Frequently Asked Questions
You asked, we answered. If we didn’t cover your question here, give us a call!
Invisalign® Aligners FAQ
We 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.
Yes, some children may be candidates for Invisalign First, a clear aligner option designed for growing smiles. It can help guide early tooth movement, create space for incoming permanent teeth, and support bite development. If you have a concern, we can evaluate your child’s teeth, bite, and growth to determine whether Invisalign First is the right fit.
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)
- Less time spent at the orthodontist
- Less restrictions on food
- Oral hygiene routines are easier to maintain than with traditional braces brackets and wires
Great question! It varies according to your treatment plan. Generally, aligners work for one week each or by doctor instruction, and are exchanged for the next set. Sometimes you may wear an aligner set for as little as a week before they’re switched out. This will depend on your specific treatment plan, so always follow Dr. Laurie’s recommendation on when to change out your aligners.
We recommend that you always rinse your aligners as soon as they are removed from your mouth. Then, soak your aligner trays with the soap and water. 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.
We find that clear aligners are most effective when worn 22+ hours per day and removed only for eating, brushing, and flossing, so they can’t only be worn while sleeping.
Braces FAQ
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.
No matter how old you are, the answer is no. There is no age limit for braces and we provide braces for children, teens, and adults in Wheaton, IL and Carol Stream. Modern adult braces are more discreet, more comfortable, and more effective. More adults are choosing orthodontic treatment now than ever before.
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.
Absolutely! There is no reason you cannot return to school or work the same day.
The cost of braces depends on which type of braces you choose, how long you will need treatment, and any other factors 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.
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. If you experience lip, cheek, or tongue irritation in the weeks after getting braces, some wax can alleviate the problem quickly.
We recommend using an electric toothbrush. If you do not decide to use an electric toothbrush, use a toothbrush with soft bristles.
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 a thorough flossing.
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:
- Chewy foods such as bagels, fruit leathers, or beefy 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.
- Avoid drinks that break down or soften enamel (soda, energy drinks, carbonated beverages) or that can stain ceramic braces and bands (coffee, tea, wine). When in doubt, plain water is always a safe alternative!
A common question we hear from patients 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.
General Orthodontic FAQ
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic consultation by the age of 7. At this age, most children have several permanent teeth starting to surface allowing Dr. Laurie to effectively evaluate a child’s orthodontic condition. In certain cases, early evaluation allows Dr. Laurie to identify missing permanent teeth, jaw growth, and habit problems that can be easily corrected if caught early. Our Rising Star program helps children avoid future problems and potential costly corrections.
We understand your busy schedule, and we are happy to help make the most of your time. If your child is in active treatment, you may drop them off--though on some occasions we may request to speak with you when you return, so you should check in with our concierge at drop off. If your child is here for an exam, we do ask that a parent or guardian be present to speak with Dr. Laurie. You can schedule any remote care treatment check-ups by using the Smile Doctors Anywhere app.
Dr. Laurie loves dental referrals, but the dentist does not need to make the 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 and type of treatment that you choose. Our doctors and treatment coordinators are happy to develop a payment plan that meets your budget.
