Both traditional braces and Invisalign move your teeth gradually toward correct alignment — but they do so differently. Braces use metal or ceramic brackets bonded to teeth, connected by wires that apply continuous pressure. Invisalign uses a series of custom-fabricated clear plastic trays worn over the teeth, changed approximately every one to two weeks. Braces are fixed and cannot be removed; Invisalign aligners are removable. See our full Invisalign vs. braces comparison for a detailed breakdown.

Neither is universally better — the right choice depends on your specific clinical needs, lifestyle, and compliance. Braces are generally the more powerful tool for complex bite corrections and cases where precise tooth control is required. Invisalign is preferred by patients who prioritize discretion, removability, and dietary freedom — and who are committed to wearing aligners 20 to 22 hours daily. Dr. Hessamfar will give you an honest clinical recommendation at your free consultation.

Yes — for mild to moderate alignment and bite corrections, Invisalign achieves results clinically comparable to traditional braces. For more complex bite issues involving significant jaw repositioning, braces may offer greater control. The effectiveness of Invisalign also depends heavily on patient compliance — aligners must be worn 20 to 22 hours per day to achieve treatment targets on schedule.

ABSC offers traditional metal braces, ceramic (clear) braces, and Invisalign clear aligners — including Invisalign Teen. Dr. Hessamfar will recommend the most clinically appropriate option for your specific case at your free consultation.

Treatment length varies significantly by case. Mild alignment corrections can be achieved in as little as 6 to 12 months. Most average cases take 12 to 24 months. Complex bite corrections involving significant jaw and tooth repositioning may take 24 months or more. Dr. Hessamfar will give you an estimated treatment timeline as part of your personalized treatment plan at your first visit.

Yes. Orthodontic treatment at ABSC addresses both cosmetic alignment and functional bite correction — including overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. Correcting bite problems is often as important as straightening teeth, as untreated bite issues can lead to uneven tooth wear, jaw joint problems, and difficulty chewing over time.

The iTero™ Element digital scanner is a radiation-free handheld device that captures thousands of images per second to generate an instant 3D model of your teeth — replacing traditional putty impressions entirely. It is faster, more accurate, and far more comfortable. Patients who begin treatment with an iTero scan experience up to seven times fewer aligner fitting issues than those with traditional impressions. For Invisalign patients, it also generates a Smile Simulation showing your expected results before treatment begins.

Braces themselves do not cause sharp pain, but it is normal to experience soreness and pressure for 3 to 5 days after braces are first placed and after each adjustment appointment. This discomfort is a sign that your teeth are moving. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen are effective for managing soreness. The discomfort typically diminishes significantly after the first two to three weeks of treatment as your mouth adjusts.

Proper oral hygiene is critical during braces treatment. You should brush after every meal (at minimum twice daily) using a soft-bristled toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to clean above and below the wire. Use floss threaders or a water flosser to clean between teeth and under the wire daily. Visit our detailed brushing and flossing with braces guide for step-by-step instructions.

Invisalign aligners must be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day — removing them only to eat, drink anything other than water, and to brush and floss. Wearing aligners fewer than the required hours each day directly slows treatment progress and can cause teeth to shift back, requiring additional trays to correct. Consistency is the single biggest factor in achieving on-schedule Invisalign results.

Call the ABSC office as soon as possible. For a poking wire, you can temporarily use orthodontic wax (available at most pharmacies) to cover the end and prevent irritation until your appointment. Do not attempt to cut the wire yourself. For a completely detached bracket, save it if possible and bring it to your appointment. Visit our living with braces page for guidance on managing common orthodontic issues at home.

Most ABSC patients visit every four to six weeks during active treatment — traditional braces patients for wire adjustments, and Invisalign patients for progress checks and new aligner sets. Appointment visits are generally quick — most routine adjustment visits take 20 to 30 minutes. More involved appointments are scheduled in the afternoon to allow Dr. Hessamfar adequate time.

Yes — one of the primary advantages of Invisalign is that there are no food restrictions. Simply remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water, enjoy your meal normally, brush your teeth before reinserting the aligners, and continue your day. No banned foods, no broken brackets, no dietary adjustments required.

Most patients experience a minor adjustment period of a few days to one to two weeks. With traditional braces, you may notice slight changes as your tongue adjusts to the brackets. With Invisalign, a very slight lisp is common for the first few days with each new set of aligners but resolves quickly as your tongue adapts. Most patients report that their speech feels normal within a week of starting treatment.

Yes. Remove your aligners for contact sports and replace them with an appropriate mouthguard. Reinsert your aligners immediately after activity ends. This makes Invisalign especially practical for athletes who play contact or impact sports regularly.

Yes — every orthodontic patient requires a retainer after active treatment ends. Without a retainer, teeth will gradually shift back toward their original positions over time. This is not a failure of treatment — it is simply the natural tendency of teeth to move throughout life. Wearing your retainer as prescribed by Dr. Hessamfar is the only way to protect and maintain your results permanently.

Dr. Hessamfar will give you specific retainer instructions tailored to your case, but the general guideline for most patients is: full-time wear (20 to 22 hours daily) for the first 6 to 12 months after treatment ends, followed by nighttime-only wear indefinitely. Many orthodontists now recommend lifetime nighttime retainer wear to permanently preserve your results — teeth can shift at any age without retention.

ABSC fits patients with custom retainers based on their clinical needs. Options include removable clear retainers (similar in appearance to Invisalign trays, fabricated from your iTero scan for a precise fit), traditional Hawley retainers (wire and acrylic), and fixed/bonded retainers (a thin wire bonded behind the front teeth for permanent retention without requiring patient compliance). Dr. Hessamfar will recommend the most appropriate type for your specific case.

Teeth will shift. How quickly depends on the individual — some patients experience noticeable movement within weeks of stopping retainer wear; others may take months or years to see significant relapse. If you have lost or stopped wearing your retainer, contact ABSC as soon as possible. In many cases, a new retainer can recapture minor drift without requiring a full retreatment — but the longer you wait, the more movement may occur.

Yes — and many patients choose to do so. Once braces are removed and your teeth are professionally cleaned, teeth whitening is generally safe and effective. We recommend consulting with your general dentist for whitening recommendations appropriate for your specific tooth sensitivity and enamel condition. Wait at least two weeks after debanding before beginning any whitening regimen to allow enamel to remineralize.

With consistent retainer wear as directed, yes — your results can be maintained indefinitely. Without proper retention, some degree of shifting is virtually inevitable over years and decades, as teeth are naturally influenced by growth, aging, and habits like tongue posture and grinding. The retainer is the lifelong guardian of your investment.