Invisalign and Braces FAQs

Most of our patients experience some minor discomfort when they first get their braces or start Invisalign, but it only lasts a couple days. For more information read our “Dealing with Discomfort” page.

There is no one answer to this question because it depends on what type of treatment you choose, what issues need corrected, and which orthodontist you visit. We do our best to make treatment as affordable as possible. For more, see “Paying for Treatment.”

There is no one answer to this question because it depends on what type of treatment you choose, what issues need corrected, and which orthodontist you visit. We do our best to make treatment as affordable as possible. For more, see “Paying for Treatment.”

Treatment time depends on what issues need to be corrected and what type of treatment is used. In general, braces take 12 to 24 months and Invisalign takes 6 to 12 months. Braces average a longer treatment time because they are often used to treat tougher issues.

At Smith Orthodontics, we like to see our patients every 6 to 10 weeks to ensure their treatment is being effective and staying on schedule.

Children should see an orthodontist at age 7. This is the perfect age to get them used to coming to the office, start a records of their oral development, and address any issues that can be corrected early.

Yes you do. In fact it’s even more important to go for regular cleanings when you have braces to ensure your teeth stay healthy.

Braces - The wires connected to the brackets attached to your teeth put light pressure on your teeth, which gently moves them into place.

Invisalign - Sets of clear, plastic aligner trays are worn on the top and bottom teeth. Every one to two weeks, the aligners are replaced with a new set with a slightly different shape, gradually shifting and straightening your teeth.

Yes you can. We recommend wearing a mouthguard when participating in contact sports to protect your teeth and gums. If you play a wind instrument, it may take a week or two to adjust to playing with braces.

You can eat most things that aren’t crunchy or sticky, which can damage your teeth. For a list of foods to avoid, go to our "Daily Care" page.

Your teeth are constantly shifting throughout your life, so it is extremely important to wear your retainer as directed to keep the smile you’ve worked so hard for.

First, don’t panic, it happens. Follow the instructions on our "Braces Emergencies" page and call our office to schedule an appointment to have it repaired.

Unfortunately this happens. If you had just started wearing that particular aligner, put your old one back in. If you were towards the end of wearing it and have a new one, put the new one in. Then schedule an appointment so we can get you a replacement.

Absolutely! It’s never too late to get a beautiful, healthy smile. And with people living longer, it’s even more important to take care of your teeth.

No, you do not need a dentist referral. Dentists are not always focused on issues that can be corrected with orthodontics since that is not their specialty, so you may have an issue that they don't notice during your dental exam.

The same is true of children. We recommend taking your child to an orthodontist around age 7 to ensure their jaws and teeth are developing properly and early treatment isn't necessary.

At Smith Orthodontics, we monitor children free of charge until orthodontic treatment, if necessary, begins.