The most significant difference is Invisalign’s removable design. Just take them out to make eating, brushing, and flossing as easy as it was before treatment!

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children begin at 7 years old.

Early intervention catches any developing issues before they have the chance to grow more serious and difficult to treat.

They have no need for ties or elastic rubber bands, as the brackets are self ligating. They are also shown to have shorter treatment times in comparison to normal braces.

Absolutely. You should brush after every meal and floss twice a day. Braces can easily catch food in small crevices and contribute to the buildup of plaque and bacteria if left unattended.

The exact time varies from patient to patient. Typically, your orthodontist will schedule appointments every 4-8 weeks.

The expander is made of two halves with a screw in the middle. Using a designated key, turn the screw each day to activate the expanders. The resulting tension will push the palatal bones apart. The appliance is left alone after the expansion is complete so that new bone can grow in and fill in the gap.

After your treatment has been completed, you will need to wear your retainer every day. Initially, your doctor will require you to wear it both day and night. After a designated period of time, you will be given the green light to wear them solely at night. This is typically after 6 months, but it can vary from patient to patient.

Gently wash your retainer with a brush and toothpaste. Never use hot water, as it warps the material.

Please continue to visit your general dentist. Orthodontic treatment is a different branch of dentistry that focuses on tooth alignment, proper bites, and the like. General dentistry focuses on the health and maintenance of your teeth and gums.