What to Expect When You Start Braces or Invisalign Treatment at Clover Orthodontics

Posted on June 9, 2026

TLDR

Braces and Invisalign® clear aligners help correct crowded teeth, spacing concerns, and bite issues. Treatment starts with a detailed consultation and digital imaging to create a customized plan, followed by routine adjustment visits every 4–12 weeks. Clover Orthodontics in Clover, SC, focuses on personalized care and clear guidance to help patients feel confident throughout treatment.

If your child is about to get braces or you are finally ready to straighten your own smile with clear aligners, you may have questions such as:

“Will braces hurt?”

“What happens during the first appointment?”

“How often will I need adjustments?”

Understanding the process and knowing what to expect can help you feel more confident and prepared for treatment. Our family orthodontists in Clover, near York, Smyrna, and Kings Mountain, SC, Dr. Wenderoth and Dr. Coombs, walk patients through every step of starting braces or Invisalign treatment.

Table of Contents

Should My Child Get Braces or Invisalign?

Children do not automatically need braces when their permanent teeth come in, but they are often recommended for severe tooth crowding or bite issues such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites.

Responsibility also plays a key role when choosing between braces and Invisalign®. Braces are often better for younger children because they stay fixed to the teeth throughout treatment. Invisalign aligners must be removed before eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing, which makes them a better option for mature teens who can wear them consistently.

What Happens During the First Appointment?

Your first appointment starts with a discussion about your smile goals and treatment needs.

Comprehensive Digital Dental Exam

Using advanced X-rays and 3D imaging technology, we will examine your teeth and bite in detail to evaluate tooth positioning and alignment without the need for traditional dental molds.

Assessment and Recommendations

Our orthodontist in Clover will review your X-rays and 3D images to check for bite issues, crowding, spacing, alignment concerns, and other orthodontic problems.

Discussion of Treatment Options

You will learn about different treatment options, including traditional braces, ceramic braces, and Invisalign®. Based on your orthodontic needs and lifestyle, we will help you choose the treatment option that best fits your smile goals.

Answering All Your Questions

Your first appointment is also a chance to ask questions about the treatment process, including the best time to start, how long treatment may take, and what to expect during future visits.

How Often Will We Need Follow-Up Visits?

For traditional braces, follow-up visits are typically scheduled every 5 to 8 weeks, depending on your treatment needs. Invisalign® offers a more flexible treatment process. While patients usually switch to a new set of aligners every 1 to 2 weeks, in-office follow-up visits are often scheduled every 4 to 6 weeks.

During these follow-up appointments, our orthodontist will monitor your progress, adjust your braces as needed, check tooth movement, and ensure your treatment is progressing properly.

What Is the Adjustment Process Like?

It is normal to experience mild discomfort during the first few days after getting braces or starting Invisalign. Both treatments apply gentle pressure to gradually move your teeth into proper alignment.

You may notice slight tenderness in your teeth, jaw, lips, or cheeks as your mouth adjusts to the braces or aligners. This discomfort is temporary and usually improves within a few days. However, if you experience severe or persistent pain, contact our orthodontist.

Your eating, speaking, and oral hygiene habits may also need slight adjustments at first. Some patients experience mild lisping for a few days, especially with Invisalign aligners, and braces require extra attention when brushing and cleaning around the brackets. Invisalign aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day for the best results.

How Clover Orthodontics Makes Orthodontic Treatments Easy

Dr. Wenderoth and Dr. Coombs provide convenient braces and Invisalign treatment in Clover.

From your first appointment to adjustment visits and the day your braces come off, our skilled orthodontists in Clover are committed to making treatment as comfortable and convenient as possible.

We understand that life can get busy as a parent or a teenager. Our flexible scheduling accommodates busy school and work routines, making it easier to attend appointments.

Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward a straighter, healthier smile.

Key Takeaways

Braces stay fixed to the teeth, while Invisalign aligners are removable.
Mild discomfort and small routine changes are normal during the first few days of treatment.
Dr. Wenderoth and Dr. Coombs at Clover Orthodontics in Clover offer convenient, personalized braces and Invisalign care for busy patients and families.