Invisalign, braces or just don't bother

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kim - 05 Nov 2006 11:23 GMT

Hi,

I am 40 years old and my lower teeth are quite crooked and my uppers
in pretty good shape. My dentist has been pushing me to get
Invisalign done. It certainly wouldn't be for cosmetic reasons as the
bottom being crooked doesn't bother me.

Would straightening out my teeth extend the life of my teeth - have a
health based reason to doing it?

What would be the better route to go generally - Invisalign or braces?
The cosmetic issues aren't important. I am more interested in having
it done properly with the best lasting effect. If the health issues
aren't that great would you say not to bother?

I realize that without actually looking at my teeth I can't get a
"proper" answer but I am just looking at basic feedback. I have been
googling and looking at the archives in this group but haven't seen
anything that addresses these issues above.

Money isn't an issue as I am quite fortunate in having two dental
plans to pay for it. I am just wondering if it is necessary and, if
so, what is the better (in a general sense) treatment.

Thanks for any feedback!

Kim
come see the critters: http://rats-rock.blogspot.com/

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Steven Bornfeld - 05 Nov 2006 19:36 GMT

> Hi,
>
[quoted text clipped - 24 lines]
> Kim
> come see the critters: http://rats-rock.blogspot.com/

    Suggest you go to an orthodontist who can do both conventional and
Invisalign orthodontics and get a consultation.
    There are many general dentists who have only jumped on the Invisalign
bandwagon because a lot of the gruntwork has been taken out of the
office. Unfortunately, a lot of the brainwork has also been taken out
of the office, and a dentist who doesn't know better can get into trouble.
    Since you say that the cosmetic aspect of Invisalign isn't an issue to
you, find an orthodontist with more than one tool. You know what they
say about when you only have a hammer everything looks like a nail.
    BTW, there may well be good clinical non-cosmetic reasons for doing
orthodontic treatment. The most obvious one for patients with crowded
teeth is that straightening them makes oral hygiene much easier--not a
minor issue. It can help the supporting structures of the teeth in
other ways as well--if it's done right.

Steve

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Tony Bad - 06 Nov 2006 14:19 GMT

> Suggest you go to an orthodontist who can do both conventional and
> Invisalign orthodontics and get a consultation.
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
>
> Steve

I agree with Steve. Some who only do invisalign will push you that way
because it is the only tool they have, but it may not be the best for you. I
know several orthodontists who have told me they have been doing a lot of
work fixing or finishing cases started by general dentists that should never
have been attempted with invisalign.

T

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kim - 08 Nov 2006 22:50 GMT

>> Suggest you go to an orthodontist who can do both conventional and
>> Invisalign orthodontics and get a consultation.
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
>work fixing or finishing cases started by general dentists that should never
>have been attempted with invisalign.

Thank you for your comments, gents. It's much appreciated.

Kim
come see the critters: http://rats-rock.blogspot.com/

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