Braces vs Invisalign: What to Expect from Your First Visit to Treatment with Dr. Andrew Lemchen in NYC
Your Guide to Braces, Invisalign, and Everything In Between with Dr. Andrew Lemchen
You’ve got tabs open in your mind: “Braces or Invisalign?” “Can I still eat chips?” “Do I really have to give up coffee?” Dr. Andrew Lemchen gets it—and he’s here to close those tabs you have left up on your phone or computer, one by one, with straightforward answers and personalized care. From your first visit to your final result, this guide brings clarity to your smile journey.
From 3D printing to custom treatment planning—Dr. Andrew blends engineering with artistry to reshape modern orthodontics.
Engineer. Orthodontist. Innovator. Visionary.
Dr. Andrew is precise, innovative, compassionate, and driven—redefining what modern orthodontics looks like.
Dr. Lemchen is more than an orthodontist—he’s an architect of digital smiles. Board-certified and clinically trained at Tufts University, he blends 3D scanning, AI-powered planning, and in-office printing to create precise, efficient treatment plans. Whether you're choosing braces, Invisalign, or lingual options, Dr. Andrew Lemchen builds your smile with innovation and intent. As a volunteer faculty member at New York-Presbyterian’s craniofacial multidisciplinary team, he treats both complex surgical cases and everyday transformations with the same precision and care.
Your First Visit: What to Expect
Consult. Evaluate. Educate. Personalize
Scan, photos, honest conversation, and a personalized plan—your first visit is all about clarity.
Your first visit is all about understanding your smile. Dr. Lemchen will take a 3D digital scan—no messy impressions—along with photos and X-rays. You’ll leave with a general overview of your case, and he’ll follow up with a virtual consultation to go deeper. Together, you’ll review what’s most important, what can wait, and build a treatment plan that fits your life. No pressure—just clarity, clean tech, and real solutions.
Consultation
Assess. Educate. Personalize. Align
Your consultation is all about clarity, comfort, options, and a plan that fits you.
During your consultation with dr. andrew lemchen, he will point out everything he sees: good, bad, and insignificant. you both will review each in turn, discussing how it could impact your smile and oral health. Together, you both will figure out which aspects are most important to you, and which you may want to leave for another time. The most important thing to dr. lemchen is that you end your visit with a FULL understanding of your mouth, not glossing or passing over anything "inconvenient."
Together, you both will consider all the clinical factors and create a treatment plan that fits your goals and lifestyle.
If you’re ready to move forward, dr. lemchen will talk about scheduling. If not, you’ll still leave with clarity, answers, and a plan that’s been thoughtfully designed for you.
What Can I Eat and Drink with Braces or Invisalign?
Eat mindfully. Drink wisely.
Treatment success starts with smart eating—whether you’re in braces or Invisalign.
With braces, it’s not just about avoiding sticky candy—it’s about being mindful with everything you eat. Even healthy foods can break brackets if you’re not careful. Hard, sticky, or crunchy foods like nuts, chips, and apples (unless cut) should be avoided. But there are plenty of safe, delicious options: pasta, cooked vegetables, eggs—even ice cream (just skip the cone).
With Invisalign, you can eat whatever you want—as long as you remove your aligners first and rinse or brush before putting them back in.
As for drinks, water is the only thing safe to sip with aligners in. Anything else—juice, soda, coffee—can stain trays and increase your risk of cavities. With braces, sugary or acidic drinks can sneak around brackets and lead to enamel damage. Use a straw when possible and rinse with water afterward.
How Often Will I Need to Visit the Office?
Consistent. Minimal. Purposeful. Progress.
Visit frequency varies by appliance, but most come in every 6–8 weeks to stay on track.
Dr. Andrew Lemchen values your time. Invisalign patients typically come in every 8–12 weeks and are monitored remotely via the Dental Monitoring app. Braces patients are usually seen every 6–8 weeks for adjustments. Either way, appointments are meaningful, efficient, and designed to keep things moving forward.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
Timeline. Treatment. Personal. Predictable.
Every smile is different—your treatment time depends on your goals, appliance, and plan.
Invisalign typically lasts 6–18 months when worn consistently ~22 hours/day, while braces range from 12–24 months depending on complexity. Dr. Andrew Lemchen customizes each plan using smart staging and digital planning tools to stay efficient and responsive—no cookie-cutter timelines, just progress you can see.
Braces, Lingual Braces, or Invisalign: What’s Right for You?
Personalized. Practical. Proven. Precise.
From braces to Invisalign, we’ll help you choose the treatment that fits your smile, lifestyle, and goals.