Just need bottom teeth adjusted.. I think?

[thunder682]

Hello,

I'm looking to get some work done on my bottom teeth. I have some minor crowding with four teeth in the front. I don't believe anything needs to be done to the upper teeth as the look straight. Would the cost be high for something like this? I wasn't aware of "Invisalign Express" until browsing the forum, but that sounds like something I may be able to use.

Also, after the procedure is done would I need to wear some time of retainer for a long period of time?

Thanks for any assistance you guys can provide!

[Janesays]

you may indeed be a good candidate for invisalign express. The cost will vary depending on how many trays the computer models say you need.. however it can be expensive even if just for 8 months...

I believe in Invisalign express cases, the last tray becomes your retainer going forward and some orthos will make another copy of it for you...

Best bet is too find an ortho in the area that specializes in this and get a few consultations.

Keep us posted.

[mikedatooth]

ive seen friends get braces on just the bottom. don't see why the same can't be done with Invisalign...

With that said, some orthos like to put braces on the top and bottom to ensure teh bite and such is aligned perfectly....

[Zoso]

Yes, to elaborate on what Mike says, the two arches work together as a system, meaning that sometimes even if things look good, both arches still might need treatment. Also, we are of course not dental professionals, and sometimes we may not have an accurate picture of what really is wrong with our bite (I know this was the case for me). So your best bet really is to head in to an orthodontist for a consultation, and see what is suggested.

As to retainers, yes this would be a long-term - actually a lifetime - commitment after treatment. Generally there would be some period of time during which retainers would need to be worn full time, followed up by using them only at night, and then eventually perhaps just a few nights per week. But everyone's teeth keep moving throughout their life, whether they ever had braces or not, so if you wantto keep everything as it is at the end of treatment, retainers must be a lifetime commitment.

[thunder682]

Thank you to all the replies thus far. As always, a few consultations are the best way to get the most sound advice.

That is what I was afraid to hear, if that indeed is "standard practice". This is minor crowding and I can certainly live with it.. however it seemed invisalign was easy to use, which is why I wanted to give it a try. Not a fan of the lifelong commitment of a retainer.

[Zoso]

I seem to recall that mesial drift is particularly a problem with the lower teeth, so if you want to sort out lower anterior crowding (that is crowding in the front teeth) and keep it sorted, you really will need to make that commitment. But I find that my retainer is not a big deal - it's perfectly comfortable and not at all bulky. You could even look at a bonded retainer, although that comes with its own particular issues too.

But we're getting ahead of ourselves here. Let's wait and see what your consultations reveal.