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Hub City Orthodontics

Hagerstown, MD Providing Comprehensive and Limited Orthodontic and Dentofacial Orthopedic Services

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Getting Your Braces On: What to Expect

What to expect the day you get your braces

If you’re preparing for braces, you’re probably wondering what the big day will look like. Don’t worry—it’s not as scary as it sounds! There are NO NEEDLES! The process of bonding brackets (the part where your braces are actually placed on your teeth) is simple, painless, and usually takes about an hour.

Let’s walk through what to expect during your appointment with Dr. Tim Wilson or Dr. Dana Kiefer. Visit our Instagram page to view a short video showing how we place a bracket.

Step-by-Step: The Bracket Bonding Process

1. Teeth Cleaning & Drying

Before we bond anything to your teeth, we start with a thorough cleaning. Your teeth need to be completely clean and dry to ensure the brackets adhere properly.

2. Etching the Enamel

We’ll apply a special solution that helps the brackets bond more securely. It’s completely safe and painless—you may just notice a slightly sour taste.

3. Rinsing and Drying Again

After etching, we’ll rinse your teeth and dry them once more. A cheek retractor may be used to help keep your mouth dry and open during this step. Once dry, a bonding agent is painted on the teeth to help the bracket adhesive properly stick.

4. Placing the Brackets

This is the fun part! Each bracket is placed on a specific tooth using a special adhesive, and we make sure they’re perfectly positioned. Then, a curing light is used to harden the adhesive and lock the brackets in place. You can eat immediately after your appointment.

5. Inserting the Wire

Once the brackets are bonded, we’ll thread the wire through. The wire has “shape memory” meaning it wants to “remember” and try to return to its original shape. This feature is how the braces gently move your teeth into alignment.

6. Adding Ligatures or Bands

Small elastic bands (called ligatures) are used to hold the wire in place. You get to pick out your favorite colors!

How Long Does It Take?

The entire process usually takes about 1 hour, depending on how many brackets you’re getting and whether you’re having braces placed on both the upper and lower teeth.

What Will It Feel Like?

  • During the appointment: The process is completely painless. There’s no drilling, needles, or numbing involved—just a bit of pressure when the wire is placed. The worst part is typically just some sour flavors due to the cleaners.
  • After the appointment: Once the braces are on, your teeth may feel a little sore or tender. This is totally normal and usually kicks in a few hours after the appointment. Discomfort usually peaks around day 2-3 and lasts about a week. Some Ibuprofen or Tylenol can help lessen any tenderness.

Tips for Your First Day with Braces

  • Stick to soft foods. Your teeth might be a bit sensitive, so plan to eat things like yogurt, mashed potatoes, pasta, soup, or smoothies for the first week. See “Foods To Avoid” for more information.
  • Take over-the-counter pain relievers if you feel discomfort (always follow dosage directions).
  • Use orthodontic wax if brackets are rubbing on your cheeks or lips—this helps prevent irritation. You will get some in your “goodie bag” to get your started.
  • Practice your brushing routine. We’ll show you how to brush and floss with your new braces before you leave!

Final Thoughts

Getting your braces on is a big step toward a healthier, more confident smile. While it’s normal to feel a little nervous, our team is here to make the process as smooth and comfortable as possible. And remember—any initial soreness will pass, but your new smile will be worth it!

You can find some tips and tricks in the “New Patient Instruction Sheet” on our Resources page. If you have any questions before your bonding appointment, don’t hesitate to contact our office. We’re always happy to help!

Braces vs. Invisalign: A Clear Comparison for a Straighter Smile

Braces vs. Invisalign: What’s the Difference?

If you’re thinking about straightening your teeth, you’ve probably heard of both braces and Invisalign. But how do they differ, and which one is right for you? Here’s a quick breakdown of each option, along with the pros and cons of each.

Braces: The Traditional Choice

Braces are the classic option for straightening teeth. They consist of metal or ceramic brackets attached to your teeth, connected by wires and often secured with rubber bands.

Pros of Braces:

  • Effective for Complex Cases: Braces can fix more complicated dental issues, like severe misalignments or bite problems.
  • Constant Treatment: Since braces are fixed, they work 24/7, meaning your teeth are always being gently moved into position.
  • No Risk of Losing Them: You don’t have to worry about losing or misplacing them since they’re permanently attached until treatment is complete.

Cons of Braces:

  • Appearance: Braces can be noticeable, which might make some people self-conscious.
  • Diet Restrictions: You’ll need to avoid certain foods like sticky candies, popcorn, or hard foods that could damage the brackets or wires.
  • Discomfort: Braces can irritate the inside of your mouth.
  • Emergency appointments: There is an increased risk of needing an emergency visit due to a broken bracket or a long, poking wire. But don’t worry, our office will get you in asap to keep you comfortable!

Invisalign: The Clear Alternative

Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners that fit snugly over your teeth. These aligners are custom-made to gradually shift your teeth into place.

Pros of Invisalign:

  • Less noticeable: Since the aligners are clear, most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them.
  • Removable: Your lifestyle can pretty much remain the same. No food restrictions and brushing is no different that before you started treatment. Simply remove to eat, drink, brush and floss.
  • Comfortable: The smooth plastic doesn’t irritate your mouth like traditional braces.
  • Less emergencies: Less to break = less emergencies!

Cons of Invisalign:

  • Discipline Required: To be effective, Invisalign aligners must be worn for 20–22 hours a day, and if you don’t follow the schedule, treatment might take longer or be ineffective.
  • Not Ideal for Complex Cases: While Invisalign works for many people, it’s not always the best option for severe misalignments or bite issues.
  • Cost: Invisalign can be more costly than traditional braces, depending on your case. But don’t worry, we are happy to discuss how to make Invisalign an affordable treatment option for you!

Which One Is Right for You?

Both braces and Invisalign are great options, but which one you choose depends on your specific needs, lifestyle, and budget. Braces may be the best choice for more complex dental issues, while Invisalign could be a great option if you prefer a more discreet, flexible treatment. Contact our office to schedule a FREE consultation with Dr. Wilson and Dr. Kiefer to find out which treatment plan is right for you!

Foods to Avoid with Braces

Brace Yourself: Foods to avoid for a smooth smile journey.

While it’s tempting to munch on all your favorite snacks, there are some foods that can cause problems with your braces, and others that can lead to discomfort or even damage. Here’s a quick rundown of foods to avoid while wearing braces:

  1. Sticky and Chewy Foods
    Think caramel, gum, taffy, and chewy candy. These can get stuck in your braces and be a real headache to remove. Plus, they can pull off brackets or wires!
  2. Hard Foods
    Hard foods like nuts, ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candy can put too much pressure on your braces, leading to broken wires or brackets. Stick to softer options when you can.
  3. Crunchy Foods
    Crunchy foods like chips, raw carrots, and apples can be too tough on your braces. If you really want something crunchy, try cutting them into smaller pieces to minimize the risk.
  4. Sugary Foods and Drinks
    Sugary snacks and soda can increase your risk of cavities, and it’s harder to clean your teeth properly with braces. Plus, sugary foods can get stuck around your brackets, making it harder to keep everything clean.
  5. Sticky and Hard Granola Bars and Jerky
    Jerky and granola bars, although they may seem like a safe, healthy snack, can also damage your wires and brackets. Instead, break these snacks into smaller, bite size pieces. If they are still too tough or sticky, it may be best to just avoid.

What’s the Best Option?

Focus on soft, easy-to-eat foods like yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and soft fruits like bananas. And don’t forget to brush and floss after meals to keep your braces and teeth in top shape!

By steering clear of these foods, you’ll help your braces work more efficiently, avoid damage, and keep your treatment moving forward smoothly. Happy eating!

Updated billing practices

We’re Going Paperless!

We’re excited to share that our office is transitioning to paperless billing to serve you more efficiently and sustainably.

Going forward, all billing statements will be sent via email and will include a secure link for easy online payment. No more paper clutter – just convenient access from your phone or computer!

If you’d prefer to update your billing preferences or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our office.

Thank you for helping us go green!

Best of the TriState 2025

🎉 We are honored to share that Hub City Orthodontics has been named Best Orthodontic Office in the Best of the Tristate 2025! 🎉

A heartfelt thank you to everyone that voted for us. Your support and trust mean so much, and we’re incredibly grateful to be a part of this amazing community.

We feel that this recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to patient care. At Hub City Orthodontics, we believe that every patient deserves more than just a great smile — they deserve compassion, patience, and understanding. Our team’s goal is to make every person who walks through our doors feel like they’re a part of our family. We take the time to listen, ensure comfortable treatment, and provide the personalized attention that each individual needs to feel at ease throughout their orthodontic journey.

It’s the dedication of our team that makes this possible. Their passion for creating positive, lasting experiences for every patient is what truly sets us apart. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to excellence and to the families we are privileged to serve!

Thank you once again for your trust in Hub City Orthodontics. We look forward to continuing to provide exceptional care, and we’re excited to keep making smiles brighter, one patient at a time! 

WANT DISCOUNTED INVISALIGN TREATMENT?

WANT DISCOUNTED INVISALIGN TREATMENT ?

We get it, adulting is hard, so we wanna help a friend out…..Interested in a new smile and love saving money? This raffle is for you!

Raffle Details –

  • Enter our raffle for a chance to win 40% OFF INVISALIGN TREATMENT.
  • That’s up to $3000 in savings!***
  • But wait, there’s more. All participants that enroll, but do not win, will still receive 10% OFF their treatment estimate. It’s a WIN WIN!

How to Enter –

  1. Schedule a consultation with our office in Hagerstown before 10/31/2024. If Dr. Kiefer and Dr. Wilson believe you are an Invisalign candidate (which >90% of patients are), we will add your name to the raffle.
  2. Must follow us AND like us on Facebook.
  3. Winner will be announced Monday, 11/4/2024.

Terms and Conditions –

  1. To receive the discount, you must then complete your records appointment by December 15, 2024. (This is the appointment in which we obtain x-rays, photos and the digital scan of your teeth to send to Invisalign.)
  2. Offer valid for Invisalign treatment only.
  3. Cannot be combined with other discounts (best discount applied).
  4. Valid for adults only (18 and up).