Imagining your life with Invisalign® at Kossoff and Minich Orthodontics

Are you 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! Dr. Howard Kossoff, Dr. Craig Minich and our team thought we’d share this list of questions and answers for anyone pondering Invisalign treatment at Kossoff and Minich Orthodontics.

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.

Are there any foods I shouldn’t 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 do 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 the office during treatment?

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

If you have additional questions about the Invisalign treatment, please give our office a call.

Dr. Kossoff, your Invisalign provider in Mentor and Chagrin Falls, OH

Orthodontic treatment with Dr. Kossoff can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Dr. Kossoff would love to have you visit for a consultation. Please give us a call to set one up!

Invisalign® tips, from Kossoff Orthodontics

Many people know that Invisalign is a great solution to braces if you don't want to experience the look and feel of traditional metal braces. What few people know, though, is that just like traditional braces, Invisalign requires proper care to work effectively. Good oral hygiene is highly important, even when you are wearing something in your mouth that you can take out to eat with. It's still likely that your aligners can build up plaque if not treated properly. When wearing your Invisalign aligners, Dr. Kossoff wants you to ask yourself the following questions:

1. Am I eating with my aligners on? - These aligners are removable and should be taken out when you eat.

2. Am I drinking anything other than water with my aligners on? - Though it's not necessary for you to take out your aligners while you drink, think about how sticky soda is. If you take out your aligners when drinking a soda, you have a better chance of keeping your aligners clean.

3. Am I brushing before putting the trays on? - The aligners have both an inside and outside. Keeping the outside clean is easy. Keeping the inside clean is also simple: just make sure you've brushed your teeth before putting the trays on.

These are all very simple steps, and ultimately, they help to keep you building good oral habits. If you have any questions about Invisalign or your treatment here at Kossoff Orthodontics, give us a call!

What puts you at ease at Kossoff Orthodontics?

Dr. Kossoff and team understand not everyone enjoys visiting their orthodontist. But we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We’d like to know: What is it about Kossoff Orthodontics that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant office environment? Our friendly staff or Dr. Kossoff?

Let us know by posting here or by giving our Chagrin Falls or Mentor, OH office a call!

Dr. Kossoff hosts Family Fun Fest for Patient Appreciation Day

Dr. Kossoff and staff invite you and your family to join us in celebrating Patient Appreciation Day at Patterson Fruit Farms. We will be hosting Family Fun Fest, an afternoon filled with fun activities! You and your family will have the opportunity to explore the corn maze, play in the haystacks, and take a hayride around the orchards! We hope to see all of our patients at this great event.

You're Invited!
Who: Our patients & their families

What: Family Fun Fest

Where: Patterson Fruit Farms in Chesterland

When: Sunday, Sept. 26th 1:00-4:00pm

Why: Patient Appreciation Day Celebration

R.S.V.P. to Nohemi, or call 440-708-0993(Chagrin) or 440-257-0707(Mentor) for details

With Kossoff Orthodontics, 24/7 access to your account

At Kossoff Orthodontics, we embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative orthodontic treatments that we offer, our high-tech web site and social networks, or our modern offices conveniently located in Chagrin Falls and Mentor, OH.

Did you know that patients at our office have access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our website? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! And, because we know folks sometimes forget, you can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You, too, can sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button at the top of our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started!