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
Because each patient is different, treatment time with Invisalign varies. You could be in treatment for as little as 6 months or as long as 24 months – it all depends on the specific type of orthodontic problem you have and how compliant you are wearing your aligners and keeping your scheduled appointments.
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 are designed to be removed when eating. One of the greatest benefits associated with Invisalign is the fact that there are no food restrictions whatsoever. You can continue enjoying all your favorite foods including hard-crusted breads, corn-on-the-cob, etc. as long as you take your aligners out before eating, but be sure to at least rinse, if not brush and rinse, before replacing your Invisalign trays. Any foods with color or food coloring (coffee, tea, red sauce, curry, sodas) can be on your teeth and slowly stain your attachments and/or trays.
When you first start wearing Invisalign, you may notice that your speech is not as clear as it normally is. This is nothing to panic about, as you simply must get used to wearing the aligners. Just spend a bit of time speaking or singing out loud while wearing your aligners and before you know it, your speech will return to normal.
No, chewing gum is not a good idea because it will stick to your aligners and make a big mess.
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 first start wearing Invisalign, you may notice that your speech is not as clear as it normally is. This is nothing to panic about, as you simply must get used to wearing the aligners. Just spend a bit of time speaking or singing out loud while wearing your aligners and before you know it, your speech will return to normal.
Because cigarette smoke can discolor and stain your aligners, smoking is not a good idea while wearing Invisalign.
Other FAQS
Reviews
Your First Visit: What To Expect
STEP 1
Your custom treatment plan.
STEP 2
Braces or aligners just for you.
STEP 3
Your new smile.
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!
What are you waiting for?
Smile Brighter Today!
What are you waiting for?
Smile Brighter Today!