Metal Mouth Message Board

I'm considering Invisalign treatment in preparation for dental implants for my missing two front teeth (extracted due to bone loss). One reason I'm hesitant is because I'd have to remove the aligners and therefore my fake front teeth everytime I eat.

Is there anyone out there who is in a similar situation? Do you become a social recluse? Or do you eventually get over it and move on with life?
Any tips/recommendations?

thanks...

It sounds like you're in a tough situation. For me, I may be in a similar situation in the future. I still have my top front teeth (central incisors), but 1 is loose, the other has a root canal and both have root resorption (childhood accident). It is possible that I could lose the loose tooth over the process of orthodontic treatment. For me I felt most comfortable getting regular braces (metal or ceramic) knowing that if I do lose a tooth that the ortho will glue a fake tooth to the bracket while I go through the process of getting an implant. I also need regular braces to fix my bite.

I just thought I'd offer this to you incase you hadn't considered it. However, it is tempting to get invisalign since you'd only be without the implant crown for several months rather than wearing regular braces for ?? months after getting the implant crown.
Good luck!




2/10/06: 4 upper spacers

I'm not sure if this was a "don't ask, don't tell" conversation with my ortho, but she told me that since I was missing my two front teeth, it would be okay to eat with the aligners in public. I have to be very careful so I don't fracture them.

I'm waiting for my aligners at the moment but my ortho also said that it's ok to eat with them in. He said not to eat anything hard or crunchy though. I think one of the reasons you shouldn't eat with them is that they'll stain..

Best of luck