Orthodontic FAQs

Orthodontic treatment makes for a more beautiful smile, but the most important part is your health. Straight teeth and an aligned bite make brushing and flossing easier, which reduces your risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

No, but many people do! There are a few people whose teeth naturally grow in perfectly straight and aligned. However, the majority of people have some kind of orthodontic issue that could cause them problems later in life if not treated.

Early treatment can start as young as age 7, when the American Association of Orthodontists recommends the first screening. At this age, it will be easier for us to get ahead of orthodontic issues. Teens and adults can also be treated, but the treatment times are generally longer.

No, as long as your teeth and gums are healthy, you are never too old for orthodontic treatment. We work with patients from ages 5 to 105, because everyone deserves a smile they love!

Some insurance will cover certain treatments. You can let us know who your insurance provider is at your first appointment. We’ll get some info and tell you which parts of your care are covered. Then, we’ll create a payment plan that meets your needs.

Orthodontic emergencies are rare, but you can contact us at our office any time. We can offer temporary solutions to any issue causing you pain, and we’ll book you in for a repair appointment as soon as possible!

No, treatment shouldn't hurt, but you might experience some soreness or discomfort after fitting and adjustment appointments. This discomfort should pass in a few days, but you can try saltwater rinses or over-the-counter pain relief to manage it in the meantime.

It is recommended to wear your Invisalign® clear aligners at least 20-22 hours a day. Unless you’re actively eating, brushing, flossing, or drinking something other than water, your aligners should be in place. This helps ensure your treatment stays on track.

No, you can eat anything you like! Unlike traditional braces, there are no restrictions on eating with Invisalign® treatment. Just make sure you brush your teeth and rinse your aligners before putting them back in to keep everything clean and healthy.

At first, you may notice a slight change in the way you talk as your mouth adjusts to the aligners. The more you practice talking with them, the more quickly your voice will sound “normal” again.

You’ll need to come to see us every six weeks so we can monitor your progress and make any needed adjustments to your treatment plan.

The amount of time your treatment takes will depend on your unique situation. Braces vs Invisalign® treatment isn’t what makes the difference – it’s your smile goals and how well you follow Dr. Narula’s instructions.

Every smile is unique, and so is every treatment quote at our office! We won’t know the exact cost of treatment until we assess your smile at your free consultation with us.

Life with braces isn’t too different from life without, except for the beautiful smile at the end of your treatment! Luckily, our team has a bunch of helpful tips for cleaning and caring for your braces, and you can contact us at any time if you forget the proper protocols.

Irritation from wires is not uncommon. You can use some of the wax we provide to cover any sharp ends or bend the wire down using the eraser end of a pencil or a cotton swab. If none of these things help, call us and schedule an appointment to fix the problem.