Your Questions Answered

Get clear, honest answers to the most common orthodontic questions from our experienced team.

What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics, also known as dentofacial orthopedics, is a branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental abnormalities. For most people, orthodontics means straightening teeth to make them look better! As an orthodontic specialist, Dr. John and Dr. Brian are also looking at jaw growth, facial balance, and long-term functional changes to benefit you as a patient.
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on straightening teeth, correcting misaligned jaw structure, and improving the function of your smile. Your orthodontist has received two or three years of additional training and experience to be able to meet your orthodontic needs and goals.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children first visit an orthodontist around the age of 7 for a screening to evaluate jaw growth and eruption of permanent teeth. Often this appointment confirms that your child is growing favorably, and can be monitored until they reach their teenage years. Other times, early orthodontic treatment may be recommended by Dr. John and Dr. Brian. Early treatment may help your child avoid oral surgery and more serious orthodontic complications in the future by addressing problems at a young age.

 

Teenagers and adults can also benefit from orthodontics and are welcome for a consultation at any age. Most teenagers are ready for braces around the age of 11-13. This coincides with the eruption of permanent teeth and your child’s growth spurt. If you are unsure if your child is ready for braces, but have concerns, our free consultation is available to answer any questions you have and map out the best time to address your child’s orthodontic needs.

 

Adults can schedule a consultation to discuss esthetic concerns or functional concerns that they or their dentist may have. Orthodontics is often used prior to major dental work like crowns, veneers, implants, and bridges to get the teeth in their intended position prior to these long-term restorations. Dr. John and Dr. Brian our teamwork with your dentist and other specialists to provide great results to you as our patient.

The time you spend in braces varies depending on your orthodontic needs and how your teeth and surrounding tissues respond to treatment. Orthodontic treatment generally lasts between 6 and 30 months, but the average time a person is in braces is approximately 18-24 months.
Braces do not usually hurt, although your teeth may be sore after some orthodontic visits. If this occurs, pain medications such as Advil or Tylenol can help to ease the discomfort. Right after your braces are placed, your teeth, gums, cheeks, and mouth may need a few days to get used to your new braces. Most patients experience very little soreness while wearing braces. As we say here at Almond Orthodontics, “It does not have to hurt to work!”

Brush your teeth at least three times every day – after every meal – and floss at least once every day.

If necessary, we can provide a prescription for a special fluoride. Make sure that you use toothpaste that contains fluoride because fluoride helps to prevent cavities and tooth decay!

Try to avoid foods with a lot of sugar during your orthodontic treatment. Sugar increases the amount of bacteria in your mouth, which can cause more plaque, tooth decay, and cavities.

During your treatment, avoid sticky and chewy foods (sugary chewing gum, caramel, gummy bears), hard foods (nuts, ice cubes, hard candy), or any foods that could possible get stuck in your braces, such as corn on the cob, ribs, taffy, soft bagels, etc. Keep your braces and wires clean and clear of food and debris. Teeth move fastest with healthy bones and gums!

Yes! It is essential that you visit your family dentist every six months for your regular cleanings and check-ups. When you are wearing braces, food may become caught in places where your toothbrush cannot reach, which causes bacteria to accumulate, possibly leading to tooth decay, cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal (gum) disease. Our team at Almond Orthodontics is happy to work with your family dentist to ensure that your teeth stay healthy and clean while you wear braces!
Wearing braces will not stop you from participating in any of your school activities! Playing an instrument or a contact sport may require some adjustment when you first get your braces, and we recommend that you wear a mouthguard while playing sports to protect your braces and your teeth.
What types of orthodontic treatment do you offer?
We offer a full range of orthodontic options to fit your lifestyle and goals. Our treatments include traditional metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign clear aligners. During your complimentary consultation, Dr. John, Dr. Brian, or Dr. Jason will recommend the best option based on your specific needs, preferences, and treatment goals.
Treatment time varies depending on the complexity of your case and how your teeth respond. Most patients wear braces or aligners for approximately 12 to 24 months, though some cases may be shorter or longer. At your consultation, we’ll give you a personalized estimate so you know what to expect from the start.
Getting braces placed or starting a new set of Invisalign aligners doesn’t hurt, but you may experience some soreness for a few days as your teeth begin to move. This is completely normal and usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief like Advil or Tylenol. As we like to say at Almond Orthodontics, “It doesn’t have to hurt to work!”
Both options can achieve beautiful results. The best choice depends on your specific orthodontic needs, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Some complex cases respond best to traditional braces, while Invisalign offers a more discreet option for many patients. We’ll walk you through the pros and cons of each during your free consultation so you can make a confident decision.
Absolutely. More adults than ever are choosing orthodontic treatment, and for good reason. Straighter teeth aren’t just about appearance — they’re easier to clean, reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease, and can even improve jaw comfort. Whether you’re addressing a long-time concern or preparing for dental work like crowns or implants, orthodontics can make a meaningful difference at any age.
How do I take care of my teeth while wearing braces?
Good oral hygiene is essential during treatment. Brush after every meal (at least three times a day) and floss daily. We recommend using fluoride toothpaste to help prevent cavities. Avoid sticky, chewy, and hard foods like caramel, gummy candy, nuts, and ice — these can damage your braces and slow down your progress. Clean teeth and healthy gums help your teeth move more efficiently!
Most patients visit us every 6 to 8 weeks for adjustments and progress checks. If you’re using Invisalign, your appointments may be spaced a bit further apart. We do our best to keep visits efficient and work around school and work schedules — and we’ll always let you know when your next appointment is before you leave.
Yes! Braces won’t hold you back from the activities you love. For sports, we recommend wearing a mouthguard to protect your braces and teeth — we’re happy to help you find one that fits comfortably. If you play a musical instrument, especially a wind or brass instrument, there may be a short adjustment period, but most patients adapt quickly.
Don’t worry — minor issues like a loose bracket or poking wire happen from time to time. You can use orthodontic wax to cover any areas causing discomfort and call our office so we can schedule a repair visit. If you experience significant pain or a more urgent issue, our emergency line is available at (509) 642-6931. Check out our Orthodontic Emergency Care page for step-by-step guidance on common situations
Yes — regular dental checkups and cleanings are especially important while you’re in braces. Food can get trapped in areas that are harder to reach with a toothbrush, which increases the risk of cavities and gum issues. We recommend seeing your family dentist every six months throughout your treatment, and we’re always happy to coordinate care with your dental team.
Will I need to wear a retainer after treatment?
Yes, retainers are an essential part of your orthodontic journey. After your braces come off or you finish your Invisalign treatment, your teeth need time to settle into their new positions. Without a retainer, teeth can gradually shift back. We’ll provide you with a custom retainer and clear instructions on how and when to wear it so your results last a lifetime.
We typically recommend wearing your retainer full-time for the first few months after treatment, then transitioning to nighttime wear. Many patients continue wearing their retainer at night long-term to protect their investment. Our team will give you a specific schedule based on your treatment, and we’ll monitor your retention at follow-up visits.
Rinse your retainer with cool water each time you remove it and brush it gently with a soft toothbrush. Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the material. When you’re not wearing your retainer, always store it in its case — retainers left in napkins or on countertops are easily lost or damaged. If your retainer cracks, feels loose, or no longer fits properly, contact our office right away.
Contact us as soon as possible so we can replace it. Going without a retainer — even for a short time — can allow your teeth to begin shifting. We keep your records on file, so getting a replacement is a straightforward process. The sooner you reach out, the easier it is to maintain your beautiful results.
Some very minor settling is normal in the first few weeks after treatment, but wearing your retainer as directed will keep your teeth in their corrected positions. If you ever notice changes in your bite or alignment, reach out to us. We’re here to support you long after your braces come off.
What makes Almond Orthodontics different?
We’ve been creating confident smiles in Kennewick for over 16 years, and our approach has always centered on treating patients like family. With three experienced orthodontists — Dr. John Almond, Dr. Brian Almond, and Dr. Jason Johnson — our practice offers a depth of expertise that’s hard to find. We combine advanced technology with personalized, warm care, and our bilingual team ensures every family feels welcome and informed.
Yes! Your initial consultation is completely complimentary. During this visit, we’ll take any necessary images, evaluate your smile, discuss treatment options, and answer all of your questions. There’s no pressure — just an honest conversation about what orthodontic care could look like for you or your child.
We’re open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 7:15 AM to 4:30 PM, Wednesday from 12:00 PM to 4:30 PM, and Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. We’re closed on weekends. For orthodontic emergencies outside of office hours, you can reach us at (509) 642-6931.
Yes! We’re proud to have bilingual team members who are fluent in both English and Spanish. We want every patient and family to feel comfortable and fully informed throughout their treatment, regardless of their preferred language. ¡Estamos aquí para ayudarle!
We’re located at 8305 W. Quinault Avenue in Kennewick, WA 99336 — conveniently serving families throughout the Tri-Cities area including Richland, Pasco, West Richland, and the surrounding communities. You can reach us at (509) 628-0110 or visit our Contact page for directions.
When should my child first see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This doesn’t mean treatment will start that early — it simply allows us to monitor jaw growth and the eruption of permanent teeth so we can identify the best time for treatment if it’s needed. Many children we see at this age just need periodic check-ins until they’re ready.
Some signs to watch for include crowded or overlapping teeth, difficulty biting or chewing, mouth breathing, early or late loss of baby teeth, and jaws that shift or make sounds. That said, many orthodontic issues aren’t obvious to the untrained eye. A complimentary consultation with our team is the best way to get a clear picture of your child’s needs.
Early treatment, sometimes called Phase 1, addresses developing problems in younger children — usually between ages 7 and 10 — while the jaw is still growing. Not every child needs it, and we take a conservative approach. We only recommend early treatment when it can prevent more serious issues down the road, such as correcting a crossbite, creating space for crowded permanent teeth, or guiding jaw growth. If early treatment isn’t necessary, we’ll simply monitor your child’s development until the time is right.
Encourage your child to brush after every meal and floss daily. Help them avoid foods that can damage braces — sticky candy, hard snacks, and chewy treats are the most common culprits. Make sure they’re wearing a mouthguard during sports and keeping up with regular dental checkups. Most importantly, remind them that taking good care of their braces means a shorter, smoother treatment!
Not at all! Kids with braces can fully participate in sports, band, choir, drama, and every other activity. We recommend a protective mouthguard for contact sports, and there may be a brief adjustment period for students who play wind or brass instruments. Most kids adapt quickly and forget their braces are even there.
That’s completely normal, and our team is experienced at helping anxious patients feel at ease. We take our time explaining every step of the process in a way that’s friendly and age-appropriate. Many kids are surprised by how comfortable the experience actually is — and they get excited once they start picking out their band colors! If your child has specific concerns, let us know ahead of time so we can make their visit as positive as possible.

Still Have Questions?

We’re here to help! Our team is always happy to answer your questions and address any concerns you might have about orthodontic treatment.

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