A few of the questions you may have been wondering about, along with their answers—and maybe a couple of bits you didn’t realize you needed—it’s all here. And if we didn’t cover something that’s on your mind, please give us a call!
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.
Great question! It varies according to your treatment plan. Generally, aligners work for two weeks 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 our recommendation on when to change out your aligners.
Invisalign aligners are a popular choice because of many benefits:
Our doctors offer Invisalign for teens which is suited for patients aged 12-18 years old. For adults, we offer Smile Express™ and Invisalign aligners for full comprehensive treatment.
Nope! Space City Orthodontics offers a customized approach to orthodontic treatment, so our doctors offer ceramic/clear braces, self-ligating braces, and clear aligners.
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:
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:
A common question we get 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.
Before brushing, do a quick rinse with water. This will dislodge any food particles stuck between the wires or brackets. Beginning at the gum line, brush 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 will soon become routine. Follow up with a thorough flossing.
We recommend using an electric toothbrush such as Sonicare or Oral-B. If you do not decide 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 (Advil®) or acetaminophen (Tylenol®) 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 duration of braces treatment can vary based on factors such as the degree of your bite issue. Typically, patients require braces for 12 to 24 months, but this can differ depending on individual cases. Your Space City Orthodontics doctor will provide you with an overview of what to expect. Then, as treatment progresses, it becomes easier to evaluate progress and provide a more precise estimate of the remaining duration of your braces treatment.
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 Dr. Jordan 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 more than ever before.
Your teeth may begin to feel a little loose. This is a 100% normal part of treatment. 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, which gives our doctors an effective way to evaluate your child’s orthodontic health. Plus, in certain cases, early evaluation may help our doctors identify missing permanent teeth or problems with jaw growth as well as habits like thumb sucking which can be more easily corrected if caught early. Our Rising Star program helps children avoid future problems as well as potentially expensive corrections.
We understand your busy schedule, so yes! We are happy to help make the most of your time. Occasionally, 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.
While we love dental referrals and see a number of our dental colleagues’ patients, your dentist doesn’t 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 braces and aligners that you choose. Our doctors and treatment coordinators are happy to develop a payment plan that meets your budget.
