Minnesota Orthodontics FAQs
1. At what age should my child see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation
by age 7. Early evaluations help identify potential issues, even if treatment isn’t needed right away.
2. Do I need a referral from my dentist?
3. Is orthodontic treatment only for kids?
No!
Orthodontic treatment is available for children, teens, and adults. It’s never too late to improve your smile.
4. Can kids and teens get Invisalign® clear aligners?
Yes! Invisalign® offers treatment options specifically designed for
kids and
teens, including features that accommodate growing smiles.
5. What's the difference between Damon™ braces and Invisalign® clear aligners?
6. How does Invisalign® work?
You’ll wear each set of aligners for 1 week before switching to the next set. Each aligner is shaped slightly different to gently move your teeth a little closer to your desired smile and treatment goals.
7. How long does orthodontic treatment take with Damon™ braces or Invisalign® clear aligners?
Treatment varies by patient, treatment and goals and timelines can vary, traditionally 9-24mos.
8. Does insurance cover Damon™ braces and Invisalign® clear aligners?
Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits. Our team can help review your coverage and discuss flexible payment options. Learn more about what dental insurances we partner with
here.
9. Is there an orthodontic consultation fee?
10. Are there payment plans for orthodontic treatment?
11. Does orthodontic treatment improve more than just my smile?
Yes! Correctly aligned teeth can improve your bite, make brushing and flossing easier, and support long-term oral health. It can also benefit possible TMJ symptoms and airway concerns, talk with your orthodontist further to evaluate your goals for treatment.
12. Do I still need to see my dentist while in treatment with Damon™ braces or Invisalign® clear aligners?
Yes! Continue regular dental cleanings and checkups every six months to keep your teeth and gums healthy. We recommend an extra cleaning each year while you are in treatment to help maintain your oral health as it is often hard to clean in and around braces.
If a wire is causing discomfort, you can use orthodontic wax until you’re seen.
13. How do I brush and floss with Damon™ braces?
Brush after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily with floss threaders or orthodontic floss picks.
14.How do I clean my Invisalign® aligners?
Clean them daily with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water or use
Invisalign® cleaning crystals or approved aligner cleaners. Brush and floss your teeth like normal twice daily. You will brush your attachments when you brush your teeth.
15. Are Invisalign® clear aligners as effective as Damon™ braces?
YES!
Invisalign® treats a wide range of orthodontic concerns from simple to complex, including crowding, spacing, and many bite issues. Invisalign® is for patients of all ages and treatment goals.
16. Does getting Damon™ braces hurt?
Placing the braces onto the teeth does not hurt, there is no anesthetic required, and a blue light hardens the glue after the teeth are cleaned and prepped for the braces.
You may experience mild soreness for a few days after braces are placed or adjusted, but most patients adjust quickly. Standard over the counter pain relievers are acceptable to take as long as there are no restrictions with your general physician, medications should be taken as instructed by the label and your physician.
17. Does getting Invisalign® clear aligners hurt?
Placing the attachments (tooth colored bumps) onto the teeth does not hurt, there is no anesthetic required, and a blue light hardens the glue after the teeth are cleaned and prepped for the attachments.
You may feel mild pressure or soreness for a day or two when starting a new set of aligners. This is normal and means your teeth are moving. Standard over the counter pain relievers are acceptable to take as long as there are no restrictions with your general physician, medications should be taken as instructed by the label and your physician.
18. Will orthodontic treatment affect my speech?
Some patients notice a slight lisp for the first few days, but most adjust quickly.
19. What foods should I avoid with Damon™ braces?
Avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods such as Takis, popcorn, caramel, hard candy, ice, and chewing gum, as they can break braces. The glue to hold the braces on is temporary, as the braces eventually need to come off, so adjustments to diet and style of eating will be necessary. Cutting foods into smaller pieces and biting only with the back teeth will help protect your braces.
20. What foods should I avoid with Invisalign® clear aligners?
You do not need to avoid any foods as long as your aligners are out, you are free to eat and drink anything you would like!
21. Can I eat with my aligners in?
Your doctor will go over guidelines with you, depending on your treatment goals, you may eat with your aligners in. Consult your treating doctor to discuss further.
22. How often will I have appointments with Damon™ braces?
Most patients visit 12-16 weeks for adjustments and progress checks depending on what stage of treatment you are in. When you are nearing the end of your treatment you may be seen more frequently, closer to every 4 weeks.
23. How often will I have appointments with Invisalign® clear aligners?
Most patients are seen every 16-20 weeks to monitor progress and receive their next sets of aligners.
You will also have virtual appointments as well to check your progress and you will submit photos on the Invisalign® virtual care app for our team to review. We will contact you if we see any concerns that will need an in office visit soon than you are scheduled.
24. How many hours a day do I need to wear my aligners?
For the best results, wear your aligners 20–22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink anything besides water, brush, and floss.
25. Will I need to wear a retainer after orthodontic treatment with Damon™ braces or Invisalign® clear aligners?
Yes. Vivera™ Retainers help keep your teeth in their final position after treatment is complete. Retainers are worn at nighttime for a lifetime; they are a clear and removable appliance covering all surfaces of the teeth.
We do not place permanent, glued in wires as a form of retention any more due to the risk of breakage, tooth movement, periodontal health and risk of bone loss surrounding those teeth.
26. What if a bracket or wire breaks?
27. What happens if I lose an Invisalign® aligner?
If you have your next tray available, try it in, if it fits wear it full time 20-22 hours a day, a few extra days until you are back to your normal scheduled change.
If you do not have your next tray available, go back to your previous tray and wear previous tray, call our office during regular business hours and we will provide you with next steps.
