Frequently Asked Questions
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Invisalign® Aligners FAQ
We offer Invisalign treatment for patients of all ages, including Invisalign First® for children, Invisalign Teen® for ages 12–18, and comprehensive Invisalign treatment for adults. Adults also have the option of Smile Express® at-home aligners for a convenient cosmetic solution.
Yes! Some children are excellent candidates for Invisalign First, a clear aligner treatment designed specifically for growing smiles. In addition to straightening teeth, Invisalign First can help guide the growth of the jaws, create space for incoming permanent teeth, and correct developing bite problems. During your complimentary consultation, we'll evaluate your child's teeth, bite, and growth to determine if Invisalign First is the best treatment option.
Invisalign aligners are a popular choice because of many benefits:
Nearly invisible for a discreet, confident smile
Custom-made for a comfortable fit with no brackets or wires to irritate your cheeks and gums
Comparable in cost to traditional braces
Fewer in-office visits thanks to remote monitoring options
No food restrictions! Simply remove your aligners to eat all of your favorite foods
Easier brushing and flossing since the aligners are removable, helping you maintain excellent oral health during treatment!
Every smile is different, so your aligner schedule will be customized to your treatment plan. Most patients switch to a new set of aligners every week, as directed by Dr. Laurie. Following your prescribed wear schedule is one of the most important ways to keep your treatment on track and achieve the best possible results.
Keeping your aligners clean is simple and helps keep your smile healthy. Each time you remove them, rinse them with cold or lukewarm water to prevent saliva and plaque from drying on the trays. Once a day, gently clean your aligners using a clear, unscented soap or an aligner cleaning solution and a soft toothbrush (separate from the one you use for your teeth). Rinse thoroughly before placing them back in your mouth. Avoid using hot water, which can warp the aligners!!
Also, remember to rinse your mouth and aligners with water after consuming anything other than water—especially sugary drinks or snacks—and brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in whenever possible.
For the best results, aligners should be worn at least 22 hours a day, removing them only to eat, drink anything besides water, brush, and floss. Because they work by applying gentle, continuous pressure to move your teeth, wearing them only while you sleep will not provide enough treatment time to achieve the desired results
Absolutely! One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign® treatment is that it fits seamlessly into your lifestyle. Simply remove your aligners to eat, brush, and floss, and for special occasions such as weddings, school dances, or important events. If you play sports, you can remove your aligners and wear a properly fitted mouthguard to protect your smile—just remember to put your aligners back in as soon as possible to stay on track with your treatment.
We love seeing our patients, but we also know life is busy! With Dental Monitoring, many Invisalign® patients only need to visit the office every few months because we can monitor their progress remotely through regular scans. This means fewer office visits, less time away from work or school, and the confidence of knowing Dr. Laurie is keeping a close eye on your treatment every step of the way.
Braces FAQ
It's completely normal for your teeth to feel slightly loose during orthodontic treatment. As your teeth move into their new positions, the surrounding bone naturally remodels to allow for this movement. Once treatment is complete and your teeth have settled into their final positions, they will stabilize and the looseness will resolve.
There is no age limit for orthodontic treatment. We provide braces for children, teens, and adults, and it's never too late to achieve a healthy, confident smile. Today's orthodontic options are more comfortable, discreet, and effective than ever before, making treatment an increasingly popular choice for adults of all ages.
Absolutely! You can continue to play sports while wearing braces. To protect your teeth, lips, and orthodontic appliances, we strongly recommend wearing a properly fitting orthodontic mouthguard during practices and games.
Absolutely! There is no reason you cannot return to school or work the same day.
The cost of orthodontic treatment varies based on your individual needs, including the type of braces or aligners you choose and the complexity of your case. During your complimentary consultation, we'll provide a personalized treatment plan, review all costs upfront, verify your insurance benefits, and discuss flexible financing options to help make achieving your new smile affordable.
It's normal to experience some tenderness or soreness for the first few days after getting your braces or after an adjustment. This temporary discomfort is a sign that your teeth are beginning to move. To help you feel more comfortable, rinse with warm salt water, eat soft foods, and, if needed, take an over-the-counter pain reliever. If a bracket or wire is rubbing the inside of your lips or cheeks, simply place orthodontic wax over the area until your mouth adjusts.
We recommend using an electric toothbrush for the most effective cleaning during orthodontic treatment. If you prefer a manual toothbrush, choose one with soft bristles.
Keeping your braces clean is one of the most important parts of your treatment! Start by rinsing with water to loosen any food particles. Then, using a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush, brush along the gumline at a 45-degree angle before cleaning above, below, and around each bracket and wire. Take your time—brushing with braces takes a little longer, but a thorough cleaning helps prevent cavities, gum inflammation, and staining. Finish by flossing carefully around your wires using floss threaders or other orthodontic flossing aids.
The foods you eat can have a big impact on your orthodontic treatment. To keep your braces working properly and avoid unnecessary repairs or delays, it's important to avoid foods that can bend wires, loosen brackets, or break appliances.
Please avoid:
Chewy foods: bagels, beef jerky, fruit leather
Sticky foods: caramel, taffy, gum, licorice, marshmallow
Crunchy foods: popcorn, chips, raw carrots, and raw celery
Hard foods: hard candy, ice, nuts, hard breadsticks, and pizza crust
Foods you bite into: whole apples, corn on the cob, and similar foods (instead, cut apples into slices and remove corn from the cob)
We also recommend limiting sugary and acidic beverages, such as soda, sports drinks, and energy drinks, as they can increase your risk of cavities and enamel damage. If you have clear or ceramic braces, coffee, tea, and red wine may also cause staining.
Although your teeth may feel comfortable enough to eat normally after the first few days, these food guidelines should be followed throughout your entire treatment. Protecting your braces helps prevent broken appliances, reduces emergency visits, and keeps your smile progressing on schedule.
General Orthodontic FAQ
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Don't worry—an early visit doesn't usually mean your child needs braces. Instead, it gives Dr. Laurie the opportunity to monitor your child's growth, identify developing concerns early, and recommend treatment only if and when it's truly needed.
Through our Rising Star Program, we'll keep an eye on your child's teeth, bite, and jaw development as they grow. By monitoring their smile over time, we can often make future treatment simpler, more predictable, and, in some cases, help avoid more complex orthodontic problems later. Most importantly, you'll have peace of mind knowing your child's smile is developing just as it should.
We know family schedules are busy, so we strive to make every visit as convenient as possible. If your child is in treatment, you're welcome to drop them off for most appointments. Occasionally, Dr. Laurie may need to discuss your child's progress or treatment plan with you, so please check with our concierge at drop-off to see if we'll need you to return before the appointment ends.
For children visiting us for their initial consultation or exam, we ask that a parent or guardian be present so you can meet with Dr. Laurie, ask questions, and review treatment recommendations together. If your child is enrolled in remote care through Dental Monitoring, many progress checks can be completed from home using the Smile Doctors Anywhere app, reducing the number of trips to the office.
We truly appreciate the confidence our local dentists place in us and are always grateful for their referrals. However, you do not need a referral to schedule an orthodontic consultation. Parents are welcome to call us directly at any time, and if your dentist recommended us, simply let us know—we love thanking our referring dental partners for trusting us with your family's smile.
The cost of orthodontic treatment varies based on your individual needs, including the type of braces or aligners you choose and the complexity of your case. During your complimentary consultation, we'll provide a personalized treatment plan, review all costs upfront, verify your insurance benefits, and discuss flexible financing options to help make achieving your new smile affordable.
We understand that parents don't want their children missing valuable classroom time, and we do everything we can to accommodate your family's schedule. While a few appointments—such as placing braces, removing braces, or other longer visits—require additional time and may need to be scheduled during school hours, the majority of routine adjustment appointments can be scheduled after school. Simply let our team know your scheduling preference, and we'll make every effort to reserve after-school appointments for all of your future visits.
