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      • When Should My Child First See An Orthodontist?
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Braces FAQ

Home » Braces » Braces FAQ

How Do I Know If I Need Braces?

If you think you may be a good candidate for braces, it is a good idea to schedule a complimentary consultation to speak with of our one of our orthodontists. Our team will recommend the proper type of orthodontic treatment for your situation. Some common problems that may require braces are: 

  • The top front teeth protrude
  • The top front teeth cover more than 25% of the bottom front teeth when the back teeth are biting together
  • The top front teeth fit behind the bottom front teeth
  • A weak chin or a prominent chin
  • A space exists between the top and bottom front teeth with the back teeth biting together
  • Crowded, overlapped, misplaced teeth, or extra teeth
  • Some teeth don’t meet at all
  • Baby teeth falling out too early or very late
  • The centers of the top and bottom front teeth don’t line up
  • Often biting the cheek or roof of the mouth
  • Finger sucking or tongue sucking habit continues after 6 years of age
  • Difficulty chewing or biting with teeth that don’t meet evenly on both sides
  • Teeth wearing unevenly
  • Jaws that shift off-center when the teeth bite together
  • Excessive spaces between teeth that persist after the top permanent canine teeth appear

How Long Will I Need To Wear Braces?

This is a very common question that we receive, but the answer differs for each patient. For example, some patients need extensive orthodontic treatment to correct dramatic misalignments, while others may only require some minor straightening.

Another factor in treatment length is the frequency of checkups and personal dental care. If you diligently take care of your braces and make all of your orthodontic appointments, you are likely to need braces treatment for a shorter amount of time. 

Most patients can expect to wear their braces for a period between six months and two years.

What Foods Will I Need To Avoid With Braces?

If you have fixed ceramic or metal braces in place, you will want to avoid certain types of food to ensure your treatment progresses as smoothly as possible. It’s best to avoid foods that are:

  • Hardened: Snacks like hard candy, nuts, and popcorn kernels can cause wires and brackets to break.
  • Sticky: To keep your braces in good shape, you will also want to avoid foods that can become stuck to the appliance. These foods include taffy, caramel, marshmallow, and other sticky treats.
  • Chewy: You should also avoid tough foods that need to be torn with your teeth, including licorice, jerky, pizza crust, and tough meats.

As a rule of thumb, avoid eating foods you’re not sure about, or ask a member of our team.

How Do I Care For My Teeth With Braces?

Faithfully following the cleaning regimen set out by our team and your regular dentist offers the best way to care for your teeth while you have braces. Carefully brushing and flossing and getting those hard-to-reach areas is key. Our team can show you some different tools and tricks to ensure that you’re able to easily clean around the brackets and wires. Also, it’s important that you attend your regular visits to our office so our team can help keep tabs on how your treatment is progressing.

How Do I Protect My Mouth When Playing Sports With Braces?

How to protect braces during sports activities is a common question asked by many of our younger and teenage patients. If you wear braces and play sports, be sure to ask one of our orthodontists about using a mouthguard. These specialized retainers are designed to protect your mouth and braces from damage.

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patient testimonials

Every Smile Tells a Story

We love it when our patients smile, and we love it even more when want they want to tell the world! Check out what our patients have to say about their 5-star experience with us.
Adelyn F.
When I came in for my consultation, I was greeted by Ashley! She was super sweet and already had all of my info up and ready! I was checked in within a minute! Absolutely amazing!!
Michelle C.
Sherman & Balhoff Orthodontics has taken care of our family for years! There is no other orthodontic team that I would recommend! The staff is so friendly, especially Ashley M at the front desk. She always has a smile on her face.!
Dillon D.
We’ve had such a great experience here with my daughters braces! The whole team is amazing, and they’ve made the process so smooth and stress-free. Taylor Davis has been especially wonderful, she’s so kind and patient, and always puts my child at ease. You can tell she really cares. Highly recommend this office for any parent looking for quality orthodontic care!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experience with our team, especially Taylor. Your recommendation means a lot to us. We look forward to continuing to support your daughter's orthodontic journey!
Baelyn T.
Love this place! Everyone is super friendly and makes you feel right at home. Taylor Davis is the absolute best, she’s so sweet and always makes sure you’re comfortable. Couldn’t ask for a better experience!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear you felt at home with us. Taylor truly embodies our commitment to comfort and care. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Brinleigh M.
Amazing experience every time I visit! The whole team is professional and friendly, and the care is top-notch. Special shoutout to Taylor Davis, she’s the best! So kind, patient, and always makes me feel comfortable. Highly recommend this office!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experiences with our team, especially Taylor. Your recommendation means a lot to us. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Jessica D.
I can’t say enough good things about this orthodontist office! From the moment you walk in, the entire team makes you feel welcomed and cared for. The environment is clean, professional, and genuinely friendly.

I have to give a special shoutout to Taylor Davis, she is truly AMAZING. Taylor is kind, gentle, and incredibly knowledgeable. She goes out of her way to make sure you’re comfortable and fully understand what’s happening during every visit. Her positive energy and warm personality always put me at ease, and I can tell she genuinely cares about her patients.

The whole office works like a well-oiled machine, and the results speak for themselves. I’m beyond happy with my treatment, and I recommend them to anyone looking for top-notch orthodontic care. If you get the chance to have Taylor as your assistant, you’re in the best hands!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Jessica! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experience and appreciate your kind words about Taylor and our team. Your satisfaction is our top priority!
Devyn M.
I was in a car accident that left me needing braces. Taylor Davis recommended Sherman & Balhoff to me and little did I know what kind of blessing that would be! Taylor worked with care and kept me laughing. Between her, the rest of the staff and the doctors, I was taken care of and comfortable from day 1. I had some bite issues and they consistently heard my concerns/worries and reassured me it would all be ok. Now I have a beautiful smile and a fixed bite! Can’t recommend them enough. 10000/10!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experience with Taylor and our team. Your beautiful smile is our greatest reward. We appreciate your recommendation!
Brittany W.
Nothing but amazing things to say!! Taylor Davis makes the visit so enjoyable! She’s always so fun and excited to be there.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that Taylor made your visit enjoyable. Our team is dedicated to providing a fun and welcoming experience for all our patients.
kyran G.
I’ve had a great experience with them! Great easy treatment! I saw Alexis today and she was fantastic and made me feel very comfortable! Everyone is so nice. 10/10
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experience with Alexis and our team. Your comfort and satisfaction are our top priorities. We look forward to seeing you again!
Alicia C.
My daughter just got braces at Sherman and Balhoff Prairieville's office. We are very pleased with the way the entire process. The staff are excellent! Very friendly, caring, and professional. They took great care of us by explaining every part of the process, and that put all our concerns to rest. I will always highly recommend Sherman and Balhoff. They're the best!!!!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that you and your daughter had a positive experience with our team. Your recommendations mean a lot to us. We look forward to seeing you again!
MDU U.
From the very first time you walk though the door, it is a wonderful experience. The staff are all friendly, kind and knowledgeable. We have a wonderful experience every time and cannot recommend this practice highly enough.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind review. Having wonderful people like you in our office makes our days spectacular!
Davia W.
The absolute best! We were recommended by my children’s dentist and the office was directly next door (Prairieville location). The entire office staff is amazing and very personable which had me sold from the consultation. My son started treatment in Aug 2024 and so did I Dec 2024. The reviews definitely match the experience and I’d recommend over and over again!!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Davia! We're thrilled to hear that you and your son have had such positive experiences with us. Our team strives to provide exceptional service, and your recommendation means the world to us. We look forward to continuing to support you both throughout your treatment!
Carly D.
After having my braces off for only 7 months from a previous orthodontist, I switched to S&B after not being happy with my results and incomplete treatment. One of the best decisions I've made. Great with time management, quick and easy appointments, friendly staff. Definitely recommend.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your positive experience, Carly! We're thrilled to hear that switching to Sherman & Balhoff Orthodontics has made such a difference for you. Our team is dedicated to providing efficient and friendly service, and your recommendation means a lot to us. We look forward to continuing to support your orthodontic journey!
Allison K.
They are amazing with everyone. My daughter just had braces put on in May and they have been wonderful with questions, etc.
Response from the owner:Allison thank you for your kind words about us and our staff. We work diligently day in and day out to provide the best patient experience possible, so it’s wonderful to hear when we meet our goals!
Dana G.
I used Sherman and Balhoff myself as an adult and now my daughter is a patient there. They are the best and go above and beyond for their patients. Dr. Sherman even came back after closing because my daughter was having an issue with her bite after getting her braces put on. He was so very nice and professional. I would recommend them to anyone.
Response from the owner:Dana thank you for your kind words! Your vote of confidence in our practice is why we do what we do!

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You don’t need an excuse to smile more, but we would like to give you a few extra reasons! We have four locations for your convenience, and each of them have friendly doctors and teams ready to serve you. We can’t wait to meet you!

Prairieville

Central

Baton Rouge

Addis

Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge

Addis

Addis

Prairieville

Prairieville

Central

Central
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Locations

  • BATON ROUGE8311 Bluebonnet Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA 70810
  • ADDIS6715 LA Highway 1 S.Addis, LA 70710
  • PRAIRIEVILLE14154 LA Hwy. 73Prairieville, LA 70769
  • CENTRAL14465 Wax Rd.Central, LA 70818

Phone

  • (225) 769-1276

Office Hours

Monday 7:30am – 4:30pm
Tuesday 7:10am – 4:30pm
Wednesday 7:10am – 4:00pm
Thursday 7:30am – 3:30pm
Friday 8:00am – 12:00pm (Admin Only)
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