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Your Orthodontic Journey: Questions Uncovered

Woman looking up and pondering a question.
American Association of Orthodontists›FAQs

As part of your treatment, are comprehensive diagnostic records like x-rays taken before your treatment?

YES – Your teeth and mouth are as unique as you. Examining your mouth with x-rays gives your orthodontist a better road map on how to help you. 

  • Does the treatment and fee include x-rays of your teeth and jaws?
  • Does the treatment and fee include a clinical examination of your jaw alignment, teeth, bite, and your teeth’ relationship to the skeletal structures?
  • Does the treatment and fee include taking photographs of your face, facial profile, mouth, and teeth?
  • Does the treatment and fee include taking digital scans or other impressions of your teeth?

NO – You have to ask yourself if you are comfortable starting orthodontic treatment without comprehensive diagnostic records. If you would like complete diagnostic records taken, are you comfortable going to another dental professional to take them? If yes, what will that cost?

I see ads for perfect teeth in only one or two visits to the dentist. Will that give me straight teeth?

The ads may have been for veneers, which are thin, tooth-colored shells that are glued to the fronts of teeth. But they do not alter an improper arrangement of teeth – they just cover up the problem. Veneers are easier to place and last longer when teeth are straight, and the bite has been corrected.

How should aligners be cared for?

Your orthodontist or a member of the orthodontist’s staff will brief you on brushing, flossing, toothpaste, rinses and other hygiene tools for your teeth, as well as any special instructions on cleaning your aligners. If you eat or drink anything besides tap water, remove your aligners first. Put them in their case, and put the case in a safe place. After you are done drinking or eating, brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in.

What do I do if I misplace an aligner?

Aligners should be worn in a particular sequence. Your orthodontist is the best person to call for advice about next steps, and to advise whether a lost aligner will extend your treatment time.

Will I take part in typical daily activities the day aligners are applied?

You should be fine going to work or school and taking part in your usual activities the day you get your aligners.

What am I allowed to drink with aligners?

Tap water is the only beverage that is safe to drink when your aligners are in. When wearing your aligners, avoid everything except tap water. You can remove your aligners to drink anything other than tap water. You’ll need to brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in. Except for tap water, remove aligners when drinking. After drinking, brush right away before putting your aligners back in.

What can’t I eat with aligners?

Nothing is off-limits. Just be conscious of the need to take out aligners to eat, and to clean your teeth before putting your aligners back in.

What can I eat with aligners?

A healthy diet supports the body as it undergoes the biological changes that occur during orthodontic treatment. You are encouraged to enjoy a variety of healthful foods during orthodontic treatment. Just be sure to take your aligners out before you eat, and before you put them back in, clean your teeth thoroughly.

Can I eat after getting aligners?

Yes. At first, you may want to consider foods that require little or no chewing such as soup, pudding, mashed potatoes, applesauce, ice cream, etc.

How long do I wear aligners?

Aligners need to be worn at least 22 hours a day. Take them out to eat or to drink anything except for tap water. Then clean your teeth before putting your aligners back in. They can only move teeth when they are in your mouth.