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Do Braces Make Your Lips Bigger? During Treatment vs. After
This question actually has two different answers, depending on whether you're asking about right now (during treatment) or the long term (after tre...
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Can You Use Whitening Strips with Braces? The Honest Answer
For traditional metal braces, the answer is no — whitening strips and traditional metal brackets don't mix, and using them together can leave you w...
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Can You Get Braces with Cavities?
Written by the Diamond Braces clinical team · Updated November 4, 2026 In most cases, cavities should be treated before braces go on — but having a...
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Can You Remove Braces at Home? What to Do Instead
Written by the Diamond Braces clinical team · Updated October 29, 2026 No. Don't try to take braces off at home. Brackets are bonded to your teeth,...
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How to Put Wax on Braces: Step-by-Step Guide for Every Situation
To put wax on braces, wash your hands, dry the bracket or wire with a tissue, roll a pea-sized piece of orthodontic wax until soft, and press it ...
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Can You Get Braces with Missing Teeth?
Written by the Diamond Braces clinical team · Updated October 27, 2026 Yes — you can get braces with missing teeth. Depending on your case, an orth...
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How to Straighten Teeth Without Braces: Every Option Explained
There are several ways to straighten teeth without traditional metal braces — but not all of them actually move your teeth. This is the distinction...
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How to Take Care of Braces: The Complete Guide to Keeping Your Smile on Track
Article written by Diamond Braces Clinical Staff. Article medically reviewed by Dr. Oleg Drut Taking care of braces is one of the most important ...
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What to Eat with Braces the First Week?
The first week with braces is the most uncomfortable — and the most important time to watch what you eat. After your braces are placed, your teeth ...
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Can Braces Change Your Face Shape? What to Expect Before and After
Written by the Diamond Braces clinical team · Updated October 27, 2026 Braces can change how the lower part of your face looks, but usually only ...
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How to Floss with Braces: Tools, Techniques, and Step-by-Step Instructions
Flossing with braces is not optional — it is one of the most important habits you can build during orthodontic treatment. Brackets and wires create...
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Can You Chew Gum with Braces? What's Safe and What to Avoid
Written by the Diamond Braces clinical team · Updated October 29, 2026 Not regular gum. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) says foods ...
