Frequently
Asked
Questions

Orthodontic emergencies are rare, but if you experience pain, discomfort, or a broken appliance, we’re here to help! First, assess the issue:

• Loose or poking wire? Try using orthodontic wax to cover the area and prevent irritation. If the wire is long, you can carefully trim it with clean nail clippers.
• Loose bracket or band? If it’s still attached to the wire, leave it in place and cover it with wax if needed. If it falls off, keep it safe and bring it to your next appointment.
• Lost or broken retainer/aligner? Contact our office as soon as possible to prevent treatment delays.
• Severe pain, swelling, or injury? If you’re experiencing significant discomfort, trauma, or swelling, call our office immediately. If it’s after hours and urgent, seek care from your general dentist or an emergency dental provider.

If you’re unsure whether your situation requires an emergency visit, give us a call, and we’ll guide you on the best next steps!

While both orthodontists and dentists focus on oral health, their training and areas of expertise differ significantly.

• Dentists provide general oral care, including cleanings, fillings, crowns, and gum disease treatment. They focus on diagnosing and treating cavities, gum disease, and overall oral hygiene to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
• Orthodontists, like Dr. Emilia Taneva, complete an additional two to three years of specialized training after dental school. This advanced education is focused entirely on aligning teeth and correcting bite issues. During this intensive residency, orthodontists gain expertise in jaw growth and development, biomechanics, facial aesthetics, and the use of braces, clear aligners, and other orthodontic appliances.

This extra training allows orthodontists to diagnose and treat complex cases such as severe crowding, overbites, underbites, crossbites, impacted teeth, and skeletal discrepancies that require more than just general dental care.

While a dentist helps maintain overall oral health, an orthodontist specializes in straightening teeth and improving bite function. Many patients visit both professionals to ensure a healthy, beautiful smile that functions properly for life!

At Dr. Emilia Taneva’s offices, we use advanced 3D digital scanning technology to create precise, high-resolution images of your teeth and bite—without the need for messy traditional impressions. Here’s what you can expect during the process:

1️⃣ Quick & Comfortable Scanning – A small, handheld scanner is moved around your mouth, capturing detailed digital impressions of your teeth and gums. The process is painless and usually takes just a few minutes.

2️⃣ Real-Time 3D Images – The scanner instantly creates a high-resolution, 3D model of your teeth, allowing Dr. Taneva to analyze your bite and alignment in real time. You’ll even get to see a preview of your potential treatment outcome before starting!

3️⃣ No Gagging, No Mess – Unlike traditional molds, digital scans eliminate discomfort and create a more precise and accurate representation of your teeth.

4️⃣ Used for Treatment Planning – These detailed digital models help customize your braces or clear aligner treatment, ensuring the best fit and most efficient tooth movement.

The 3D digital scanning process is fast, accurate, and a game-changer for orthodontic treatment planning—giving you a smoother, more comfortable experience from the very start!

Clear aligners work by applying gentle pressure to shift the teeth into the desired position over time. The aligners are custom-made to fit snugly over the teeth and gradually move them into the desired position. As the teeth shift, new aligners are created to continue the progress until the desired result is achieved.

It’s normal to experience some discomfort when you first start wearing clear aligners. However, any discomfort should be mild and typically goes away after a few days. If you experience significant pain or discomfort, contact your orthodontist.

Clear aligners can be just as effective as traditional braces for many dental conditions, especially for mild to moderate cases of misalignment. However, more severe cases may require traditional braces or other orthodontic treatments.

The length of clear aligner treatment varies depending on the complexity of each individual case, but typically ranges from 6-18 months. Your orthodontist will provide you with a more specific timeline based on your needs.

Clear aligners can be effective in closing gaps in teeth, depending on the size and location of the gap. Your orthodontist can help determine if clear aligners are a suitable treatment option for your specific needs.

Clear aligners, such as Invisalign Teen, can be a suitable option for children and teenagers who are responsible enough to wear the aligners as directed. However, it’s important to consult with an orthodontist to determine the best treatment option for your child’s unique dental needs.

Invisalign can be used to treat a variety of dental issues in children as young as 7 years old, as long as their permanent teeth have started to come in.

The length of treatment will vary depending on the severity of your child’s dental issues. On average, Invisalign treatment for kids lasts around 12-18 months.

Clear aligners need to be removed before eating or drinking anything other than water. After eating or drinking, it’s important to brush your teeth before putting the aligners back in to maintain good oral hygiene.

Initially, it’s common for patients to experience some slight changes in their speech while wearing clear aligners, but most people adjust to them within a few days to a week.

Clear aligners need to be worn for at least 20-22 hours per day, removing them only for eating and drinking, brushing, and flossing.

The frequency of aligner changes varies depending on the individual treatment plan, but generally, aligners are changed every 1-2 weeks.

Yes, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly while wearing clear aligners. In fact, it’s even easier to brush and floss with clear aligners compared to traditional braces.

Yes, a retainer is typically worn after clear aligner treatment is completed to help maintain the new position of the teeth.

While it’s generally not recommended to whiten your teeth while wearing clear aligners, your orthodontist may be able to provide guidance on safe whitening methods after your treatment is complete.

If you lose or break one of your aligners, it’s important to contact your orthodontist immediately. Depending on the situation, they may recommend moving on to the next set of aligners or creating a new set to replace the lost or broken aligner.

Rubber bands or elastics may be used in conjunction with clear aligners to help shift the teeth into the correct position. Your orthodontist will provide instructions on when and how to wear the elastics, as well as how to attach them to your aligners. It’s important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure the best results from your treatment.

Yes, you can still play sports and musical instruments with clear aligners. It’s recommended that you wear a mouthguard during contact sports to protect your teeth and your aligners.

The frequency of visits to your orthodontist will depend on your individual treatment plan. In general, most patients need to visit their orthodontist every 8-12 weeks to check on their progress.

Many dental insurance plans offer some coverage for orthodontic treatment, including clear aligners. Your insurance provider can provide you with more information about your specific coverage.

We strongly discourage purchasing clear aligners online or through the mail without consulting with a licensed orthodontist. Clear aligners are a medical treatment that requires proper evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment planning by a trained professional. In-person visits with an orthodontist are necessary to ensure that the treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs, to monitor progress throughout the treatment, and to ensure that the aligners are being used correctly and safely. Additionally, online or mail-order aligners are not made with the same quality materials or technology as those provided by licensed orthodontists and could potentially cause harm or not provide the desired results. Buying clear aligners online can result in serious dental issues, misaligned teeth, or even permanent damage. Always consult with a licensed orthodontist to discuss the best treatment options for your specific needs.

The speed of orthodontic treatment depends on several factors, including your specific case, the severity of misalignment, and how well you follow instructions. However, some types of braces are designed to work more efficiently than others:

✔ Self-Ligating Braces – These use a special sliding mechanism instead of elastic ties, reducing friction and potentially shortening treatment time.

✔ Clear Aligners (Invisalign, Spark, Clarity, Angel Aligners) – In mild to moderate cases, clear aligners can work quickly, especially when worn 22+ hours per day as directed. Some cases may even finish faster than traditional braces!

✔ Traditional Metal Braces – Metal braces are still one of the most effective treatment options for more complex cases. While not always the fastest, they are highly precise and reliable.

✔ Accelerated Orthodontic Options – Some patients may qualify for orthodontic acceleration techniques, such as high-frequency vibration devices or minor surgical procedures, to speed up treatment.

The best way to determine the fastest and most effective treatment for you is through a consultation with Dr. Emilia Taneva. Every smile is unique, and the right treatment plan will balance efficiency, comfort, and long-term stability! 😊

The process of getting braces involves several steps:

1. Cleaning and Preparing the Teeth: The orthodontist begins by thoroughly cleaning and drying your teeth to ensure a clean surface for the brackets.
2. Applying the Bonding Glue: A special bonding material is applied to your teeth, which is then hardened using a blue light to securely attach the brackets.
3. Placing the Brackets: Brackets are placed on your teeth using dental cement, and a curing light is used to set the glue.
4. Securing the Wire: An archwire is threaded through the brackets and secured using small elastic bands. The tension from the wire applies gentle pressure on the teeth, gradually moving them into their correct positions.
5. Adding Bands and Spacers: Depending on your treatment plan, the orthodontist may add bands around the molars for additional support and spacers between teeth to make room for orthodontic bands or special appliances to be placed later.

This procedure is typically completed in a single appointment and is generally painless, though some discomfort may occur as you adjust to the braces.

Absolutely not! Braces aren’t just for kids and teens—many adults choose orthodontic treatment to improve their smiles, bite function, and overall oral health. In fact, one in four orthodontic patients today is an adult!

At Dr. Emilia Taneva’s office, we offer customized treatment options designed for adult patients, including clear braces and nearly invisible aligners like Invisalign, Spark, Clarity and Angel Aligners. Modern orthodontic technology allows for discreet, comfortable, and efficient treatment, making it easier than ever to straighten your teeth at any age.

If you have concerns about crowding, spacing, bite issues, or shifting teeth, a consultation with Dr. Taneva can help determine the best orthodontic solution for you. It’s never too late to achieve a healthier, more confident smile!

Braces don’t necessarily hurt, but you may experience mild discomfort—especially after they are first placed or adjusted. This is because your teeth are gradually shifting into their new positions. The pressure applied to move your teeth can cause soreness for a few days, but it’s usually manageable and temporary.

Here’s what you can expect:

✔ Mild soreness for the first few days after getting braces or after adjustments.
✔ Soft foods like yogurt, smoothies, and mashed potatoes can help if your teeth feel sensitive.
✔ Over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen) can help ease discomfort if needed.
✔ Orthodontic wax can be applied to any brackets or wires that may irritate the inside of your mouth.

Most patients adjust to their braces within a week, and discomfort lessens over time as your mouth gets used to them. If you experience severe pain or a sharp wire causing irritation, contact Dr. Emilia Taneva’s office, and we’ll be happy to help!

Braces are highly effective, but like any orthodontic treatment, they may come with some minor challenges along the way. Here are some common issues patients experience and how to manage them:

✔ Soreness & Sensitivity – It’s normal to feel mild discomfort after getting braces or after adjustments. Eating soft foods and using over-the-counter pain relievers can help.

✔ Poking Wires – Sometimes wires shift and may poke the inside of your mouth. You can use orthodontic wax to cover the area or carefully push the wire back with a cotton swab. If it persists, call our office for an adjustment.

✔ Loose or Broken Brackets – If a bracket becomes loose due to chewing hard foods or an accident, leave it in place and contact our office. Avoid touching it to prevent further issues.

✔ Food Getting Stuck – Braces have small spaces where food can get trapped. Brushing after meals and using a water flosser or interdental brush can help keep your braces clean.

✔ Difficulty Eating Certain Foods – Hard, sticky, or crunchy foods can damage brackets and wires, so it’s best to avoid them. Stick to braces-friendly foods like soft fruits, yogurt, pasta, and steamed veggies.

✔ Speech Changes – Some patients notice a slight change in speech when they first get braces, but this usually improves as you adjust.

Most braces-related issues are minor and easily managed with simple at-home care. If you ever experience discomfort or have a concern, Dr. Emilia Taneva’s team is here to help!

Proper oral hygiene is essential when you have braces to keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout treatment. Here’s how to take care of your smile:

✔ Brush After Every Meal – Food can easily get stuck in braces, increasing the risk of cavities. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, brushing at a 45-degree angle to clean around brackets and wires.

✔ Floss Daily – Traditional floss can be tricky with braces, so try floss threaders, orthodontic floss, or a water flosser to remove plaque and food particles between teeth.

✔ Use Mouthwash – An alcohol-free fluoride mouthwash can help reduce plaque buildup and strengthen enamel.

✔ Avoid Sticky, Hard, and Sugary Foods – Foods like caramel, gum, popcorn, and hard candy can break brackets or get stuck in wires. Stick to braces-friendly foods like soft fruits, yogurt, pasta, and steamed veggies to avoid issues.

✔ Drink More Water & Limit Sugary Drinks – Water helps rinse away food particles and keep your mouth fresh, while sugary drinks can lead to plaque buildup around braces.

✔ Wear a Mouthguard for Sports – If you play contact sports, a custom or orthodontic mouthguard protects your braces and teeth from injury.

✔ Attend Regular Orthodontic Check-Ups – Dr. Emilia Taneva will monitor your progress, make adjustments, and ensure your teeth stay healthy during treatment.

Taking care of your teeth with braces helps ensure faster, more effective treatment and a beautiful, healthy smile once your braces come off!

Certain foods can damage brackets, bend wires, or get stuck in your braces, making them harder to clean. To protect your braces and keep your treatment on track, avoid the following:

🚫 Hard Foods (Can Break Brackets or Wires)

These foods put too much pressure on your braces and can cause brackets to pop off or wires to bend:

• Nuts (almonds, peanuts, cashews, etc.)
• Hard candies (Jolly Ranchers, lollipops, butterscotch)
• Ice cubes (chewing ice can crack brackets)
• Hard bread/crusty foods (baguettes, pizza crust, croutons)
• Raw vegetables (baby carrots, celery, whole raw broccoli)
• Corn on the cob (cut the kernels off instead)
• Uncooked pasta (avoid testing hard pasta by biting)
• Hard granola bars (bars with nuts or tough textures)

🚫 Sticky & Chewy Foods (Can Get Stuck in Braces and Be Hard to Remove)

These foods can pull on brackets, get trapped in wires, and increase the risk of cavities:

• Caramel (sticky candies, caramel apples, caramel popcorn)
• Chewing gum (especially bubble gum or sugar-filled gum)
• Taffy & toffee (Laffy Taffy, saltwater taffy, chocolate toffee bars)
• Gummy candies (gummy bears, fruit snacks, jelly beans, Starburst)
• Thick peanut butter (can stick to brackets and wires)
• Molasses-based treats (licorice, sticky toffee pudding)

🚫 Crunchy Snacks (Can Put Too Much Pressure on Braces)

Crunchy foods can snap wires or dislodge brackets:

• Popcorn (kernels can get stuck and damage braces)
• Chips (Doritos, tortilla chips, kettle-cooked chips, pretzels)
• Crackers & hard cookies (if not softened in milk)
• Toasted bagels or hard rolls (especially if extra chewy)
• Cereal/granola (hard clusters, toasted muesli)

🚫 Sugary Foods & Drinks (Increase Risk of Cavities & Plaque Buildup)

Sugar and acidic foods can lead to white spots, plaque buildup, and cavities, especially around braces:

• Soda & carbonated drinks (Coke, Sprite, energy drinks, club soda)
• Sports & energy drinks (Gatorade, Red Bull, Powerade)
• Sugary juices (apple juice, orange juice, fruit punch)
• Candy bars (especially sticky or hard ones like Snickers or Butterfinger)
• Chocolate with caramel or nougat (Milk Duds, Twix, Milky Way)
• Frosted pastries (donuts, sticky cinnamon rolls, cake frosting)

🚫 Foods That Require Biting into with Front Teeth

These foods can loosen brackets or cause discomfort:

• Whole apples (slice them instead)
• Raw carrots (cut into small, thin pieces)
• Corn on the cob (cut off the kernels before eating)
• Whole pears & peaches (slice before eating)
• Large sandwiches/burgers (cut into smaller pieces to avoid biting forcefully)

✔️ Braces-Friendly Alternatives:

• Soft fruits (bananas, berries, oranges, seedless grapes)
• Steamed or cooked vegetables (soften carrots, broccoli, and corn)
• Dairy products (yogurt, soft cheese, cottage cheese)
• Soft grains (pasta, rice, oatmeal)
• Protein options (soft chicken, fish, tofu, eggs)
• Soft bread & baked goods (pancakes, muffins, soft tortillas)

Following these diet recommendations will help keep your braces intact and ensure a smooth treatment process for the best results! If you have any questions, Dr. Emilia Taneva’s team is happy to help. 😊

No! Wearing extra rubber bands or doubling up will not speed up your treatment—in fact, it can do more harm than good. Orthodontic rubber bands apply a specific amount of force to move your teeth in a controlled and safe manner. If you wear extra rubber bands, you risk:

🚫 Overloading your teeth – Too much force can cause teeth to move unpredictably or even damage the bone and roots.
🚫 Creating new bite problems – Excess pressure can move teeth too quickly, leading to misalignment or worsening your bite.
🚫 Delaying your progress – If the rubber bands snap or cause unnecessary tooth movement, it could extend your treatment time instead of shortening it.

For the best and safest results, always wear your rubber bands exactly as instructed by Dr. Emilia Taneva. Following the recommended wear time consistently is the fastest and most effective way to get a beautiful, healthy smile! 😊