Pros:
Removable- easier to maintain oral hygiene, can eat what you want, take out for sports and playing instruments
Virtually Invisible- more aesthetic than metal braces and clear braces so no one need to know you are undergoing orthodontic treatment
Comfortable- no wires or brackets against the inside of your mouth
3-D simulation- video gives patient an idea of the treatment goal prior to starting treatment and may be a motivating factor
Fewer Emergencies- no poking wires or broken brackets
FDA approved material- safe and no concern over metal allergies
Treatment of choice- for certain malocclusions, it may produce a better result in a shorter amount of time
Straight Teeth, No Braces- many patients wish to align their teeth, would never get fixed braces, but would use Invisalign
Cons:
Require excellent cooperation- if they aren't worn as directed, the teeth won't move
Require removal for eating- take aligners out for anything but water, followed by brushing or flossing, before replacing aligners
Cost- generally more expensive than braces (not the case in our office due to Invisalign volume but will differ by provider)
Transient lisp- whether with brackets or aligners, there is an adjustment period and a slight lisp should be expected at the beginning
Changing treatment- treatment set once the ClinCheck is accepted. Direction of treatment changed by new impression and starting again
New aligner every 2 weeks- while this doesn't mean you see the orthodontist/dentist every 2 weeks, you will have new pressure on your teeth that often. Most patients experience some tooth discomfort for a day or two with each new aligner
The final word: Depending on your malocclusion, Invisalign can be an excellent method of straightening your teeth and providing you with a perfect bite. Keep in mind that Invisalign is an ever-evolving technique and requires the orthodontist/dentist to have a firm grasp of tooth movement using a removable appliance. Currently, the majority of certified Invisalign providers do not have a firm understanding of moving teeth with Invisalign, as there is a big difference between how teeth should and can be moved in terms of order and direction. Invisalign isn't applicable for all tooth movements, but an experienced provider will be able to address a wider variety of situations.
If you would like to schedule your complimentary consultation for braces or Invisalign, please call 905-477-7750.
36 comments:
Thank you soo much. Im trying to decide between invisalign and regular braces, and this article really helped me a lot. I think i will go with invisalign.
Would invisalign work well in my case in which my whole teeth jaw needs to be widened?
Widening of the jaws themselves is not something that can be done with braces or Invisalign. In growing children, the upper jaw can be expanded orthopedically using appliances. In adults, it generally requires surgery as well.
However, if dental expansion is required to tip the teeth outwards for widening, this is possible.
The best way to find out would be to see an experienced Invisalign orthodontist to determine the best way to go about treatment for you.
can invisalign can fix my space between my teeth i have 3 space in my upper jaw n 3 in the lower n i want to know if the invisalign can fix that plz i need help asap cuz i want to get my teeth fix plz let me know at ismaelsura87@gmail.com thanks
isamel: What can be done with Invisalign is going to vary depending on the doctor you choose. It will also depend on the existing conditions, such as the angulation of your teeth, the amount of space, etc. If you'd like more information, visit www.torontobraces.ca. This is a site dedicated to Invisalign and contains a lot of information. Good luck!
Hi, my upper two front teeth are bigger than normal and are overlapping my second teeth and is causing cavities. It's really easy for me to get cavities and I probably dont have extra spaces unless I get my teeth removed. Will Invisalign be able to fix this problem? If not, can it fix it after i get my fourth or fifth teeth removed? I don't want to get braces because I get cavities really easilies.
Help please.
Aneli: Unfortunately, it isn't possible to give you an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan from a verbal description. These will require x-rays, photos, and a clinical exam.
That being said, there are options such as dental expansion and interproximal reduction to increase space. The extent of what can be done with Invisalign is going to depend on the experience level of the doctor that you work with.
I suggest you take a look at http://www.torontobraces.ca/ to get a better understanding about Invisalign treatment. Good luck!
Hi Dr! I am thinking of getting Invisalign but recently I started grinding my teeth for only 2 days ( thankfully stopped as much as I know) and developed TMJ, soreness in my jaw under my ear, and pushed my front teeth forward and bottom teeth inward. The over bite is not too bad I guess since it covers only 1/3 of my bottom teeth. Should I have my TMJ issue sorted out first and then go with Invisalign or can I start Invisalign before? Also are extractions needed for this procedure? What scenarios would it not work for? Thank You!
Hi Mitchell
The cause of your jaw joint could be as a result of the configuration of your teeth. However, in general it is best to allow TMJ symptoms to resolve before seeking treatment.
Your overbite should not be an issue. Whether teeth need to be removed is going to depend on a number of factors. We've just posted a blog entry about extractions today: http://markhamortho.blogspot.com/2011/08/ask-your-markham-orthodontist-do-i-need.html .
You should ask your orthodontist what types of tooth movement they feel comfortable with using Invisalign. The scope of what can be done is going to depend on the experience of the doctor. Many will only address minor crowding/spacing or rotations, but we have used it in conjunction with extractions, severe overbites, crossbites, and even jaw surgery. Your best bet would be to find an experienced doctor to evaluate your personal situation. All the best!
Hi
My two front teeth are way front. I would like to know if Invisalign works for every situation.
Thanks Chris for your question. The first thing to do is figure out what the orthodontic plan would be, whether it would be with braces or Invisalign. The next thing to do is figure out if the doctor you select is able to complete this plan using Invisalign. Being an Invisalign candidate is a function of your initial malocclusion as well as the skill and experience of the doctor to use Invisalign. Go for a couple of consultations and see what is recommended. Good luck and keep us posted!
Hi doctor. Im trying to decide between braces and invisalign. I have an overbite and major crowding. Im leaning towards braces but my grandmother thinks maybe I should do invisalign. which will i see results faster with?
Depending on the way your teeth look in the beginning, you may find that braces will start the initial movements more quickly. However, you shouldn't expect a great difference in the overall treatment time.
The reason for this is that we generally move individual teeth with Invisalign at different rates, whereas with braces, all the teeth are braced and wire used to move them at the same time.
It will also depend on the way the orthodontist plans the treatment. Hope this is helpful!
Hi i'm 16 and I'm from Malaysia. I have an underbite and a jutting tooth on my top front jaw. Would invisalign work for me ? I'm also worried about the cost.
There are a number of factors to consider apart from the skill of the doctor using Invisalign.
Is your underbite because of the position and size of the jaws or because your bottom teeth are slanted out and top ones in (other than the jutting tooth)? Some people with underbites have teeth that are already compensating for the underbite (ie bottom teeth slant in and top slant out). This is not as good a situation for treatment non-surgically with braces or Invisalign.
The best thing to do is to see an experience Invisalign orthodontist to determine the problems present and to see whether the doctor him/herself has the experience to use aligners to correct those problems. Good luck!
Hi Dr.
First off, Thank You for taking time out to answer us individually! My question is... I am currently going through my braces phase for only a week now. Ive been hearing a lot about "Damon" braces and I was wondering what is the difference "Damon" and "Traditional" are Damon better (quicker)? The ortho quoted me 7000.00 for Damon and 3300.00 for traditional. I'm wondering if I should have paid the extra money and gone with 7000.00 (1.5 Years) instead of traditional ( 2 years)?!?
Hi Jeanie
Hope you're doing well with your braces so far. There is a lot of unnecessary hype surrounding self-ligating braces such as Damon. The claims made by these braces companies, and unfortunately orthodontists, have not been proven scientifically. Please take a look at this previous entry: http://markhamortho.blogspot.ca/2010/12/markham-and-toronto-orthodontist.html
Hope it helps!
I am 16 and my wisdom teeth are about 90% in. Although there is not massive crowding, there is crowding with left front, left second tooth, and bottom left second teeth. Would invisalign be able to fix these problems?
Hi Zereko
Thanks for your question. As with any Invisalign treatment, it is going to depend on the doctor you choose and whether they are able to use Invisalign properly to treat your teeth. Invisalign doesn't treat your teeth, your doctor does.
The best thing would be to find some experience Invisalign doctors in your area and set up a consultation to see if it is right for you.
Good luck!
Are you able to correct mild/ moderate crowding with Invisalign without doing interproximal reduction? That is, do the trays actually make more space or is all the space created by filing my teeth? I tend to think humans have 2mm's of enamel for a reason...
Also, roughly how long do you imagine it would take to fix mild/mderate crowding using Invisalign?
Thanks!
Hi Ben1989
Other than creating space via IPR, assuming biology allows, the back teeth can be shifted towards the back, creating room in the front AND/OR the teeth can be tipped outwards slightly in order to increase the perimeter of the arch. Keep in mind that facial profile and original condition of the teeth will determine which is the best. Keep in mind that IPR is completely safe when done properly. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFGV6DZWVVM
The amount of time to align teeth is going to depend on the crowding, but also on vertical discrepancies, rotations, and the initial position of the teeth. Best to visit an experienced doctor to give you the full picture on the length of time for treatment.
Good luck!
Hi Dr,
I have been diagnosed with TMJ and a cross bite, I have overcrowding on the bottom, Im thinking of going with invisalign. The only reason i am considering this is because I was told my TMJ would get worse if I don't and could lead to a very painful future
I got a consultation and the ortho told me i have to wear a mouth guard for 6 moths to realign my jaw then they can do invisalign treatment .
Personally I am concerned if this is all necessary, I've done research and found that there are excursuses to treat TMJ and wondering if the 7000 investment is worth it. I can't afford it but Im afraid if i don't treat this I will have regrets .
I would appreciate your medical opinion.
Great stuff! You've inspired me to go down the same path. I will be thoroughly documenting my experience also.
@EBG Very difficult to tell what procedures are necessary unless there is a full diagnosis based upon the signs and symptoms. Often times, TMJ issues can be related to improper occlusion and the discomfort can be alleviated prior to orthodontic treatment, but the cause will not be corrected without it. If you are uncertain, best you seek a few opinions.
@Paul Keep us up to date and glad we could be of inspiration!
Name: Nadim
I am 17 years old.
I have problem in my right frontal part of my teeth(only in 4 frontal premolars: 2 upper and 2 lower).
My both upper right premolars do not match with lower ones; instead they sit on the right side giving my face slight bulge apperance on right side(though difficult to notice) and both lower premolars sit invard to upper ones making my lower jaw look asymmetrical(somewhat narrow from right side). Also i have very minor crowding in both jaws.
Should i go for invisalign?
Please help....
Thank You!
Hi Nadim. Sounds like you'll benefit from orthodontic treatment. Whether it is best to use Invisalign or braces will depend on your initial situation and the skill of the doctor you work with. It's definitely a great idea to get a live professional opinion from a skilled orthodontist in your area. Good luck!
Thanks Jason!
I hav 1 more question...
Since I am 17 years old, is it possible for me to expand my lower jaw without surgery??
The lower jaw cannot be expanded at any age. In the upper arch, expansion is possible because the upper jaw is in two pieces until about age 14-15 in females and 15-16 in males. There is no suture in the lower jaw, so any expansion will be in the form of dental expansion. Here's a link to a video showing the upper jaw expansion: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-k4mde8hyw&list=UUGS847pGxpjUDZ0_SNHdIZQ&index=7&feature=plcp
I've recently decided to go with invisalign for my semi-crowding situation. the 2 major tooth that needs to be move is the one next to the 2 front teeth where it turns inward, and the canine tooth next to it that's sticking out. However, I slammed my face last year snowboarding and found that canine tooth bleeding and it has since been a little loose. I've gone to the dentist and did Xrays with it. They all said that nothing looks like it's broken inside but it might be a trauma that'll take time to heal. It's been over a year and half and it's still a bit loose.
Now that I'm about to put on the invisalign, do you think it'll make the loosen tooth situation worse? Should I maybe wait till my tooth fully heal to put the tray on? Please help...>< Thanks in advance!
@tinnie Sorry to hear about your accident! You want to make sure your teeth are stable before going ahead with orthodontic treatment. The only exception is if the looseness is being caused by the trauma of your current bite. Otherwise, moving the teeth may make the situation worse. Good luck!
Hi Doctor.
I am 31 years old. I still have a baby tooth that has never fallen. The adult teeth on each side of it are trying to compensate the empty space and as a result they are tilting. For that reason I cannot put an implant (I will have to cut the 2 teeth next to it to fit the implant).
I went to an orthodontist back in 2004 and she told me the best solution would be to get braces to straighten the teeth and then put an implant. But to get braces, I had to do surgery to expand my palette. I refused to do it.
8 years later, would Invisalign work for me? I only have a slight overbite and crossbite. My goal is to be able to fit the implant to replace my baby tooth and to improve my smile.
Thanks
@Rick One important thing to understand is that Invisalign works like braces. If there is a problem that requires surgery to correct it with braces, then the same surgery would be required with aligners.
That being said, it may be possible to have treatment to achieve your goal of creating enough space for the implant without jaw surgery, but understanding that your final result may not be 100% ideal.
The best thing to do is get another opinion and figure out what kinds of things can be done from the ideal to acceptable compromise. Good luck!
Hi, my 12 year old daughter had a consult last week. The Dr. is pro invisalign but I'm still hesitant. She quoted $5180 for metal braces and 12-16 month time period and $5580 for invisalign and a 12 month time period. I am wondering how long invisalign has been around and if there is any documentation on the long term results of traditional braces versus invisalign. She also said that teeth have placement memory and if you want straight teeth for the rest of your life you have to wear a retainer for the rest of your life. I haven't worn a retainer for 30 year and my teeth haven't noticeably moved. Thoughts?
@2xx2xy In most cases, Invisalign and braces should take the same out amount of time, with some exceptions. Think of it as the teeth not knowing what is causing the pressure on the teeth. The same biology applies.
To date, over 2 million patients have had Invisalign since it started in 1999. Results are going to vary depending on the doctor you choose, so the best way to see the difference with your doctor is to ask to see some before and after images of their actual treatment. Many doctors will use stock images as they do not have the results to show.
In terms of retainers, there are constantly pressures on the teeth from eating, chewing, talking etc. You are one of the lucky few that hasn't required a retainer to keep teeth straight. Personally, I didn't wear my retainer and have had retreatment, so it also applies to orthodontists. Hope this helps!
Hi,Doctor! You keep saying that the outcome of the treatment depends on the dentist you choose, so I was wondering how are we supposed to know which dentists are competent enough?
@PKG Great question. There are a number of factors. Take a look at this for some more detailed information: http://www.torontobraces.ca/choosingadoctor/
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