Braces in Clovis, CA
A Straight Smile is a Healthy Smile
Children, teens, and adults can all benefit from braces, which is one of our most popular treatments at Nalchajian Orthodontics. Braces address many orthodontic issues and help you achieve a straighter, more confident smile.
Dr. Greg Nalchajian and Dr. Nicole Nalchajian offer a variety of orthodontic treatments to address your dental needs. During your first visit, we will talk about your goals for treatment and create a custom care plan. Contact our office in Clovis, CA, today to see if braces are right for you or your child.
How Do Braces Work?
By putting pressure on the teeth, brackets and wires move teeth into their correct positions, resulting in a straight smile. As teeth shift to accommodate the force being placed on them, braces will need to be adjusted to continue placing new pressure on the teeth until the final results are achieved.
The brackets are bonded to the tooth and connected to the horseshoe-shaped arch wire. This wire runs across the entire upper and/or lower arch and through each bracket. Ligature elastics fit around each bracket and hold the arch wire in place.
Thanks to advancements in orthodontic technology, braces are more comfortable and customizable today than ever before. Many patients wear braces to straighten teeth because of their versatility, affordability, and effectiveness.
What to Expect at Braces Appointments
After your orthodontist puts your braces on, you will return to our office about every 4 to 8 weeks for a checkup. During these checkup visits, we will tighten your braces and make sure your treatment is going according to plan. It is not uncommon to experience a minimal degree of discomfort after a braces adjustment. Many patients forget they’re even wearing braces after they get used to the way they feel in their mouth.
Ligature elastics that fit around the brackets come in a variety of colors. During each adjustment appointment, you can change the color of your elastics to customize the look of your braces.
Types of Braces
At Nalchajian Orthodontics, we offer several types of braces to choose from. Dr. Greg and Dr. Nicole will go over your options with you and help you choose the right type of braces for your treatment.
- Traditional metal braces are metal brackets made out of stainless steel and are bonded to the front surfaces of the teeth.
- Ceramic braces are made out of a tooth-colored material. Because they closely resemble the color of teeth, they are a popular choice for patients who want their braces to be less noticeable. They often require extra care to keep clean and are often only placed on the upper front teeth.
Life With Braces
By making a few small adjustments to your day-to-day routine, you can ensure that your new appliances feel comfortable, stay clean, and create a smile that shines for years to come!
Eating With Braces
You can enjoy many of your favorite snacks with braces. However, you should avoid certain foods that could damage your appliances.
Foods to Avoid with Braces
- Bagels
- Licorice
- Beef jerky
- Popcorn
- Chips
- Ice
- Caramel
- Chewing gum
- Nuts
- Hard candies
- Corn on the cob
- Whole apples
- Carrots
Foods You Can Eat with Braces
- Soft cheese
- Pudding
- Milk-based drinks
- Soft tortillas
- Pancakes
- Nut-free muffins
- Pasta
- Soft-cooked rice
- Soft-cooked chicken
- Meatballs
- Lunch meats
- Tuna
- Salmon
- Crab cakes
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed vegetables
- Beans
- Applesauce
- Bananas
- Nut-free ice cream
- Milkshakes
- Jell-O®
- Soft cake
Soreness From Braces and Appliances
If your mouth feels sore after your braces are tightened, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen. Soreness will only last a few days. After we put your braces on, it may take a few weeks to get used to the way they feel. The brackets and wires may irritate your lips, cheeks, and tongue, but you can apply orthodontic wax to reduce tenderness.
If your teeth feel loose, this is a normal and necessary part of tooth movement. After your braces are taken off, your teeth will no longer feel loose.
Loose Wires and Bands
If wires or bands become loose, give our office a call so we can repair your braces if necessary. In the meantime, you can use the back of a spoon or a pencil eraser to push the wire back into position. You can also place dental wax or a cotton ball soaked in water over the bracket or wire that is causing irritation. If any part of your braces breaks or falls off, be sure to bring all the pieces with you to your appointment.
Caring for Your Appliances
Follow your orthodontist’s instructions on how to care for your oral appliances. Dr. Greg or Dr. Nicole will instruct you on how to use and clean your bands, retainer, or other devices.
Playing Sports With Braces
We recommend wearing a mouth guard when playing sports. Mouth guards protect your teeth and your braces from damage. If you notice a broken or loose bracket or wire while playing sports or any other activity, contact our office as soon as you can.
Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene
Practicing good oral hygiene habits is essential while wearing braces. If plaque builds up around your brackets, decalcification can occur, which results in stains on your teeth. Be sure to brush your teeth and clean your appliances as directed to have a straight and healthy smile at the end of your treatment.
Braces in Clovis, CA
If you think it’s time for you or your child to start wearing braces, we invite you to give our office a call. Having a straight smile will promote positive long-term oral health and help you or your child feel confident about having beautifully aligned teeth. Contact Nalchajian Orthodontics in Clovis, CA, today to schedule a consultation. Dr. Greg and Dr. Nicole will design a personalized treatment plan based on your or your child’s orthodontic needs.
Hear From Braces Patients
These patients can tell you about their firsthand experience undergoing braces at our office.
Reviews From Our Braces Patients
"When I first walked through the door, I felt very comfortable. I was greeted by the ladies behind the desk. My wait time was very short, which I appreciated. The team here at Dr. Nalchajian’s office is amazing. Dr. Nicole makes you feel very comfortable. She has a great chairside manner. She jokes around with you when she’s doing your treatment, but when it’s time to get serious, she lets you know what’s going on. I smile at myself all the time in the mirror because I just love my teeth. For my friends and family in Madera, I highly recommend Dr. Nalchajian’s office."
"It’s been good. I like it because you get ice cream. I like Dr. Nicole because he’s nice and she also speaks Spanish. I like this place because it’s cool, and I like all the pictures that they have. I would tell them to come to Nalchajian Orthodontics."
"I was super self conscious about my smile, and I always thought that I was really ugly and gross. I basically got my braces, and then you sometimes get new wires, you get rubber bands, and it's actually really fun, and then it just shapes your teeth, and then soon, they're off. I'm getting mine off right before this summer. People here make it so amazing and fun, I just can't even describe it. Anyone from Bass Lake, where I'm from, Yosemite, or Oakhurst, I would recommend coming to Nalchajian because it's the best place you can go, no doubt about it."
"I have four kids, and all of them needed braces. It’s been really easy coming here as opposed to when I tell my kids that I’m going to take them to a doctor’s appointment. They’re really excited, they know that it's a friendly atmosphere, and the staff always greets them. They always are sure to make sure that we understand what the doctor has said and give us clear instructions for how to make sure that we have a seamless transition to being able to make sure the braces are a success. Dr. Nicole is someone who makes the kids feel at ease, and you know that she really wants to make sure that their smile turns out perfect. So, if any of my friends or family are looking for an orthodontist—for not just their kids, but for them—I would, without reservation, recommend Dr. Nicole."
"My name's Olivia. I live in Fresno and I received braces with Nalchajian Orthodontics. The environment here is very safe and comfortable. The staff here is very welcoming and one thing they always try to do is make sure that the patient themselves understood the process. The doctors were very personable. They treated us very kindly. and made sure if we had any concerns, they were addressed. My procedure went very well. I love having a beautiful smile now. I get a lot of compliments, which is always great. I definitely had a wonderful experience. I highly recommend Nalchajian Orthodontics."
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do braces cost?
The cost of braces varies depending on how long you need to wear them for, the appliances you need, your insurance, and other factors. To find out how much your braces treatment would cost, contact us in Clovis for a consultation.
What is the right age for braces?
Braces are often recommended for children around preteen years before puberty. During this time, the child’s facial structures are still developing, making it easier to guide their jaws and teeth into the correct positions. Braces are just as effective for adults, too! We see many adult patients start their orthodontic journey in their 20s, 30s, and beyond.
How painful are braces?
It does not hurt to get braces put on. After they are put on, and after adjustments, your mouth may feel sore for a few days. This is normal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.
Why wear rubber bands with braces?
Rubber bands are attached to specific brackets in the upper and lower arches and guide your bite into the correct position. You should wear rubber bands as directed 24 hours a day, only taking them out to eat or brush your teeth.
Your Family-Friendly Orthodontic Experts
We look forward to caring for you and your family at Nalchajian Orthodontics. Schedule an appointment today to start your journey to a beautiful, healthier smile!