47 gal stressed,confused!..help!

[hikergal]

[FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Hi. I found this site helpful while doing my research but now I'm at a standstill and totally confused. My problem...a very deep overbite,slight crowding on bottom,several crowns and a lower bridge. A few years ago I was advised that to correct my problem I'd have to have jaw surgery,traditional braces. Being single I said "no way" to the metal.
Now,my bite has gotten worse. Lowers have pushed back and down,uppers pushed down and in. Recently, I made several appt's (6!)for consultations. It went from real bad..recommendations of surgery,Herbst/Timeblock appliances,Damon,Suresmile,and lastly Invisilign. Only one ortho,the last one,gave me Invisilign as an option. On the contract they wrote up, they first listed traditional braces as an option,with Invisilign as the second which is best because of the bridge. Cost would be about the same as for both,so not a concern. Sure,I'm happy to hear that I am a candidate for Invisilign (finally)but I have so many doubts. I was told that if I chose Invislign,it'd improve things,but not make it perfect. I don't expect perfect,but I feel uneasy on making this choice. Is Invisilign enough??I don't just want straight teeth. The fine print and time limits on the contract also make me feel uneasy. I feel I'm missing something important to ask and I don't know what it is. I don't know where to turn since it seems like everyone in the field in this area is connected in some way. When I asked my regular dentist for an opinion,I'm told it's up to me. Oh, and I'd like to know if it's worth to wait and pursue dental insurance for this beforehand. Any opinions,questions,help would be appreciated. I'm getting very bummed about this whole thing. Thx.

[Sunny]

Welcome Hikergal!

I recommend you keep consulting, as since you have so many concerns, it sounds like you've not yet found a person you trust to treat you.

The question I think you need to ask at your appointments, after the discussion about what type of treatment is recommended, is why you've been told that you'd benefit from so msny different appliances. Remember ceramic brackets can do everything that metal brackets can do ... because it's the archwire that does the work ... not the brackets. Thinks like the brand of bracket or the computer being used (suresmile) ... is more to do with the orthodontist you're consulting with. Some prefer one thing over another ... and that's fine, because this is what they've had training in.

Good luck with finding the right person to treat you!

[hikergal]

Thanks for your reply Sunny. Today I spent some more time reading posts on this site.
Reading everyone else's concerns helps lessen my worries a bit but my mind is all over the place. I haven't read about anyone with crowns or bridges affecting their decision for metal vs Invisilign. The consults I had all said "thats too bad" when they found out I have the bridge on my back lowers. The ortho who wants to do Invisilign and lists it as my second option,notes the reason for suggestion Invisilign is because of the bridge. Not sure what problems to expect with the bridge and how much impact having one has on making the decision on which type of braces are the best choice. In the meantime, I will hold off on the appt. for the impressions. I dread calling to cancel cuz I think they think I'm too wishy washy. But they were a bit pushy. Also after reading things here I find that they sugar coated alot of things too. I just hope that doing so does not affect the relationship before it even begins.
I'd appreciate any comments if you have. With my uncertainties I am even wondering if anyone just got a retainer and kept it at that.
I will check on a couple other consults but there's not many other orthos to choose from. Thanks for being here.
Take care!
Hikergal

[Sunny]

I can't comment on the reasons why the bridge would affect treatment, you need to find that out from the ortho's you consult with.

If you feel an ortho or her/his team is being pushy, ask them why they're trying to make you choose this or that. You may find the reasoning is a good one, or you may find that it's something you need time to consider. This is another reason why it's important to have several consults, so you can compare treatment options.

Make sure you ask about the retainer ... as you'll need to have one of those for life to prevent your teeth moving further ... whether you have treatment now or not.

Good luck. This part can be hard work ... but it's worth it to be well informed.

[angel9165]

I have two bridges on my lower teeth (they were to fill gaps from the first go around with braces when I was almost 30...traditional metal). Now I'm almost 45 and doing invisalign and my dentist did not express any concern about the bridges. However, we are just moving the front teeth on the lower so the bridges aren't expected to move which could be the difference. Good luck!! I go in tomorrow to have one tooth extracted (they pulled 4 the first go around) and should have my trays next week. I'm nervous and excited too!! =)