Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing orthodontic treatment is a big decision and you might have questions about our services, processes, and more. Below you’ll find answers to our frequently asked questions. If you have a question that’s not included below, let us know and we’d be happy to help!
Braces FAQS
Invisalign FAQS
The duration of Invisalign treatment can differ significantly from one person to another, ranging from as short as 6 months to as long as 24 months. This variability is influenced by the particular orthodontic issue being addressed and how consistently you wear your aligners and attend your scheduled visits.
Yes. In order for Invisalign to work as it’s designed, you must wear your aligners for up to 22 hours each day. You can remove them when eating and when brushing & flossing. You can also take them out temporarily for those special occasions such as interviews or school photos as long as you put them right back in afterward.
Invisalign aligners should be taken out before eating. A major advantage of using Invisalign is that it doesn’t impose any dietary restrictions. You’re free to eat all your preferred foods, such as hard-crusted bread and corn-on-the-cob, as long as you remove your aligners first. However, it’s important to at least rinse your mouth, if not brush, before putting the aligners back in. Be aware that colored foods and beverages like coffee, tea, red sauce, curry, and sodas can leave stains on your teeth, which may also affect your aligners and attachments over time.
When you begin using Invisalign, you might find that your speech isn’t as clear as usual. Don’t worry, as this is a common experience. You just need to adjust to the aligners. Practice speaking or singing aloud with the aligners in, and soon your speech clarity will normalize.
Because cigarette smoke can discolor and stain your aligners, smoking is not a good idea while wearing Invisalign.
It is very easy to clean your aligners. Just brush them gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and then rinse them off to keep them fresh & clean. To keep them extra fresh, we offer Invisalign Cleaning Crystals or Retainer Brite to freshen up the trays 1-2 times per week!
At the beginning of treatment, we may see you every 3-4 weeks. As treatment progresses, we can usually monitor your progress every 8-12 weeks. Each tray could be worn from 18 days in the beginning to 7 days towards the end of treatment, depending on cooperation and progress. Every patient’s needs are different, so that can vary from smile to smile.
Yes. The day you are finished wearing your aligners is when you begin the retention phase of your treatment. This is when you will wear a retainer as directed by us so your teeth do not shift back into their original positions.
Kids FAQS
American Association of Orthodontists recommend you should schedule your child’s first appointment by age 7.
Orthodontic treatment and a child’s growth can complement each other. By timing orthodontic treatment to predictable stages of dental development, the orthodontist may be able to take advantage of your child’s growth and development. Some problems that can be treated quite well in a growing child may require corrective surgery or permanent teeth to be extracted if treated after growth has occurred.
Teens FAQS
Adults FAQS
When you begin using Invisalign, you might find that your speech isn’t as clear as usual. Don’t worry, as this is a common experience. You just need to adjust to the aligners. Practice speaking or singing aloud with the aligners in, and soon your speech clarity will normalize.
Because cigarette smoke can discolor and stain your aligners, smoking is not a good idea while wearing Invisalign.
Other FAQS
Reviews
How it Works
1. Getting to Know You
Your first visit to our office is the beginning of your orthodontic journey, and we’re just as excited as you! We take complimentary Xrays and images of your teeth and Dr. Stormberg performs a thorough examination of your teeth, mouth, and gums.
2. Custom Treatment Plan
Dr. Stormberg creates a customized treatment plan for each patient to ensure you reach your full smile potential! At Stormberg Orthodontics, we want to help you get the smile that you love with treatment as convenient as possible.
3. Your New Smile
We pride ourselves on giving our patients beautiful, healthy smiles that last a lifetime and that dedication doesn’t end when your braces are removed. Stormberg Orthodontics offers a variety of retainer options to find the best fit for your smile and lifestyle.
Just Moved? We Are Accepting New Patients!
Welcome to Stormberg Orthodontics!
Dr. Stormberg is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontists and is one of the top 1% North American Super Elite Invisalign & Invisalign Teen providers, with more than 4300 in treatment and completed Invisalign cases, as of 2023.
He continually strives to provide the highest quality of orthodontic care to his patients.
Dr. Stormberg is the past president of the San Diego County Dental Society and is also the past president of the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists, which is a professional organization of orthodontic specialists whose mission is to help its members provide the highest level of care to the public!
Dr. Stormberg is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontists and is one of the top 1% North American Super Elite Invisalign & Invisalign Teen providers, with more than 4300 in treatment and completed Invisalign cases, as of 2023. He continually strives to provide the highest quality of orthodontic care to his patients. Dr. Kurt Stormberg is the past president of the San Diego County Dental Society and is also the past president of the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists, which is a professional organization of orthodontic specialists whose mission is to help its members provide the highest level of care to the public!
With recent technology advancements, orthodontic patients are able to spend less time in the office while still attaining a beautiful smile. At Stormberg Orthodontics, we’re committed to using the latest methods and technology to ensure our patients get the most efficient and accurate treatment. In our La Mesa office, you’ll find the iTero install scanner, which provides Dr. Stormberg with precise, 3-D images of the mouth so he can create a customized treatment plan for each patient.
Traditionally, orthodontic offices would take putty impressions of their patient’s teeth, which are uncomfortable, messy and most importantly, time consuming. However, at our office, we’ve made the patient experience much smoother, timely and comfortable with iTero digital scans.
With recent technology advancements, orthodontic patients are able to spend less time in the office while still attaining a beautiful smile. At Stormberg Orthodontics, we’re committed to using the latest methods and technology to ensure our patients get the most efficient and accurate treatment. In our La Mesa office, you’ll find the iTero install scanner, which provides Dr. Stormberg with precise, 3-D images of the mouth so he can create a customized treatment plan for each patient.
Traditionally, orthodontic offices would take putty impressions of their patient’s teeth, which are uncomfortable, messy and most importantly, time consuming. However, at our office, we’ve made the patient experience much smoother, timely and comfortable with iTero digital scans.
As the leading orthodontic practice serving the San Diego, El Cajon, and La Mesa, CA communities, Stormberg Orthodontics provides state-of-the-art orthodontic services and treatments for all ages in an atmosphere that feels like a second home!
You can rest easy in knowing that each member of our dental team is extensively trained in all facets of professional orthodontic services! As a staff, we regularly conduct training sessions and attend continuing education courses to stay up-to-date with the latest orthodontic techniques – such as Invisalign and Invisalign Teen – so that we can provide you with the most advanced orthodontic treatments possible.
Whether you’re an adult, adolescent, or child, it’s our vision to help you achieve a picture-perfect smile you’re proud to show off to the world!
As the leading orthodontic practice serving the San Diego, El Cajon, and La Mesa, CA communities, Stormberg Orthodontics provides state-of-the-art orthodontic services and treatments for all ages in an atmosphere that feels like a second home!
You can rest easy in knowing that each member of our dental team is extensively trained in all facets of professional orthodontic services! As a staff, we regularly conduct training sessions and attend continuing education courses to stay up-to-date with the latest orthodontic techniques – such as Invisalign and Invisalign Teen – so that we can provide you with the most advanced orthodontic treatments possible.
Whether you’re an adult, adolescent, or child, it’s our vision to help you achieve a picture-perfect smile you’re proud to show off to the world!