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Wearing them only while sleeping isn’t very effective if you’re in comprehensive treatment. Unless we tell you otherwise, we find that clear aligners are most effective when worn 22+ hours per day and removed only for eating, brushing, and flossing.
Always rinse your aligners as soon as they are removed from your mouth.We recommend that you soak your aligner trays with the Invisalign brand crystal cleaning solution every day.This solution removes the bacteria from the aligners. Use a soft bristle toothbrush (not your daily toothbrush) to lightly sweep away any debris that remains after the soak. After soaking, rinse off the aligners and place them back in your mouth.
This varies according to your treatment plan. Generally, aligners work for two weeks before you wear 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, so follow your orthodontist’s guidance for the best results.
Invisalign aligners are a popular choice because of many benefits:
Brace Yourself Orthodontics offers Invisalign® for patients aged 12-18 years old. For adults, we offer Smile Express® aligners, and Invisalign® aligners for full comprehensive treatment.
Nope! Brace Yourself Orthodontics offers a customized approach to orthodontic treatment, so you can choose from ceramic/clear braces, self-ligating braces and clear aligners.
When you begin treatment, you’ll need to take special care to avoid any foods that could damage your new appliances. We recommend you choose soft foods to eat with braces at school or work, including any of the following:
It is very important to avoid foods that could result in broken brackets, loose wires, or broken appliances. Examples of foods that you should avoid:
A common question we hear is:
“How long after getting braces can I eat normal foods?” We tell patients that 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
Your step-by-step guide to brushing with braces:
We recommend using an electric toothbrush such as Sonicare or Oral-B. If you decide not to use an electric toothbrush, use a toothbrush with soft bristles.
Generally, braces do not hurt, but when you first get them, you may feel a little sore or uncomfortable immediately afterward. Soreness is normal, and it’s temporary.
One thing that helps is a saltwater rinse:
If soreness persists, taking an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help. Lastly, if you have lip, cheek, or tongue irritation in the weeks after getting braces, use your orthodontic wax to help 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. Dr. Parekh will discuss this with you and give you a general idea of what you can expect. Several months into your braces treatment, we can measure your progress and provide a more accurate update regarding how much longer you can expect to wear braces.
The cost of braces depends on which type of braces you choose, how long you will need treatment, and any other factors that might be unique to your treatment plan. Our treatment coordinators offer payment plans that can work with your budget and get you the orthodontic care that you need.
Yes. Generally, you’ll be able to return to school or work the same day.
Yes, you can still play sports with braces. It’s highly recommended that you wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and your appliance. Please ask your care team about mouthguard options.
No matter how old you are, the answer is no. There is no age limit for braces and Brace Yourself Orthodontics provides braces for children, teens, and adults. Modern adult braces are more discreet, more comfortable, and more effective. More adults are choosing orthodontic treatment now 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 orthodontists to effectively evaluate a child’s oral health and development. In certain cases, early evaluation allows us to identify missing permanent teeth or jaw growth and habit problems that can be easily corrected if caught early. Our free Growth Guidance program helps children avoid future problems and potential costly 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.
We love dental referrals, but your 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 local dentists.
The cost of braces or Invisalign aligners depends on the length of treatment and the type of treatment you choose. We are happy to develop a payment plan that meets your budget.
