--- title: Dental and Orthodontic Care Blog | frequently asked questions description: frequently asked questions | The Dental and Orthodontic Care Blog of Dr. Fred Salvatoriello of Hanover, New London and Claremont NH --- [![Fred W. Salvatoriello | New Hampshire Orthodontist](https://www.800saysmile.com/hs-fs/file-1306875926-png/images/FredWSalvatoriello_Logos.png?width=379&height=101&name=FredWSalvatoriello_Logos.png "Fred W. Salvatoriello | New Hampshire Orthodontist")](https://www.800saysmile.com) **CALL US AT: 800-729-7645** **LOCATE US AT:** **[HANOVER](https://info.800saysmile.com/family-orthodontics-hanover), [CLAREMONT](https://info.800saysmile.com/orthodontic-specialists-claremont), [NEW LONDON](https://info.800saysmile.com/orthodontist-office-new-london)** [![facebook](https://www.800saysmile.com/hs-fs/hub/150140/file-1272169984.png)](https://www.facebook.com/800SaySmile) [![twitter](https://www.800saysmile.com/hs-fs/hub/150140/file-1272169989.png)](https://twitter.com/800SaySmileDMD) [![yelp](https://www.800saysmile.com/hs-fs/hub/150140/file-1359158906.png)](http://www.yelp.com/biz/fred-w-salvatoriello-dmd-hanover) [![google+](https://www.800saysmile.com/hs-fs/hub/150140/file-1272169994.png)](https://plus.google.com/104302461440649989799?prsrc=3) ≡ # Dr. Sal Says - Everything you need to know about getting braces ## [Soft Foods for Braces: Thinking Outside the Box](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/bid/336804/Soft-Foods-for-Braces-Thinking-Outside-the-Box) Posted by [Dr. Sal](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/author/dr-sal) on 2/20/14 2:07 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.800saysmile.com/hs-fs/file-536663607-jpg/images/confetti-pie-ice-cream.jpg) ](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/bid/336804/Soft-Foods-for-Braces-Thinking-Outside-the-Box) When you first have your braces put on, your mouth is going to be sore for a few days and need some time to recover. During your treatment, you will have your braces tightened and adjusted every six to eight weeks. These visits can leave your mouth sore, and you may not feel like eating. Your orthodontist could even instruct you to take aspirin or ibuprofen before each visit and for some time after. You will also need to adjust your diet for at least day or two after each visit to allow your mouth time to recuperate. You don't have to stick to ice cream and water when you are dealing with your oral care; there are many soft foods for braces that are tasty and easy to prepare. [Read More](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/bid/336804/Soft-Foods-for-Braces-Thinking-Outside-the-Box) Topics: [frequently asked questions](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/topic/frequently-asked-questions) ## [How to Determine Eligibility for Orthodontic Treatment through Medicaid in New Hampshire](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/bid/333525/How-to-Determine-Eligibility-for-Orthodontic-Treatment-through-Medicaid-in-New-Hampshire) Posted by [Dr. Sal](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/author/dr-sal) on 1/27/14 10:35 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.800saysmile.com/hs-fs/file-472077074-jpg/images/child_with_orthodontic_head_gear.jpg) ](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/bid/333525/How-to-Determine-Eligibility-for-Orthodontic-Treatment-through-Medicaid-in-New-Hampshire) ### There are three easy steps for figuring out eligibility: meeting general requirements; financial requirements; and medical requirements. Just because you’re a Medicaid patient in New Hampshire – or you’re applying for Medicaid –doesn’t rule you or your children out from receiving orthodontic treatment. [Read More](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/bid/333525/How-to-Determine-Eligibility-for-Orthodontic-Treatment-through-Medicaid-in-New-Hampshire) Topics: [frequently asked questions](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/topic/frequently-asked-questions), [insurance](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/topic/insurance) ## [Smile Your Way Through Your First Orthodontist Appointment](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/bid/331061/Smile-Your-Way-Through-Your-First-Orthodontist-Appointment) Posted by [Dr. Sal](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/author/dr-sal) on 1/13/14 10:03 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.800saysmile.com/hs-fs/file-435377664-jpg/images/calendar.jpg) ](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/bid/331061/Smile-Your-Way-Through-Your-First-Orthodontist-Appointment) ### Learn about your treatment options, timeline, cost and more Your dentist just recommended that you or one of your children have an initial orthodontist appointment. And you’re understandably a little nervous. [Read More](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/bid/331061/Smile-Your-Way-Through-Your-First-Orthodontist-Appointment) Topics: [orthodontics](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/topic/orthodontics), [frequently asked questions](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/topic/frequently-asked-questions) ## [How to Clean a Retainer and Make It Last for Life](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/bid/332260/How-to-Clean-a-Retainer-and-Make-It-Last-for-Life) Posted by [Dr. Sal](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/author/dr-sal) on 1/13/14 10:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.800saysmile.com/hs-fs/file-459746465-jpg/images/how_to_clean_a_retainer.jpg) ](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/bid/332260/How-to-Clean-a-Retainer-and-Make-It-Last-for-Life) ### Retainers are painless and relatively easy to wear, but they do require some basic maintenance to ensure they’re effective for as long as you need to wear one. Congratulations, your orthodontist has just removed your braces. (Or maybe your kids finally had them taken off.) [Read More](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/bid/332260/How-to-Clean-a-Retainer-and-Make-It-Last-for-Life) Topics: [orthodontics](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/topic/orthodontics), [frequently asked questions](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/topic/frequently-asked-questions) ## [Breaking Down the Types of Braces for Adults Seeking Camouflaged Care](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/bid/327998/Breaking-Down-the-Types-of-Braces-for-Adults-Seeking-Camouflaged-Care) Posted by [Dr. Sal](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/author/dr-sal) on 12/16/13 3:01 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.800saysmile.com/hs-fs/file-405046921-jpg/images/a_likeable_orthodontist.jpg) ](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/bid/327998/Breaking-Down-the-Types-of-Braces-for-Adults-Seeking-Camouflaged-Care) ** There are more options available for low-profile orthodontic treatment than ever before.****** [Read More](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/bid/327998/Breaking-Down-the-Types-of-Braces-for-Adults-Seeking-Camouflaged-Care) Topics: [frequently asked questions](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/topic/frequently-asked-questions), [adult orthodontics](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/topic/adult-orthodontics) ## [Orthodontist or Dentist: Who’s Right to Fix Your Kid’s Bite?](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/bid/326876/Orthodontist-or-Dentist-Who-s-Right-to-Fix-Your-Kid-s-Bite) Posted by [Dr. Sal](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/author/dr-sal) on 12/9/13 10:36 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.800saysmile.com/hs-fs/file-404536351-jpg/images/535623_343084212474775_875890261_n-resized-600.jpg) ](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/bid/326876/Orthodontist-or-Dentist-Who-s-Right-to-Fix-Your-Kid-s-Bite) ### There is a lot of confusion around the differences between dentists and orthodontists – and who your child should work with. Let’s clear it up. They both come to work each day looking to make their patients’ smiles a bit bolder and brighter. They both can look at the bite marks on a No. 2 pencil and talk for 10 minutes about who did it – and what they ate for breakfast. And they both like to purchase cheeky vanity plates for their cars like, “DR2TH” and “55SPH.” (Yes, that’s 55 smiles per hours, and it really does exist.) [Read More](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/bid/326876/Orthodontist-or-Dentist-Who-s-Right-to-Fix-Your-Kid-s-Bite) Topics: [frequently asked questions](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/topic/frequently-asked-questions) ## [Straight Teeth Provide More Than Just A Pretty Smile](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/bid/322715/Straight-Teeth-Provide-More-Than-Just-A-Pretty-Smile) Posted by [Dr. Sal](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/author/dr-sal) on 11/7/13 9:39 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.800saysmile.com/hs-fs/file-363119521-jpg/images/tooth_power_pic-resized-600.jpg) ](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/bid/322715/Straight-Teeth-Provide-More-Than-Just-A-Pretty-Smile) #### Health benefits abound for adults seeking to straighten their smile If your smile is a fixer-upper and you’re older than a teenager, you may have thought that it wasn’t worth your time or money to pursue straight teeth through orthodontic treatment. [Read More](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/bid/322715/Straight-Teeth-Provide-More-Than-Just-A-Pretty-Smile) Topics: [frequently asked questions](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/topic/frequently-asked-questions), [adult orthodontics](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/topic/adult-orthodontics), [straight teeth](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/topic/straight-teeth) ## [Teeth Straightening Options For Parents To Chew On](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/bid/322709/Teeth-Straightening-Options-For-Parents-To-Chew-On) Posted by [Dr. Sal](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/author/dr-sal) on 10/29/13 11:45 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.800saysmile.com/hs-fs/file-363688153-jpg/images/800smileteeth.jpg) ](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/bid/322709/Teeth-Straightening-Options-For-Parents-To-Chew-On) ### Orthodontists have a number of preventive and responsive treatments available to comfortably suit your children’s needs There is some good news for parents who are looking into teeth straightening options for their children. Orthodontists have more options at their disposal when it comes to correcting jaw and teeth issues. [Read More](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/bid/322709/Teeth-Straightening-Options-For-Parents-To-Chew-On) Topics: [crooked teeth](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/topic/crooked-teeth), [frequently asked questions](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/topic/frequently-asked-questions), [pediatric orthodontics](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/topic/pediatric-orthodontics), [early/interceptive treatment](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/topic/early-interceptive-treatment) ## [A Quick Way for Parents to Determine the Cost of Orthodontics](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/bid/294596/A-Quick-Way-for-Parents-to-Determine-the-Cost-of-Orthodontics) Posted by [Dr. Sal](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/author/dr-sal) on 5/29/13 10:23 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.800saysmile.com/hs-fs/file-51676310-jpg/images/woodorthosculpture-dr_how_much_do_braces_cost.jpg) ](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/bid/294596/A-Quick-Way-for-Parents-to-Determine-the-Cost-of-Orthodontics) Most parents looking to get braces for their children want the average cost of braces.  The reason why parents cannot find direct answers to orthodontic costs through online research is because costs depends on a variety of factors, including:  [Read More](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/bid/294596/A-Quick-Way-for-Parents-to-Determine-the-Cost-of-Orthodontics) Topics: [frequently asked questions](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/topic/frequently-asked-questions), [cost of orthodontics](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/topic/cost-of-orthodontics) ## [5 Frequently Asked Questions About Braces](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/bid/292803/5-Frequently-Asked-Questions-About-Braces) Posted by [Dr. Sal](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/author/dr-sal) on 5/23/13 10:09 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.800saysmile.com/hs-fs/file-48035323-jpg/images/faq-three_kids_with_braces.jpg) ](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/bid/292803/5-Frequently-Asked-Questions-About-Braces) It is important to have a beautiful smile and a healthy mouth that can last a lifetime.  Whether you are considering braces to correct teeth, jaw or gum problems, or just to have a nicer smile, there are important things to understand before making a decision. [Read More](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/bid/292803/5-Frequently-Asked-Questions-About-Braces) Topics: [orthodontics](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/topic/orthodontics), [frequently asked questions](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/topic/frequently-asked-questions), [braces](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/topic/braces) [All posts](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/all) [Next](https://www.800saysmile.com/blog/topic/frequently-asked-questions/page/2) ![Dr.Sal_photo_2012](https://www.800saysmile.com/hs-fs/Dr.Sal_photo_2012.jpg?width=150&name=Dr.Sal_photo_2012.jpg "Dr.Sal_photo_2012") ### Dr. Sal Says Dr. Salvatoriello brings healthy, beautiful smiles to New Hampshire and Vermont. For nearly 40 years, adults and children have relied on Dr. Sal for compassionate care using the latest techniques. This blog allows us to share Dr. Sal's expertise with everyone, not just his patients. Find out everything you need to know about healthy smiles and how orthodontic treatment can help, then schedule your initial appointment to become one of "Dr. Sals' Pals." [![Requesting an Appointment? 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Call our office today: Family Orthodontic Specialists (800-729-7645) Copyright © 2014 Dr. Fred W. Salvatoriello, DMD, P.A. All rights reserved.