New Member looks for answers on Invisalign

[MASinLA]

Hi, I'm doing a little research on invisalign for my teenage son. Just how much does it matter using an ortho vs. a general dentist if we going to use invisalign? Can the final result vary much from doctor to doctor or does the computer at invisalign make the decisions as to tooth positioning? FYI: My son's case isn't complex. Both the ortho and the general dentist have offered to do the invisalign but the general dentist's pricing is much lower than the ortho. Any thoughts?

[Punkin]

I answered your question regarding ortho versus dentist in another thread.

I do want to raise another point, however. You are talking about your teenage son. Are you sure he has the discipline required to wear Invisalign? It takes considerable discipline to keep the aligners in your mouth when it is so easy to pop them out any time you want. I can't keep my teenage son in his retainer, so I know there is no way he would have ever kept his aligners in if he had done Invisalign. There are times when I, myself, don't want to keep my aligners in, either because they are hurting, or I want to be able to munch on food all day (especially at large family functions, like Thanksgiving, Christmas and other parties) and I know how much I am paying, since it's coming out of my pocket, and I am fully aware of the repercussions of NOT wearing my aligners.

I am certainly not saying that your son wouldn't have the discipline required, but I'm just saying that it is something that really needs to be considered, and something that should weigh almost as much as the cost of the treatment in your decisions.

Good luck

[mariahfromchicago]

Welcome to the forum!

[Zoso]

Punkin raises an excellent point. Also, you say "teenage" but don't specify younger or older teen. If he's an older teen, Invisalign could be clinically appropriate. But if he is a very young teen or a pre-teen then it's possible that all his adult teeth are not fully erupted, in which case Invisalign is not really clinically appropriate.

[MASinLA]

Hi All, Just checked back and I'm thrilled to read your replies. Discipline (and hand hygiene) are major concerns of mine. The only reason I would consider the invisalign option is based upon a recommendation of a DDS - my son as some bonding material used as a repair and I don't want to wreck the repair when the anchors are removed (from his front teeth). I really appreciate all feedback - please keep it coming. MS