Exceptional Kansas City Orthodontics
At Kavanaugh Orthodontics, we're committed to helping patients young and old achieve a smile they love through top-quality orthodontic treatment. Dr. Kurt Kavanaugh and our team of highly trained orthodontic specialists are proud to offer a variety of expert treatment options paired with the excellent service and compassionate care your family deserves. If you're looking for a children’s orthodontist in Kansas City, we’re proud to provide superior early treatment so your child can have a beautiful smile for life. We work closely with each patient to design personalized treatment plans that perfectly suit their needs, lifestyle, and smile goals.
If you’re considering Kansas City orthodontics, Invisalign is one of the most convenient options available for both teens and adults. To help you better understand Invisalign and make an informed choice on your treatment, we've compiled some of the most commonly asked Invisalign questions, along with their answers. We hope you find this list helpful!
Q. How much will I need to wear my aligners?
A. You'll have to wear your aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours a day, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss.
Q. Do I have to avoid certain foods during treatment?
A. Invisalign requires no dietary restrictions. Unlike with regular braces, the aligners are completely removable. You can still enjoy all of your favorite foods, no matter how hard or sticky they may be! Just be sure to brush your teeth and aligners before putting them back in.
Q. Will my aligners give me a lisp or affect my speech?
A. As with all forms of orthodontic treatment, you'll likely go through a brief adjustment period where your speech will sound slightly different. This effect will fade quickly, though, and the more you talk with the aligners in, the faster you'll get back to normal.
Q. Does Invisalign cause any discomfort?
A. Most patients experience a slight sense of pressure or discomfort when they first switch to a new pair of aligners, but this fades within a day or two. This is a sign that your teeth are moving into their next position. Aside from this slight pressure, Invisalign is virtually painless.
Q. Can I chew gum with Invisalign?
A. Gum can stick to your aligners, so you'll have to remove them in order to chew gum.
Q. Can I smoke with Invisalign?
A. Smoking can discolor your aligners, so you'll need to take them out before you smoke. We'd recommend quitting altogether, though, and we're happy to connect you with resources to help.
Q. How do I clean my aligners?
A. You can clean your aligners by simply brushing them with toothpaste, just as you would your teeth.
Q. How often will I need to come to the office for visits during treatment?
A. The frequency of your visits will depend on your unique treatment situation, but most patients will come in for an appointment every five or six weeks.
Q. What happens once I'm finished with treatment? Will I need to wear a retainer?
A. As with all orthodontic treatments, you'll need to wear a retainer after treatment to ensure that your teeth stay in their new positions. As an Invisalign patient, however, you’re in luck—you can just use your last pair of aligners as a retainer!
Q. How long will treatment take?
A. Treatment time varies greatly based on each patient’s orthodontic case. Most Invisalign patients have a 6 to 18 month treatment course.
Q. Can kids get Invisalign?
A. As your trusted childrens orthodontist in Kansas City, we are proud to offer Invisalign to patients of all ages. As long as all teeth – including the second molars – have finished growing in, anyone is eligible for Invisalign. Your Kansas City childrens orthodontist will be able to determine if Invisalign is right for your child.
Transform Your Smile With Invisalign At Kurt Kavanaugh Orthodontics!
If you’re ready for a straight, beautiful smile, we at Kavanaugh Orthodontics would be thrilled to make it happen for you! We would love the chance to consult with you to help you determine if Invisalign may be right for you. Book an appointment to get started with a free consultation today. If you have an Invisalign question that is not addressed on this page, simply reach out to us at our contact page, and we’ll be happy to provide the information you need. We can’t wait to help you achieve the smile of your dreams through Kansas City orthodontics!