Confused about invisalign

[bonniestpierre]

I went to see an ortho a couple of months ago to see about having Invasalign and was told I could have it if I wanted, but recommended the new Damon Clear, as it would be quicker, cheaper and give me better results. I went to another ortho yesterday to get a second opinion and was told I would be suitable for Invisalign, that it would be cheaper and quicker (contradicting the first ortho) but would have to have a tooth removed and he would only be able to straighten my teeth but not correct my overbite/crossbite. I'm confused. I've read on here about people having elastic bands with Invisalign. Even Invisalign.com says it can correct overbites and crossbites. Why did he tell me this can't be done?

[Sunny]

Hi and welcome! Elastic bands can be used with invisalign now, but it takes a well trained orthodontist to do this and not all ortho's have had this training, or want it.

I recommend you consult with another ortho or two, so that you can ask more questions and find out what will be the best way to treat your bite. Using invisalign to correct an overbite and crossbite may be quite complicated ... depending on the degree of your overbite and crossbite, so make sure you find a very experienced ortho if you do choose to go with invisalign and check out about the stability of results etc.

Good luck!

[MCOMarkhamOrthodontist]

As Sunny alluded to, it isn't "what can Invisalign correct". It is "what can my orthodontist correct using Invisalign". Remember that Invisalign is a technique, not a product, and that results and scope of "what can be corrected" will be different with each provider.

[Phantom Muse]

I, too, had multiple consults before deciding on my ortho. The first one I visited was far more comfortable working with traditional braces (prescribed two full years or more in metal braces), the second consult was with my regular dentist who had minimal training and experience (would only do a case that fell close to Invisalign Express, and would not move any back teeth, so IPR was mandatory).

My third consult was with the ortho I have since chosen to work with. I did not need IPR - and I have a small mouth and big teeth - so this was thrill for me! In fact, I am very happy with the results so far. He is a premiere Invisalign provider and has used Invisalign with many patients. I will be "done" within one year's time total (hopefully far less, but I am bracing for refinements).

Moral of the story... Dr. Tam and Sunny are right on target, of course! Look for an ortho who has a great deal of experience using Invisalign. I think then you will feel comfortable with their expertise (which is essential to being a happy patient throughout this sometimes confusing and unpredictable process!)

[mommamorin]

I have a crossbite in back on one side and was told by several orthos that it could not be corrected without surgery, an extender and several years of metal braces as my top arch is way too narrow compared to my bottom. I was so excited that I could do Invisalign, with the knowledge that the back could not be corrected. I chose to do it and now I have a beautiful smile! Cannot see the back at all, sooo happy!

[telleki]

I was considering the same two options, (Damon or Invisalign). My ortho told me that the Damons would get the job done in 9 months and the Invisalign would take 18 months. I had them do a quote for both and the Damon's were less expensive but only by $200.

If it weren't for my darn vanity, I definately would have gone for the Damons. The Damons were very attractive after reading how the self-ligating technology works, but I didn't want brackets, and the wire that goes through wouldn't have been clear, so invisalign it is!

[Phantom Muse]

Welcome, Telleki!

Have you started treatment yet?