Gwinnett County, Dacula, Duluth and Lawrenceville Braces
Do braces hurt?

As a rule, braces do not hurt. After an adjustment your teeth can be sore for a day or two. Any pain can be relieved with Tylenol or Advil. New advancements in orthodontic techniques have made braces much more tolerable than in the past. We have smaller, more comfortable braces. Ask us to demonstrate our new, high-tech wires which are more gentle.

How much do braces cost?
Treatment cost depends on the complexity of the case, the types of appliances required, and the length of treatment. Sometimes more than one treatment may be available to better match your specific concerns. Fees range from a low of a few hundred dollars for minor treatment to many thousand dollars for treating special problems. We provide a free consultation where a custom treatment plan will be presented to you along with a fee.
Are you ever too old to have braces?
Absolutely not. It is never too late for braces. Believe it or not, 35% of our practice is made up of adults…and the numbers are growing.
How long will I have to wear braces?
The length of treatment depends on the extent of the problem and patient cooperation. The average length of full treatment is 2-3 years.
As an adult, will treatment time be longer?
The length of treatment depends more on compliance with our instructions and the complexity of the problem than with your age.
What training do assistants have?
All of our assistants have had training as well as certifications on CPR, sterilization and radiology. Some of our assistants have received formal training in dental assisting and all assistants participate in continued education. Many of Dr. Parsons' staff have been with him for over ten years.
What does the DMD, MSD after Dr. Parsons' name stand for?
DMD = Doctor of Dental Medicine, the Latin version of DDS.
MSD = Master of Science degree
Where did Dr. Parsons' get his training, and how long has he been practicing?

Dr. Parsons has been in the field of dentistry for over 30 years.

1976 Dental Degree, Medical College of Georgia
1979 Specialty in Periodontics, Medical College of Georgia
1983 Master of Science Degree, University of Kentucky
1983 Specialty in Orthodontics, University of Kentucky

What is the best age to begin treatment?
The American Association of Orthodontists suggests that at seven a child should be evaluated for orthodontics. If a patient is not ready for treatment, we will monitor their growth and development until the time for treatment is right. Many young patients are placed on a recall program to be re-evaluated every year to determine if treatment will be needed.
Why are braces needed if my teeth are straight?
There are other reasons for braces even if your teeth are straight, the most important being a good bite. Even though your teeth may be straight your bite may be off and need correction to prevent future problems, such as jaw-joint problems (TMJ).
Can I still have braces if I have some teeth missing?
Absolutely! If teeth are missing braces can often assist in the alignment of the existing teeth so that the missing teeth can be properly replaced. In many cases, we can also close the spaces negating the need for replacement teeth.
Will I have to have teeth removed for braces?
With today's advanced techniques, the need to remove teeth has been greatly reduced, but occasionally it is necessary to complete orthodontic correction.
Will braces leave marks on my teeth?
No. The bonding agents we use contain fluoride so that the tooth is protected. However, if you don't brush properly the accumulation of plaque can result in marks on your teeth. At our office, we can provide a service to help prevent scarring.
How long does it take to put braces on?
Our longest appointment is less than 1 hour. Most appointments are 15-30 minutes.
Why don't you put all my braces on at one time?
We like for our patients to adjust gradually to wearing braces. This allows for less initial discomfort and time to master the brushing technique.
Do braces come in colors?
While the actual braces do not come in different colors, we do have elastics which tie onto the braces in a variety of colors. Patients get to choose from a wide assortment of colors.
Can I still play a musical instrument with braces?
Yes, you can continue to play any instrument, although it will take some adjustment. We have available a "lip protector" which can make playing your instrument more comfortable.
Do I need to wear a mouthguard when playing sports?
It is beneficial to wear a mouthguard to prevent injury in any sport in which you may experience an injury to your mouth. We have mouthguards in the office for patients.
Will I have to wear rubberbands?
Most patients will wear rubberbands at some point during treatment to help correct the bite.
Can I still see my dentist for cleanings while I wear braces?
Yes. It is very important to continue your routine dental care while wearing braces. We suggest that you coordinate your dental appointments with our office so we can arrange to have your wires removed prior to your cleaning and then replaced afterwards.
How do you take braces off?
We remove braces with special instruments which loosen the bonding material. The actual brace removal is very quick, a matter of minutes, and is very painless.
How soon after I get my braces off can I have dental work done, such as cleaning, bonding or crowns?
Cleanings can be done anytime after the braces are removed. We recommend waiting six weeks for your teeth to settle prior to having any dental work such as crowns and bonding.
Will I need to wear a retainer after treatment?
Yes. Retainers are very important and ensure the alignment of your teeth. Our office provides transparent retainers you can wear comfortably day or night.
Will I need to get my wisdom teeth out after treatment?

We recommend that you discuss this with your dentist or your oral surgeon. They are better qualified to assist you with this decision since he/she may actually perform the procedure. We will provide you with an x-ray at the end of treatment free of charge which you may take to your dentist. Generally, the removal of wisdom teeth is recommended at an early age (15-17). The risks of keeping wisdom teeth include:

  • Gum disease or cysts damaging adjacent teeth
  • Pain from infection
  • Crowding of lower front teeth without retainers
  • Jaw-joint (TMJ) discomfort
  • Difficult removal after complete formation
What type of sterilization procedures does your office use?
Sterilization is a high priority in our office. We exceed all of the standards set by the American Dental Association. We use heat sterilization of instruments and many of our items are disposable for one time use. We value the trust you place in us and would be happy to discuss our procedures with you.