A flexible-wear clear aligner option for patients who need more breathing room in their day.
A More Flexible Aligner Option
Why some patients choose OrthoFX
OrthoFX is a clear aligner system similar to Invisalign, with one key difference: it offers a Flex Time option that allows for as little as 10 hours of wear per day instead of the standard 22. For some patients busy professionals, performers, anyone who finds the all-day wear schedule difficult that flexibility is what makes treatment possible.
An alternative, not a replacement
OrthoFX is an alternative to Invisalign it is not better or worse, it is different. Some cases are well-suited to OrthoFX and the flexible wear schedule; others are better served by Invisalign and full-time wear. We will look at your case, your goals, and your lifestyle, and recommend the right system for you. The technology should fit the patient, not the other way around.
What treatment looks like
It starts with a digital scan of your teeth, a series of custom-made trays, and follow-up visits to check progress. You wear each set of trays for the prescribed time and switch to the next one in the series. Treatment length depends on your case and your wear pattern; we set realistic expectations up front.
What is OrthoFX?
OrthoFX is a clear aligner orthodontic system that uses a series of custom-made trays to straighten teeth. At Tatum Dentistry, we offer OrthoFX as an alternative to Invisalign, particularly for patients who would benefit from the Flex Time wear schedule of about 10 hours per day. Both systems can produce excellent results when matched to the right case.
Does OrthoFX hurt?
OrthoFX is comfortable for the same reasons Invisalign is no brackets, no wires, no metal. You may feel some pressure or tenderness for a day or two when you switch to a new tray; that is the trays gently moving the teeth. Most patients adjust quickly and barely notice the trays after the first few days.
How long does OrthoFX take?
Treatment length depends on your case and your wear pattern. With the Flex Time 10-hour option, treatment can take longer than full-time aligner wear. We will give you realistic timeline options at the consultation so you can decide what fits your life.
See Why Charleston Loves Us
➔ Two kind and highly-skilled dentists
➔ Decades of experience
➔ A team that’s been together a long time
➔ Personal care with your comfort in mind
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I choose OrthoFX or Invisalign?
That depends on your case and your lifestyle. Invisalign has a longer track record and is often the right call for complex cases. OrthoFX offers the Flex Time wear option, which works well for patients who cannot wear aligners 22 hours a day. We will help you decide based on what your smile actually needs. See also Invisalign.
Is the 10-hour wear option really enough?
For appropriate cases, yes — but not all cases are appropriate. Flex Time relies on a specific aligner material and treatment plan. Some movements take longer at 10 hours per day, and some cases require full-time wear regardless. We will tell you honestly whether your case is a fit.
Can I switch between OrthoFX and Invisalign mid-treatment?
Generally no — the systems are not interchangeable once treatment has started. That is why the planning conversation matters. We choose the right system for you at the start, with a clear smile preview and timeline, so you know exactly what to expect.
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