Am I a candidate for clear aligners?
Most kids, teens, and adults are excellent candidates for clear aligners. Generally, if you are a candidate for braces, you are a candidate for clear aligners as well. Whether you are dealing with moderate to severe crowding, spacing, deep bites, or even complex situations requiring jaw surgery, clear aligners can be an incredibly effective treatment option.
The best way to find out if you are a candidate is a free consultation with Dr. MacKenzie, who will assess your specific situation and recommend the right treatment path for you.
How long does clear aligner treatment take?
Treatment time depends on the complexity of your case. Most patients at MacKenzie Orthodontics complete their clear aligner treatment in 12 to 18 months. For patients who need only minor alignment corrections, Invisalign touch-up is a cost-effective, short treatment option that takes approximately 3 months. For more complex cases, such as impacted canines, tooth extractions, or surgical treatment, the process may take longer than two years.
At your free consultation, Dr. MacKenzie will give you a realistic and personalized treatment timeline based on your specific needs. Many adults qualify for accelerated treatment which means a shorter treatment time and fewer appointments.
Will aligners affect my speech?
Most patients do not experience any speech difficulties with clear aligners. Any minor changes, such as a slight temporary lisp, typically adjust within a few days as you get used to wearing your aligners. Most patients find that only they can notice the difference. The more you practice speaking with your aligners in, the faster you will adjust.
How many hours per day do I need to wear my aligners?
Clear aligners need to be worn for 22 hours per day in order to work properly. You remove them to eat and to brush and floss. You can drink water, coffee, and tea with your aligners in, but you should remove them for sugary or acidic drinks such as pop or juice to prevent cavities.
Consistent wear is the single most important factor in achieving your results on schedule. Patients who wear their aligners as directed tend to finish treatment on time and with the best possible outcomes.
Do clear aligners hurt?
Most patients describe a sensation of mild pressure or tightness rather than pain, particularly during the first 24 to 48 hours after switching to a fresh set of aligners. This is a normal and expected sign that the aligners are working. The pressure associated with clear aligners is significantly less than the pressure of traditional braces, and most patients find the experience very manageable.
How do I keep my clear aligners clean?
Every time you remove your aligners to eat, brush them using a soft-bristled toothbrush and regular toothpaste. Avoid using very hot water, as it can warp the medical-grade plastic and affect how well the aligners fit. Always brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back in to avoid trapping food particles underneath them.
If you are away from home without your toothbrush, rinse your mouth and your aligners thoroughly with cool water and brush them properly as soon as you are able.
What are those tooth-coloured bumps on my teeth?
During your clear aligner treatment, you may notice small tooth-coloured composite shapes bonded to certain teeth. These are called orthodontic attachments. They act as tiny anchors that give the aligner plastic something to grip, helping to guide more complex tooth movements, such as rotating a tooth or moving it vertically, with greater precision.
Attachments are entirely temporary and are carefully colour-matched to blend into your smile. Dr. MacKenzie will remove them completely at the end of your treatment.
What happens if an attachment comes off?
If it is one or two attachments and the aligner is still perfectly well seated on your teeth, jut continue to use your aligners as prescribed and change them according to your instructions. If the attachment that came off was holding the aligner in place and now the aligner is loose, please call us so that we can plan some time to have the attachment repaired. If multiple attachments have come off, do not panic. Continue to wear your aligners and contact us so that we can repair them. You aligners will still continue to work even without the attachments.
What happens if I lose or break an aligner?
If you lose or break an aligner, do not panic, you do not need to call us, just put your next aligner on and wear it for a few extra days. It may feel just a little tighter than usual but it will be okay. If the next aligner does not fit, go to your previous aligner and give us a call. You need to save ALL your aligners and bring all aligners to all appointments. Do not ever go without wearing any aligners, as your teeth can begin to shift back. You should always have the aligners that you have already worn, your current aligner, and all your future aligners and you have to bring them all to your appointments.
Can I remove my aligners for a special event?
Yes, one of the great advantages of clear aligners is that they are removable. You can take them out for a wedding, graduation, important presentation, or any other special occasion. Just be mindful of the 22-hour daily wear requirement and try to put them back in as soon as you reasonably can. The occasional short removal for a meaningful event will not significantly affect your treatment.
How often will I need to come in for appointments?
At MacKenzie Orthodontics, we use advanced technology that allows us to extend the time between visits. Most patients come for regular appointments every 3-4 months. Patients who live far away are offered remote monitoring and can extend the time between visits even longer. This means many of our patients need fewer in-office appointments than with traditional orthodontic treatment. When you do come in, appointments are typically short, efficient, and focused on making sure your treatment is on track. Your appointment schedule will be discussed and personalized at your consultation based on the complexity of your treatment and your location.
What is the difference between clear aligners and braces?
Both clear aligners and braces are highly effective orthodontic treatments, but they work differently and suit different patients and lifestyles.
- Appearance: Clear aligners are nearly invisible. Braces use metal or ceramic brackets and wires that are visible on the teeth.
- Comfort: Clear aligners are generally more comfortable, with no brackets or wires to cause irritation. The pressure from aligners is also typically less intense than from braces.
- Fixed vs. removable: Aligners are removable for eating, drinking, and oral hygiene. Braces are fixed in place for the duration of treatment.
- Hygiene: Brushing and flossing is easier with aligners since there are no brackets or wires to clean around.
- Food restrictions: There are no food restrictions with clear aligners. Patients with braces need to avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods.
- Treatment suitability: Both options can treat a wide range of cases. Dr. MacKenzie will recommend the best option for your specific needs at your free consultation.
How much do clear aligners cost?
The cost of clear aligner treatment at MacKenzie Orthodontics depends on the complexity of your case and the treatment option that is right for you. Invisalign touch-up for minor corrections is the most affordable option, while comprehensive treatment for more complex cases involves a larger investment.
We offer flexible payment plans and work with your insurance provider to make treatment as affordable as possible. The best way to get an accurate cost estimate is to book a free consultation, where Dr. MacKenzie will assess your needs and provide you with a clear, no-obligation breakdown of your options and investment.
Can I see what my results will look like before I start?
Yes, and this is one of our favourite parts of the consultation process. At your free consultation at MacKenzie Orthodontics, we create a personalized smile simulation using your 3D intraoral scan. This allows you to see a projection of what your smile could look like after treatment, before you commit to anything at all.
Seeing your potential results is a powerful and exciting moment for many patients, and it helps you make a fully informed, confident decision about your treatment.
Will I need to wear a retainer after my treatment is finished?
Yes, wearing a retainer after your treatment is absolutely necessary. Your teeth have a natural memory and will want to shift back toward their original positions over time if they are not held in place. To protect your investment and maintain your beautiful new smile, Dr. MacKenzie will custom-fit you for a durable clear retainer to wear while you sleep.
Retention is not optional, and it is not a flaw in the process. It is simply how teeth work. Any orthodontist who does not discuss retention with you before the end of treatment is not giving you the complete picture.
What if I am from out of province or out of the country?
We regularly treat patients from across New Brunswick and well beyond, including Northern Maine, Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, and even British Columbia. Remote monitoring technology means that many check-in appointments can happen virtually, reducing the number of in-person visits you need. We are experienced in working with patients who travel for treatment and will make the process as convenient as possible for you.
Ask us about our process for out-of-province and out-of-country patients at your consultation.