Frequently Asked Questions

Wearing them only while sleeping isn’t very effective. We find that clear aligners are most effective when worn 22+ hours per day and removed only for eating, brushing, and flossing.  

We recommend that you always rinse your aligners as soon as they are removed from your mouth. Then, soak your aligner trays with the Invisalign brand crystal cleaning solution every day. It helps remove bacteria from your aligners. Also, use a soft bristle toothbrush (but not your usual, daily toothbrush) to lightly sweep away any remaining debris after the soak. Finally, rinse off your aligners and place them back in your mouth after the cleaning process.

This varies according to your treatment plan. Generally, aligners work for two weeks and exchanged for the next set. In some cases, aligners may be worn for as little as a week before they’re switched out. This will depend on your specific treatment plan.

Invisalign aligners are a popular choice because of many benefits: 

• Clear aligners for a more aesthetic appearance 
• Comfortable as it is custom-made to fit your bite 
• Affordable (about the same price as traditional metal braces) 
• Faster treatment 
• Less time spent at the orthodontist 
• No restrictions on food 
• You can carry out your oral hygiene routine much easier than with traditional braces brackets and wires. 

Our doctors offer Invisalign for teens which is suited for patients aged 12-18 years old. For adults, we offer Smile Express™ at-home aligners and Invisalign aligners for full comprehensive treatment.

No, we provide options. We want you to have options in your orthodontic treatment, so our doctors offer clear braces, self-ligating braces, and clear aligners – a form of invisible braces.

Take special care to avoid any foods that could damage your new appliances. We recommend choosing soft foods to eat with braces, including any of the following: 

• Dairy – soft cheese, yogurt, pudding, milk-based drinks 
• Breads – soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins without nuts 
• Grains – pasta and/or soft-cooked rice 
• Meats/Poultry – soft-cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats 
• Seafood – tuna, salmon, crab cakes 
• Vegetables – mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans 
• Fruits – bananas, apple sauce
• Treats – ice cream without nuts, milkshakes, gelatin, soft cake

Common sense goes a long way here, as the goal is to avoid foods that might result in broken brackets, loose wires, or broken appliances. For example, you should avoid: 

• Chewy foods such as bagels, fruit leathers, or beef jerky 
• Sticky foods like caramel candy, licorice, and marshmallows 

• Crunchy foods like chips, raw carrots, raw celery, and popcorn 
• Hard foods such as hard candy, hard breadsticks, or pizza crust 
• Foods that require biting into such as corn on the cob and apples. You can still enjoy these foods by slicing the apples or removing the corn from the cob. 

We often tell patients: if it sounds like eating something might damage your braces, it probably will, so avoid it. 
 
Patients also wonder, “When can I eat normal foods?” We tell patients it’s best to avoid foods that can damage braces throughout the treatment period. If you can’t say no to the craving, eat with extreme caution. 

Before brushing, do a quick rinse with water. This will dislodge any food particles stuck between the wires or brackets. Brush beginning at the gum line, using a 45-degree angle of approach. As you move towards the brackets, brush from both the top and the bottom, ensuring that the bristles reach under the wires and around the brackets. This process may take some extra time in the beginning, but once you are used to it, it will be routine for you. Follow up with thorough flossing.

We recommend using an electric toothbrush such as Sonicare or OralB. If you do not decide to use an electric toothbrush, use a toothbrush with soft bristles. 

Generally, braces do not hurt. However, you may feel a little sore or uncomfortable immediately after you first get them. This soreness is normal, and it will not last long. A saltwater rinse can help relieve soreness and inflammation. Dissolve a single teaspoon of salt in a full cup of lukewarm water and swish it around your mouth for a few minutes. If soreness persists, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If you experience lip, cheek, or tongue irritation in the weeks after getting braces, some wax can alleviate the problem quickly.

The amount of time that you will need to wear braces varies, depending on several things such as the severity of your bite problem. Most patients need to wear braces for 12 to 24 months, but this can be shorter or longer depending on your case. Your doctor will discuss this with you and give you a general idea of what you can expect. After several months of wearing braces, the progress can be measured more easily, and a more accurate update can be given to you regarding how much longer you can expect to wear braces.

The cost of braces treatment varies based on the type of braces you choose, how long you need treatment, and any other factors unique to your treatment plan. If cost is a concern, we offer affordable payment plans with 0% APR financing, and we’re willing to help you maximize your insurance benefits to help make treatment affordable.  

Yes. Generally, you’ll be able to return to school or work the same day. 

Yes, you can still play sports with braces. We recommend that you wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and your appliances. Please ask your doctor about mouthguard options. 

No matter how old you are, the answer is no. There is no age limit for braces, and our doctors provide braces for children, teens, and adults. We also offer modern adult braces that are more discreet, comfortable, and effective than what historically has been available. In fact, more adults are choosing orthodontic braces treatment than ever before. 

Don’t panic if your teeth begin to feel a little loose. This is a normal part of the treatment process. Your braces must first loosen your teeth to move them into the right position. Once your teeth have been repositioned, they will stabilize and no longer feel loose.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic consultation at the age of 7. By this age, most children have several permanent teeth starting to surface allowing our doctors to effectively evaluate a child’s orthodontic condition. In certain cases, early evaluation allows our doctors to identify missing permanent teeth or jaw growth and habit problems that can be easily corrected if caught early. Our Rising Star program helps children avoid future problems as well as potentially expensive corrections. 

Yes. We understand your busy schedule, and we are happy to help make the most of your time. On some occasions, we may request to speak with you when you return, so we ask you to check in with our concierges before dropping off your child. You can also schedule any remote care treatment check-ups by using the Smile Doctors Anywhere app.

Our doctors love dental referrals, but the dentist does not need to make an appointment. Most patients call us directly and mention the dentist who referred them. We always love to send a thank you note to our dentists.

The cost of braces or Invisalign aligners depends on the length of treatment and the type of braces and aligners that you choose. Our doctors and treatment coordinators are happy to develop a payment plan that meets your budget.