Frequently Asked Questions

If your aligners are out for more than 2 hours in a 24-hour period, call our office right away. You may need to wear that aligner longer to stay on track with your treatment.

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If you miss your scheduled swap date, switch to the next aligner as soon as you remember. Each aligner must still be worn for the full 7 or 14 days, depending on the plan Dr. Horman has set for you. If you start late, adjust your future swap dates accordingly.

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No. Do not throw away used aligners. After wearing, clean them thoroughly and store them in their original bag.

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If you lose an aligner, immediately wear the previous one to prevent tooth movement. Relapse can begin in as little as 30 minutes. Call us right away to request a replacement. Do not move forward to the next aligner unless Dr. Horman advises you to do so.

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Clean your aligners daily with a soft toothbrush and a cleanser approved for orthodontic or oral appliances. Never use boiling water, as it can warp the plastic.

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If an attachment comes off, contact our office as soon as possible so we can schedule a replacement.

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Always remove your aligners to eat. Brush or floss your teeth before putting them back in. You may drink fluids with aligners in, but avoid sugary or acidic drinks. Coffee and tea can stain the plastic. Always rinse your mouth and aligners with water after drinking anything other than water.

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Some mild discomfort is normal. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help. While anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen or naproxen may offer stronger relief, Dr. Horman recommends using acetaminophen (Tylenol), as it’s less likely to interfere with tooth movement.

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Most patients experience mild discomfort when starting treatment or switching aligners, but this typically subsides within 1-2 days.

You’ll typically visit us every 6-10 weeks to monitor your progress and receive new aligners.

Yes! We can transition you from braces to Invisalign if you’re a good candidate for the treatment.

As soon as possible, insert your previous aligner (one stage back), then contact us right away. We’ll guide you through the next steps, whether that means ordering a replacement or offering another solution based on Dr. Horman’s recommendations.

The cost of Invisalign depends on your individual needs—some cases require only minor adjustments, while others involve more comprehensive care. At Robinwood Smiles, we make treatment affordable with flexible financing, monthly payment plans, and acceptance of HSA, FSA, and CareCredit. During your consultation, you’ll receive a clear, personalized breakdown of your treatment plan and costs.

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Invisalign typically takes 12-18 months for adults, depending on the complexity of the case.

Many insurance plans include coverage for Invisalign. While we’re not in-network with dental insurance providers, we’re happy to accept and file claims on your behalf. Our team is here to help you understand your benefits and make the most of your coverage.

Invisalign First is designed for children ages 6-10, during the early stages of tooth development.

We recommend Invisalign First for children as young as 6-10 years old, depending on their needs and dental development.

Invisalign First aligners include built-in compliance features, and treatment can be adjusted if wear time is insufficient. It’s essential to follow the prescribed wear schedule for optimal results.

Yes! Invisalign First can effectively address crossbites, helping to prevent uneven jaw growth and more serious issues later on.

Yes, aligners should be removed during meals and snacks, but your child can continue enjoying their favorite foods without any restrictions.

Yes, Invisalign First aligners are removable, so your child can take them out during sports or physical activities for comfort and safety.

Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. We’ll use our 3D iTero scan to show you a preview of your child’s smile transformation and discuss your treatment options.

Treatment typically takes between 12-18 months, but the duration varies based on your teen’s specific needs.

For the best results, Invisalign aligners should be worn for 20-22 hours a day, only removed for eating, drinking, and cleaning.

Invisalign Teen includes up to six free replacement aligners, so you don’t have to worry about losing one.

While we’re not in-network with insurance providers, we’ll work with your insurance company to maximize your benefits and reduce costs.

Your teen will need a check-up every 6-8 weeks to ensure their treatment is on track.

Invisalign Teen is very sports-friendly.  It provides protection for sports that don't traditionally utilize a mouth guard.  And for sports that do - it is easy to mold the guard to fit over the Invisalign aligners.

If your teen doesn't wear their aligners as instruction, it can delay their treatment and compromise their results.

Treatment time can vary greatly with teens. Simpler cases can be completed within 7-9 months, with more extensive cases taking 12-18 months.

No, aligners should be removed for eating and drinking, but they can enjoy all their favorite foods without worry.

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Schedule a complimentary consultation if you notice crowded teeth, difficulty biting or chewing, mouth breathing, or early/late loss of baby teeth.

Early intervention can significantly reduce treatment complexity later, but some children may still need additional alignment during adolescence.

Treatment typically lasts between 6-15 months, depending on your child’s specific needs.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a visit by age 7. Early evaluation helps us spot issues before they become more complex.

We gladly accept and file claims for most traditional insurance plans, even though we are not in-network with dental insurance providers. To make treatment accessible for your family, we also offer flexible payment options tailored to your needs.

Our gentle approach ensures that treatment is comfortable for your child. Most kids experience only minimal discomfort, which resolves quickly.

In almost all cases - early intervention reduces the difficultly of future orthodontic treatment.  However, most children still require a second phase of treatment once all the adult teeth have erupted.

It's essential to follow the prescribed wear schedule for optimal results. If they are worn less than the prescribed 20-22 hours, your child's results may be compromised.

Invisalign Teen is very sports-friendly. It provides protection for sports that don't traditionally utilize a mouth guard. And for sports that do - it is easy to mold the guard to fit over the Invisalign aligners.

Phase I focuses on making room for the eruption of permanent teeth and addressing early bite issues. Phase 2 occurs once permanent teeth have come in and focuses more on ideal tooth alignment and bite correction.

Any issue causing severe discomfort, or significant treatment disruption, such as lost or damaged orthodontic appliances, requires immediate attention.

For our current patients, we offer same-day emergency appointments. All emergency cases are accommodated as quickly as possible, based on scheduling and availability.

We provide emergency care instructions for after-hours situations and will schedule you for the next available appointment during business hours.

Following our care instructions and attending regular check-ups can help avoid many common orthodontic emergencies.

In most cases, emergency visits are free for current patients. We’ll always review any potential costs with you before beginning treatment.

If you have travel plans - always pack your previous set of aligners, plus any new sets you will be due to progress in to.  If you did not pack any extras, please contact us immediately.

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Most emergency visits are schedule to be 30 minutes in length, depending on the situation and the required treatment.  

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Minor emergencies typically won’t affect your overall treatment timeline if addressed promptly.

Please bring any damaged appliances, photos of the issue, and your previous set of aligners if applicable.