Orthodontic Braces FAQs

Invisalign^® Braces FAQs

How long does orthodontic treatment take?
It varies according to individual needs. Treatment can focus on moving a single tooth or realigning an entire line. Clients typically wear their braces for 6 months to two years, with adjustments to the wires made every 4 to 8 weeks. Once the braces come out, clients may need to wear a retainer for up to 18 months.

Back to top

Do braces harm the teeth?
There's a very slight risk of damage to the teeth and gums, but overall, braces are considered very safe.

Back to top

When do changes become visible?
Many clients can see changes start to appear within the first 3 to 6 weeks after braces have been installed.

Back to top

Who can wear braces?
Any teenager or adult who is in otherwise good periodontal health can use braces to straighten his or her teeth and/or correct flaws in his or her bite. In fact, the number of adults over the age of 30 who wear braces has continued to grow in the last few years.

Back to top

Are there dietary restrictions that come with braces?
In general, clients can enjoy many of their favorite foods, although dentists recommend softer foods in the first week or two after the braces have been installed. Foods that should be avoided are gooey, crunchy, hard and sticky foods, like taffy, caramel, apples, carrots and the like. Gum should also be avoided. A qualified dentist will explain any food restrictions to the client.

Back to top

Does it hurt to have braces put on?
The procedure for putting braces on a client's teeth isn't painful and doesn't require Novocain or other anesthesia. After the braces are on, people usually feel some discomfort for a few days, due to the pressure from the wires. That discomfort can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers, and it usually subsides within a week.

Back to top

Are braces covered under dental insurance plans?
Many dental insurance plans will cover orthodontic treatment for children up to age 18, but not for people over that age.

Back to top

What is a malocclusion?
"Occlusion" means "bite" and refers to how the teeth in the top and bottom jaw make contact with each other. A malocclusion refers to a bad bite, i.e., a bite that isn't working properly.

Back to top

Can braces be applied to just the upper or lower teeth?
Most clients have braces put on both rows of teeth, but clients whose bite problems or crooked teeth are centered on just one row can have braces put on either the upper or lower teeth rather than both. A qualified dentist will determine the proper course of treatment for each individual.

Back to top

What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a teeth straightening procedure that uses invisible, removable aligners to straighten a client's teeth through a series of gradual steps, without any need to install metal or wires in the client's mouth.

Back to top

How does it work?
Through 3-D computer imaging technology, the dentist can design a full treatment plan, from the client's original alignment all the way to the final, desired alignment. A series of client-tailored, invisible "aligners" are created, with each one moving the client's teeth another step closer to the final, desired result. Clients wear each aligner for a couple of weeks before replacing it with the next in the series until the desired results are achieved.

Back to top

What are Invisalign braces made of?
The Invisalign braces are made out of clear, resilient, virtually invisible plastic.

Back to top

Do dentists need special training to use Invisalign?
Orthodontists and dentists who wish to treat clients with Invisalign are required to undergo training before performing Invisalign procedures.

Back to top

How are teeth repositioned through the Invisalign procedure?
The Invisalign braces reposition teeth by applying an appropriate level of force on the teeth. By creating a series of Invisalign aligners, the dentist can control each step of the process, focusing only on certain teeth during each individual step, based on the needs of each client.

Back to top

Is Invisalign safe?
Yes. The Federal Drug Administration approved the Invisalign procedure in August 1998.

Back to top