Post-Braces Fix Cost?

[McMllnt92]

I had braces three years ago... lesson learned. Kids, wear your retainers...

I was wondering approximately how much it would cost to fix my front four teeth. I have a retainer at the moment, one of the clear ones (lost two sets of the expensive ones..), that no longer really fits on without causing extreme discomfort. a) Would it be helpful to last through the pain and try having the retainer fix my teeth?

If not, again how much do you think this would cost to fix? I'm hoping not the complete price.

[Sunny]

Hi and welcome!

You need to consult with an ortho or two to find out what would be your best option, and what that option will cost.

Forcing a retainter onto your teeth is most likely not a good thing, as teeth should not be forced to move too much or forced to move to quickly, as this can cause the roots to be damaged and may mean in the long term these teeth are at risk of falling out.

Good luck finding out what is best for you and being committed to retainer wear for life!

[Denise]

You def need to see an ortho in person to get a quote on cost. There are many variables that will affect your individual quote. Maybe they can fix it with invisalign so you won't have to be braced again - that's something to ask about too.

[Phantom Muse]

When I went to consult with the ortho I eventually chose, the technician who took my impressions told me that she had her minor crowding fixed with retainers (but supervised by the ortho). She had thought about using Invisalign, but preferred using retainers, so clearly some orthos are willing and able to use retainers to take care of crowding.

Like Sunny said, I would consult with a few orthos to find out what they think. One ortho I consulted didn't like Invisalign and wanted me in metal braces for over two years. Even though I liked him (he is my daughter's ortho), I was not comfortable with his treatment plan for me. I saw two more orthos who both felt I was a good candidate for Invisalign, so I went ahead, and here I am! I am doing Invisalign (full - but with only 12U/7L) for $5050.00, but my personal dentist offers Invisalign Express (which you might easily fall into) for $2300.00.

In the end, prices vary from ortho to ortho and region to region, but most will offer a free consultation. I'd take advantage of that, compile the opinions and price lists, and go from there!

Good luck, and let us know what you decide!

[mikeg]

honestly that isn't soo bad. But I can understand you wanting them straight again, especially since they were straight once before...

If you wanted it fixed, you are a perfect candidate for Invisalign. However, I wouldn't be opposed to metal just on the bottom to save some money....

I actually have a tooth that was forced a bit out of line because my retainers were too tight in the beginning. I just decided to live with it...

[emmie]

I'm in the same boat as you now.. Got the braces off at 15 EARLY even though my dentist told me there were a few teeth not rotated all the way, but I didn't care then (dumb!)! Followed by some years of not wearing my retainer regularly resulted in some undesirable upper crowding that seems to get worse by the month (small exaggeration but it seems like it). Went in for consultation at an orthodontist for ceramic braces to fix it, taking 9 months to 1 year, $5300! wow. I'm too afraid to do Invisalign, i dont want anything i could take out and slack out on.
For the second time I will walk a straight line lol You do the same! =) best of luck