Imagining Your Life With Invisalign - Dr. Linda Hallman

Wondering what Invisalign treatment is really like, and what effect it will have on your day-to-day activities? Will it slur your speech? Will people know you're in treatment? You're not alone in your concerns! Following are a list of questions and answers for anyone pondering Invisalign treatment.

How exactly does Invisalign work?

Using 3-D computer imaging technology, Invisalign creates a series of custom-made, clear aligners exclusively for your teeth, based on the treatment plan that we specify for you. Each aligner moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.

Will I experience pain during treatment?

Most people experience temporary discomfort for a few days after a new aligner is placed. This feeling of pressure is normal and is a sign that Invisalign is working by sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination.

Can other people see that I'm in treatment?

One of the benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are clear. You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.

Can I smoke during treatment?

We discourage smoking while wearing the aligners as they may become discolored.

Are there any foods I cannot eat while in treatment?

You can eat normally during the entire course of treatment. One of the advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. Simply take the aligners out before each meal, brush when you're finished eating, then reinsert the aligners afterward.

What about chewing gum?

We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks, as gum and other chewy substances can stick to the aligners.

How often must I wear my aligners?

Aligners should be worn all day, except when eating, brushing, and flossing.

Will my speech be affected by the aligners?

As with any orthodontic treatment, aligners may temporarily affect your speech. If this does happen, your tongue will adjust within a day or two and your speech should return to normal.

How can I clean my aligners?

The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water.

How often must I visit your office during treatment?

For most patients, visits every 4-6 weeks are frequent enough for us to determine that your treatment is progressing properly. Dr. Hallman will provide you with a specific schedule that supports your individual treatment plan.

Hallman Orthodontics Patient Reviews

At Hallman Orthodontics, we pride ourselves on providing the utmost in orthodontic services. But don’t take our word for it, just see what our patients have to say!Dr. Hallman is simply the most EXTRAORDINARY physician I have ever come across. She is kind, patient, understanding, incredibly brilliant, efficient, and just plain good at what she does!
-Delila C.

Dr. Hallman, as well as everyone in the office, is so friendly and helpful and makes it a joy to go to the orthodontist! Her consultation was better than other orthodontists, with a shorter time and less braces.
-Ken W.

Professional, caring, and I feel good that the treatment my son is receiving is state of the art treatment. Dr. Hallman has been wonderful.
-Brad D.

Her tremendous expertise and also the wonderful way she communicates with patient and parents!
-Jerry C.

Hallman Orthodontics is terrific! We had so much fun looking at the x-rays and pictures! The kids thought it was cool. I love the fact that Dr. Hallman is so hi-tech. The office is beautiful. The staff is always friendly, helpful, and makes us feel special. Linda is smart and great with the kids. All around a great practice!
-Frank C.

Dr. Hallman is the nicest, most professional orthodontist I know!
-Martha B.

Baby Teeth--and Gums--Need Special Care! Dr. Chevy Chase

One question we hear all the time is “When should I start brushing my baby’s teeth?”

You should begin regular cleanings even before your baby has teeth. After each breast feeding – or bottle-feeding – use a clean, damp washcloth to gently rub your baby’s gum tissue. You can wrap the material around one finger to make it easier to remove any food bits from your baby’s mouth.

When your baby’s first tooth comes in switch to a baby toothbrush. Look for special baby toothbrushes in your drugstore – they have just a few bristles and are very soft. There are even brushes shaped like finger puppets that fit over the tip of your pointer finger! All you need at this point is water – no toothpaste yet.

After a few more teeth appear, you can start using toothpaste, but you only need a tiny bit, and make sure it doesn’t contain fluoride for the first three years. From the beginning, have your little one practice spitting the toothpaste out after brushing. That way, he or she will already have the good habit of spitting when you switch to fluoride toothpaste, which should never be swallowed.

If you have any questions about caring for your baby’s teeth, please contact Dr. Hallman.