Faq

The Altera Orthodontics Difference

It means clear guidance, modern technology, thoughtful scheduling, board-certified orthodontic care, and personalized treatment planning with Dr. Hashemi in Royersford, PA.

Yes, when appropriate. If a patient is ready and excited to begin, we may offer a same-day start, but there is no pressure to decide immediately.

Digital imaging, 3D scanning, and 3D-printed appliances may help us show patients what we see, explain treatment options more clearly, and support a more comfortable experience.

Board certification is voluntary and reflects additional evaluation, continued learning, and careful orthodontic treatment planning. It supports the detail-oriented approach Dr. Hashemi brings to patient care.

Meet Dr. Hashemi

Meet Dr. Hashemi helps families understand his training, communication style, board certification, and patient-focused approach before choosing orthodontic treatment in Royersford, PA.

Dr. Hashemi focuses on clear explanations, personalized recommendations, and helping patients understand the why behind each treatment recommendation.

Yes. Dr. Hashemi is a board-certified orthodontist and is proud to display the American Board of Orthodontics seal.

Yes. Dr. Hashemi provides orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults, with recommendations based on each patient’s age, bite, goals, and needs.

Types of Braces

The right choice depends on your bite, tooth movement needs, appearance goals, comfort preferences, hygiene habits, and ability to follow care instructions.

Yes. Ceramic braces are also called clear braces because they use clear or tooth-colored brackets that are less noticeable than metal braces.

Clear aligners are not braces, but they are often compared with braces because they can move teeth without brackets and wires.

No. These are orthodontic appliances, not braces. They may be recommended when jaw growth, bite correction, or space guidance needs to be part of treatment.

Braces for Kids

No. An age-7 screening helps determine whether your child needs early orthodontic treatment, future monitoring, or no treatment at that time.

Phase I treatment is early orthodontic care for some growing children. It may help with jaw growth, crowding, crossbite, underbite tendencies, or space concerns.

Early treatment may include a palatal expander, limited braces, facemask appliance, holding arch, space maintainer, habit support, or growth monitoring.

Digital scans may be more comfortable than traditional impressions, and 3D-printed appliances may support a better fit and easier placement when appliances are needed.

Braces for Teens

Treatment time varies by bite needs, tooth movement, growth, cooperation, and appliance care. Many teen orthodontic cases take about 18–24 months, but timelines can differ.

Yes. Some teens may be candidates for ceramic braces, also called clear braces, or clear aligners, depending on their bite, habits, and treatment needs.

Elastics may help improve how the upper and lower teeth fit together. They work best when teens wear them as directed.

Yes. Retainers are usually recommended after active orthodontic treatment to help maintain tooth position and support long-term stability.

Braces for Adults

In many cases, no. If your teeth and gums are healthy, adults of many ages may benefit from braces or clear aligners.

Yes. Ceramic braces, also called clear braces, and Invisalign clear aligners may be options for adults who want less noticeable treatment.

Yes. Braces for Adults may require more attention to gum health, bone support, existing dental work, jaw growth limitations, and coordination with other dental providers.

MARPE stands for miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion. It may be discussed for select older teens or adults with upper jaw-width concerns.

Two-Phase Orthodontics

No. Many children do not need Phase I treatment. An age-7 screening helps determine whether your child needs early care, monitoring, or no treatment at that time.

Yes. Phase I treatment is also called early interceptive treatment because it may address certain orthodontic concerns while a child is still growing.

Appliances may help guide jaw growth, preserve space, support bite correction, or monitor development during Phase I. Options may include an expander, facemask, limited braces, holding arch, or habit support.

Many children who complete Phase I treatment still need Phase II treatment later, when more permanent teeth are present and the bite can be refined.

Retainers

Retainer wear depends on your treatment plan and stage of retention. Many patients wear retainers nightly, but Dr. Hashemi will provide personalized instructions.

A snug fit can be normal, but sharp pain or a retainer that will not seat fully should be checked by our office.

Clean your retainer with a soft toothbrush and warm, soapy water. Avoid toothpaste, dishwashers, hot water, and heat exposure.

The program may help with removable retainer replacement if retainers are lost or broken. It does not cover appliances used to move teeth.

Braces FAQ

Mild soreness, tenderness, or irritation is common for the first few days. Soft foods, orthodontic wax, careful brushing, and basic comfort measures may help.

Avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods that may loosen brackets or bend wires. Modify foods like apples, carrots, corn, and chewy bread when needed.

Brush around each bracket after meals when possible. Use floss threaders, orthodontic floss, interdental brushes, or a water flosser to clean between teeth.

Call our Royersford office if you have a loose bracket, broken wire, poking wire, appliance damage, tooth injury, or discomfort that does not improve.

Yes. Many patients can continue sports with braces. If you play contact sports, we may recommend a mouthguard for added protection.

About Invisalign

Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners that are designed to guide teeth gradually over time. Each set of aligners supports a planned part of your tooth movement.

Yes. Invisalign aligners are removable, so patients can take them out for meals, brushing, and flossing. They still need to be worn as directed each day.

A good candidate depends on tooth alignment, bite needs, treatment goals, and how consistently aligners can be worn. Dr. Hashemi can evaluate whether Invisalign may fit your case.

The iTero scanner creates a digital 3D model of your teeth without traditional messy impressions. This helps Dr. Hashemi plan treatment and explain possible tooth movement.

Invisalign for Kids

No. Invisalign First may help some growing children, but it is not right for every case. Dr. Hashemi will evaluate your child’s growth, bite, and whether aligners fit their needs and responsibilities.

Invisalign First is designed for some younger children who still have a mix of baby and permanent teeth. It may help with early spacing, crowding, arch development, or growing-smile concerns.

Your child will need to wear aligners as directed for treatment to stay on track. Dr. Hashemi will explain the recommended wear schedule and whether your child can manage it.

If clear aligners are not the right fit, Dr. Hashemi may recommend braces, an appliance, growth monitoring, or waiting for a better treatment time.

Invisalign for Teens

No. Invisalign Teen may be a good option for some teens, but it is not right for every case. Dr. Hashemi will evaluate bite needs, habits, and aligner wear.

Yes. Invisalign aligners are removable, which may help with meals, brushing, sports, and special activities. Teens still need to wear them as directed each day.

Call our office so we can help decide the next step. Depending on the situation, your teen may need to wear a previous aligner, move forward, or replace the tray.

Invisalign works best when teens can wear aligners consistently, keep track of them, and follow instructions. Dr. Hashemi will help determine whether this is realistic.

Invisalign for Adults

No. Invisalign may be a good option for some adults, but it is not right for every case. Dr. Hashemi will evaluate your bite, gum health, dental history, and aligner consistency.

Yes, Invisalign may help some adults whose teeth have shifted after previous orthodontic treatment. Dr. Hashemi will evaluate your tooth position and bite before recommending treatment.

Invisalign aligners are removable and usually require periodic progress checks. We will explain visit timing, aligner wear, and daily care so treatment feels manageable.

Adult treatment planning may need to consider gum health, bone support, missing teeth, existing dental work, and coordination with your general dentist or other specialists.

Invisalign FAQ

No. Toothpaste can scratch Invisalign aligners and make them look cloudy. A soft toothbrush with cool or lukewarm water is usually better for gentle daily cleaning.

In most cases, you should remove Invisalign aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. This may help reduce staining, buildup, and unwanted odor.

Place your aligners in their case whenever they are not in your mouth. Avoid wrapping them in a napkin because they can be accidentally thrown away.

Brush after meals when possible and floss daily. If brushing is not available right away, rinse with water before putting your aligners back in.