Discovering Invisalign...
Posted 04-19-2008 at 04:37 PM by x2k
Well here goes, my first blog entry!
Wonky teeth have plagued me for as long as I can recall. Traditional metal braces were always an option, but being pretty self-conscious anyway, and growing up in an environment where I saw others mocked for wearing them, I've always avoided the opportunity of having braces.
However, late last year whilst in the waiting room before a routine check-up, I spotted a leaflet about Invisalign. Finally, a solution to my problem without the fear of social exclusion. I asked my dentist what she thought. She said they'd make a world of difference to me as a person if I could afford them.
I looked for information online and found this forum. I read about different experiences and saw they way people supported each other and decided I could at least see if it's suitable for me.
Now... my usual dentist treats me as an NHS patient, but orthodontic work would have to be carried out as private treatment. So this is where I start sharing how much it's cost me so far.
My first appointment was an initial consultation. During this, my teeth were examined and my situation & options were explained to me. Basically I have 2 issues...
1. Some of my teeth are overlapped & crowded. Either traditional or Invisalign braces are capable of fixing this.
2. I have an unusual bite. Apparently I've inherited my top jaw from one parent, and my bottom jaw from the other. Seemingly they're not compatible resulting in a gap of about 5mm between top & bottom set (at the front only - my molars meet) and a clicking jaw when I open my mouth wide.
The resolution to problem 2 would be traditional braces followed by jaw re-alignment surgery. But my main concern here is problem 1. I can live with the bite issue.
I was then given a comparison between the two types of braces. Traditional were what my dentist recommended most despite being cheaper. The reason being was that he felt he might be able to slightly improve my bite with extrusion of the top incisors, compared to Invisalign which would straighten my teeth but he couldn't guarantee any bite improvement.
The prices were also pitched to me - £3,400 for traditional, or £4,300 for Invisalign. I felt that if I'm going to spend as much as £3,400 on something that would affect my self confidence, I may as well pay the extra £900 for Invisalign. Plus, as already said, I'm not too fussed about the bite.
So that was the consultation over, and £50 was charged for the privilege. I was then referred to see the hygienist as it was made clear that any orthodontic work is only worth it if both teeth and gums are healthy before, during & after treatment.
The hygienist was lovely and, after giving my gnashers a deep clean, educated me on how best to floss using floss picks (rather than tape). So that was another £50 spent.
Next up, first impressions...
Wonky teeth have plagued me for as long as I can recall. Traditional metal braces were always an option, but being pretty self-conscious anyway, and growing up in an environment where I saw others mocked for wearing them, I've always avoided the opportunity of having braces.
However, late last year whilst in the waiting room before a routine check-up, I spotted a leaflet about Invisalign. Finally, a solution to my problem without the fear of social exclusion. I asked my dentist what she thought. She said they'd make a world of difference to me as a person if I could afford them.
I looked for information online and found this forum. I read about different experiences and saw they way people supported each other and decided I could at least see if it's suitable for me.
Now... my usual dentist treats me as an NHS patient, but orthodontic work would have to be carried out as private treatment. So this is where I start sharing how much it's cost me so far.
My first appointment was an initial consultation. During this, my teeth were examined and my situation & options were explained to me. Basically I have 2 issues...
1. Some of my teeth are overlapped & crowded. Either traditional or Invisalign braces are capable of fixing this.
2. I have an unusual bite. Apparently I've inherited my top jaw from one parent, and my bottom jaw from the other. Seemingly they're not compatible resulting in a gap of about 5mm between top & bottom set (at the front only - my molars meet) and a clicking jaw when I open my mouth wide.
The resolution to problem 2 would be traditional braces followed by jaw re-alignment surgery. But my main concern here is problem 1. I can live with the bite issue.
I was then given a comparison between the two types of braces. Traditional were what my dentist recommended most despite being cheaper. The reason being was that he felt he might be able to slightly improve my bite with extrusion of the top incisors, compared to Invisalign which would straighten my teeth but he couldn't guarantee any bite improvement.
The prices were also pitched to me - £3,400 for traditional, or £4,300 for Invisalign. I felt that if I'm going to spend as much as £3,400 on something that would affect my self confidence, I may as well pay the extra £900 for Invisalign. Plus, as already said, I'm not too fussed about the bite.
So that was the consultation over, and £50 was charged for the privilege. I was then referred to see the hygienist as it was made clear that any orthodontic work is only worth it if both teeth and gums are healthy before, during & after treatment.
The hygienist was lovely and, after giving my gnashers a deep clean, educated me on how best to floss using floss picks (rather than tape). So that was another £50 spent.
Next up, first impressions...
Total Comments 3
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Great that you've made a decision for what suits you best now Paul.
My hope for you, is once you see your teeth aligning using invisalign, your confidence in your smile will improve and you'll find yourself ready to 'fix' your open bite. A clicking jaw is not a good sign and I can understand your dentist trying to encourage you to do something about it. I work for orthodontists, and my treatment is about fixing the jaw pain I've had for a long time. I wanted invisalign, but with the issues I have, it was never an option. Invisalign cannot sort out crossbites, impacted canines, gaps and the type of crowding I have. I was initally disappointed, but not now that my treatment is well in and the progress ... especially with the diminished jaw pain. Good luck with your journey and I look forward to following your progress. I just did as a currency conversion, and your consult was about the same as we charge for ours. We include x-rays, moulds, photographs and a full examination with the initial consult, then a treatment plan if you wish to go further. I think it's good to have to pay for consultations, as it makes us aware of how much work goes into the preparation time. When a person complains, we ask how often they work for free ...  Take care! |
 
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Welcome, Paul! We are very similar. I'm 22, and I have the same problem as you (problem 2). My ortho also told me that I could go with invisalign, but it wouldn't solve the gap issue. For me, the gap is my most important problem to fix, so I decided on the damon braces. (My lower teeth are also crowded, but I'm more concerned with the gap.) They are all metal except the front ones are half metal and half ceramic. They're still noticeable, but they're a little smaller than traditional braces.
I'm excited to see how we both do with these different methods and similar problems. I wish you the best of luck! |
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Nice little post. Lots to read! Welcome
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