Frequently Asked Questions

You may feel some soreness for a few days after braces are placed or adjusted, but it’s usually mild and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. Patients at Uptown Orthodontics in Fairfield and Oxford often find any discomfort fades quickly with time.

Avoid sticky, hard, or crunchy foods like popcorn, gum, and hard candies. These can damage brackets or wires and prolong treatment. Uptown Orthodontics will give you a full list at your first visit to help keep your braces safe and intact.

No. Remove aligners to eat or drink anything besides water. Always clean your teeth before reinserting the aligners, and wear them for 22 hours a day for the best results. Dr. Skabelund and Dr. Jacobs emphasize that consistency is key for treatment success.

Most patients visit every 6–8 weeks for adjustments or progress checks. At Uptown Orthodontics, we’ll set a schedule that works best for you, whether you’re being treated in our Fairfield or Oxford office.

Brush your aligner or retainer with a soft toothbrush and mild soap—avoid toothpaste, which can scratch the material and make it cloudy. Always store your retainer in its case when not in use. Dr. Jacobs often says: “If it’s not on your teeth, it’s in its case!” You may also soak retainers in denture cleaner periodically for extra freshness.

Yes. With braces, brush your teeth when you wake up, before bed, and after meals. This prevents plaque and food buildup around brackets and wires. Uptown Orthodontics recommends flossing daily using floss threaders or orthodontic flossers.

Water flossers (such as Waterpik™) are helpful but should not replace regular flossing. Keeping up with this routine protects your teeth and gums throughout treatment.

Yes! In fact, it’s even more important for orthodontic patients to see their dentist regularly. Food can become trapped around brackets, which increases the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Your dentist will work closely with Dr. Skabelund and Dr. Jacobs to keep your smile healthy throughout treatment.

Not at all. You may need a short adjustment period, but braces won’t keep you from participating in music, sports, or singing. If you play a contact sport, Uptown Orthodontics strongly recommends wearing a mouthguard to protect your teeth and braces.