We get a lot of questions from our patients about Invisalign. Below we have answered the five most common questions we get about the clear aligners from patients who are considering the treatment for themselves or their child. If your question isn’t answered, give us a call at (507) 451-5993 to speak with one of our knowledgeable and friendly staff members.

1) How does Invisalign work?

As an Invisalign provider, Dr. Loveless uses precision technology to create a high-resolution, interactive image of your teeth and uses that to produce a comprehensive treatment plan that creates the pathway to your better smile. Every one-to-two weeks along the way you will get a new 3D printed aligner that applies just the right amount of force on your teeth. Each one is custom-made for your mouth to guide you toward your goal. 

2) How do I clean the aligners?

Caring for your aligners is easy. Rinse your aligners nightly and gently brush them with your toothbrush to keep them fresh and clean. There’s also a cleaning system available to keep your aligners clear. But, for the most part, you’ll only be wearing each custom-made set of aligners for about one to two weeks before being replaced so there isn’t enough time for them to get dingy if you brush them nightly.

3) What can’t I eat?

Trick question. There’s nothing you can’t eat! Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign doesn’t have restrictions on what you can’t chew while undergoing treatment. That’s because Invisalign appliances are removable. That said, we wouldn’t be doing our duty if we didn’t warn you against eating sugary snacks and encouraging you to brush after every meal. Otherwise, when it comes to enjoying all of your favorite foods, we say go for it! Just remember that you need to wear your Invisalign appliances 20 to 22 hours a day for best results.

4) Are they comfortable?

Dr. Loveless will take a precise scan of your teeth and plan out every move needed to give you the perfect smile. The treatment plan is personalized to fit your mouth. There is no guesswork so every aligner is made to ensure the utmost comfort, and they’re precision trimmed so they don’t cut your gums. Also, the patented plastic material is flexible and forms a snug fit over your teeth.

5) Is Invisalign plastic safe?

The aligners are made from SmartTrack material, an FDA-approved, flexible plastic that was invented by bioengineers exclusively for Invisalign. They contain no BPA, BPS, latex, or gluten so we are confident that the material is safe for your mouth.

...and one more for good measure: 6) Is Invisalign good for teens?

Yes. Invisalign is not just for adults who don’t want to wear traditional metal braces. And, the overall cost of Invisalign is becoming much more comparable to metal braces. If your teen wants the benefits that come with Invisalign, click below to schedule a complimentary consultation. 

If you’d like to learn more or find out if Invisalign is the right fit for your child, contact us today! Click below to schedule your complimentary consultations and we can’t wait to meet you! 

We have seen thousands of patients at Prairie Ridge Orthodontics over the years and we have had every type of patient sit down for their very first consultation from the jitterbug to nerves of steel. It’s only natural to feel a little nervous at your first orthodontic appointment. One thing to keep in mind is that this is your first step on the way to a beautiful, healthier smile.

To help you feel more comfortable, we outlined exactly what will happen during your initial consultation with Prairie Ridge Orthodontics. Remember, our team’s focus is your health and safety. No matter how many new smiles we create for our many patients, each one is unique and deserves personal time and attention.

Meet the Team

Before anything else, we want you to meet our wonderful staff. Here at Prairie Ridge Orthodontics, we pride ourselves on our knowledgeable, friendly team of orthodontic professionals. From the moment you walk into our office and meet our front office team to getting to know Dr. Loveless, every single one of us has a responsibility to ensure your experience is as wonderful as possible. Just like with your amazing new smile, we pride ourselves on first impressions.

Oral Examination and Digital Images

Speaking of impressions, your next step is to slide into the examination chair where we will begin the nuts and bolts of the consultation process. Don’t fret! You can forget about that icky feeling that came with the traditional way to make impressions of your teeth. At Prairie Ridge Orthodontics we have invested in the latest and greatest in orthodontic technology. Our Itero Digital Scanner takes 3-D digital images (impressions) of your mouth, allowing us to permanently retire that uncomfortable, gooey, putty material that is typically used. At the same time, it provides more precise information for better fitting appliances and enables shorter appointment times. The results are faster turnaround time, comfortability, and accuracy in the treatment plan.

Treatment Plan Options

Once we scan your teeth and check your dental records, we will talk to you about your treatment plan options. As we said, every patient is different, with a different idea of the perfect smile and how they want to get there. We will present the options and work with you to get the most out of your orthodontic treatment with us. This is also a good time for a Q&A. Ask everything and anything you want to know about the options we present and your hopes and fears about the process. We want to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible with the journey we take to get you a better, healthier smile.

Payment Options

As well as offering the most up-to-date orthodontic digital technology and treatment options, at Prairie Ridge Orthodontics we want to make sure you have a payment option that works for you.  Once we decide on a treatment plan, we make sure we create a payment schedule that fits into your budget. No one should forgo needed oral care, so we make it as easy as possible to discuss finances, often one of the most difficult conversations to have when it comes to medical care. We will go over your insurance and offer flexible payment plans so you don’t ever have to worry about affording orthodontic treatment.

Scheduling Your First Appointment

Next, we will get you set up with your first appointment to start you on your way. At this point, we hope we have answered all of your questions, addressed your concerns, and made you feel comfortable with your journey with Prairie Ridge Orthodontics to create your best smile ever.

One of the most common reasons for choosing clear aligners is that they are just that—clear! You can achieve a healthy, beautiful smile without the more obvious wires and brackets of traditional braces. But if your aligners are noticeably stained well before it’s time to replace them, you can be facing days or weeks of self-conscious smiles.

Luckily, this problem is preventable. Let’s look at some of the common causes of aligner discoloration and how to avoid them.

• Beverages that Stain Teeth Stain Aligners

You take your aligners out to eat, of course, but do you always remember to remove them when you drink a beverage? Red wines, coffee, tea, dark juices, and sodas don’t just cause enamel staining—they can discolor your aligners as well. Even worse, drinking an acidic or sugary drink with your aligners on gives that acidic, sugary beverage an opportunity to bathe your teeth in acids and sugar over a period of time. Keep your aligners (and your enamel) protected by removing them when you drink anything other than water, and brush your teeth before you replace them. If you absolutely can’t remove aligners, a straw will reduce the risk of staining.

• Soaking in Mouthwash

Mouthwash is a way to keep your teeth and mouth fresh-smelling and free from bacteria. You also want your aligners to stay fresh and bacteria-free. So, what could be the problem in giving your aligners a good soak? Well, sometimes a colorful mouthwash can stain your aligners to match! If you’re not a fan of tinted aligners, talk to us about the safest ways to use mouthwash with your appliance.

• Using Harsh Cleaners

There are products specifically made for aligners which will keep them their cleanest and clearest. Harsh cleaners and even toothpastes can be abrasive, leaving visible scratches or cloudiness. We’re happy to recommend the best and safest cleaning products for your aligners.

• Inadequate Cleaning

Plaque, that bacteria film that can stick to your enamel and around your gum line, can also stick to your aligners. If you notice a white film on your appliance, it could be plaque. Thorough and regularly scheduled cleanings are essential. Talk to us about the best schedule and methods for keeping your aligners not only clear, but sanitary.

What if, despite taking precautions, your aligners do get stained? If your aligners are new, we might be able to offer you some suggestions to get you through the next week or so. If you are almost ready for your next set of aligners, you might have no problem waiting. But the simplest solution to stained aligners is prevention.

Talk to Dr. Jeff Loveless at our Faribault, Zumbrota, or Owatonna, MN office about how to keep your aligners looking their best—and least visible. Whether it’s diet suggestions or the most effective soaking and cleaning techniques, we have the answers to ensure your brightest, most confident smile. After all, isn’t that one of the reasons you chose clear aligners?

COVID safety can make the process of starting Orthodontic Treatment seem stressful. We understand your concerns—we’re living it too! That’s why we work hard to ensure that your visit to our office is comfortable and safe. 

Safety First

At Prairie Ridge Orthodontics your safety is our top priority. We protect our team and our patients with the latest recommended personal protective equipment. We also have all of the latest sterilization protocols in place to ensure our facilities and clinics are ready for your arrival. To provide you with the best service, we have added a Concierge Program to guide you through your visits with us. Due to restrictions on the number of guests that we can have in our facilities at one time, our Concierge Team will facilitate your check-ins, procedures, and check-outs.  We will anticipate your arrival, check you in for your appointment, and even deliver aligners from the comfort and safety of your car! When it is time for your appointment, we will let you know and guide you to your appropriate treatment area.

Listening and Explaining

We care about you and your kiddos. That’s why we start every visit with a conversation. You are invited to tell us about their day and any concerns you may have about the appointment. We follow up with an explanation of what we’ll be doing during the visit. Often children (and adults!) will lose their fears by simply understanding what is happening, when and why. We also know how important it is to keep parents in the loop about their children's treatment progress. That’s why we are implementing a send home checklist of everything we accomplished during the visit.

An Experienced Team You Can Trust 

Our team specializes in working with kids as young as 6 years old. We know how to keep them positive and relaxed. We are highly experienced in identifying and addressing orthodontic issues that present themselves during early childhood. Dr. Loveless will thoroughly examine your child and recommend the most appropriate treatment. Every child is different and the right balance of growth monitoring and interventional treatment will set your child up for a lifetime of happy smiles. 

It’s Easy to Get Started

At Prairie Ridge Orthodontics, we are happy to offer complimentary consultations at our Owatonna and our Zumbrota offices. You will receive a personalized orthodontic assessment. This will include a proposed treatment plan and a pricing outline, as well as examples of orthodontic treatments similar to yours so that you can get an idea of what your end results will look like. Call our office or visit our website to get started today! 

Call us today at (507) 451-5993 or (507) 732-7312, or click below to schedule a free consultation: 

Where you receive your care is important: 

Dr. Loveless’s passion for orthodontics stems from “being able to witness a person’s change in self-confidence from the creation of a beautiful smile they are proud to show the world!”

Dr. Loveless is a Diplomate and board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. (Fewer than 14% of orthodontists nationwide earn the distinction of being an ABO Diplomate.)

Dr. Loveless places a high priority on attending classes and lectures, to stay up to date on all the latest technologies used in orthodontics

In addition, Dr. Loveless highly values continuing education as an active member of several study clubs, as well with the following organizations:

• American Association of Orthodontists
• Midwestern Society of Orthodontists
• Minnesota Association of Orthodontists
• American Board of Orthodontics
• Minnesota Dental Association
• American Dental Association
• Omicron Kappa Upsilon