Invisalign records appointment booked

[Johnnyboy]

I have my Invisalign records appointment booked for the 17th. Since going for my consultation I have looked into Invisalign a lot more. I have read that attachments are often fitted and often elastics are worn. I am now un sure on what to do. At the first consultation I was also offered Damon fixed braces ceramic for the top arch and metal for the lower arch. Both treatment times were 15 months. I really don't know what option to take.

[Johnnyboy]

Hi I am new to here, I have been thinking and wanting to get my teeth straightened for many years, but never had the courage to go to an orthodontist. I've finally made the move as I'm getting older being now 38 and if I don't do it now I never will. I've had my consultation as I said in my previous post and was offered fixed top & bottom braces and was also offered Invisalign. I am booked in at the orthodontists on Friday for a Invisalign records appointment. I am unsure what treatment I should go for? I want to make the right choice as its a big investment. I like the idea of the Invisalign as its less visible and can be removed, but because you can remove it there's the risk of not wearing them as much as you should. The fixed option is fixed so it's working all the time and can't be removed. Please can I have some advise from your experiences. Many thanks.

[MunchkinLand]

My orthodontist reccomends invisalign when possible because its better for your oral health. Might take that into consideration

[Johnnyboy]

Thank you for your reply, there is that aspect that Invisalign would be better for general dental hygiene over the fixed braces.

[Johnnyboy]

My Orthodontist did say when I spoke to her on Friday if I wanted to have the fixed braces instead of the Invisalign she could fit them on Friday. She advised Damon clear for the top arch and metal Damon for the bottom arch. If I wanted to go for the Invisalign I would have to wait another 8 weeks for the braces to be ready. Decisions decisions.

[Prometheus]

I had Invisalign 8 years ago. It fixed some crowding and spacing, but could not fix my posterior crossbite. The end result looked good, but felt bad. I ended up with bad TMJD and had to get fixed braces, damon clear on top, metal on the bottom, to fix a pretty tough problem. Had I really understood what was going on, I would have opted for fixed braces from the start. I think the answer really depends on how severe your issues are and how willing you are to be compliant with 22+ hours of Invisalign a day, it is a hassle, at least it was for me, you can only drink water while wearing them. Good luck with your decision! -P

[iob]

Ask your ortho if she will achieve the same end results with both. Then, just to cover yourself down the road if you elect to go with Invisalign, ask if in the event the Invisalign refinements are struggling and fixed braces are needed for a few months to get to the best result, will she do so without additional cost. This is not unusual, but better to reach an understanding up front than to gamble on agreement later. That way, you get the benefit of Invisalign's aesthetics for the majority or all of the treatment, with the insurance of fixed braces if needed with no penalty.

[Ziggy]

I got braces about 4 months ago. Most orthos will not recommend invisilign unless it will work. If your ortho is doing both they will usually pick what will work because after treatment you are their advertising, IMHO. If I had the choice, and I did not have a choice, I would have gone with invisilign. Being able to take them out to eat, brush and floss is a huge bonus.

[Johnnyboy]

Thank you all for your advise. My appointment is at 11.30 on Friday morning. I think that I may go the fixed brace route if she willing still to fit them at that appointment. My thinking of this is because treatment could start straight away and also because there fixed i wouldn't have the temptation or forget not to wear them. Does anyone have any advise on getting fixed braces.

[sandiego88]

I also would go with fixed braces. I had invisalign for 2.5 years and ended up with a terrible bite than I started with. Invisalign straightened my teeth but tilted my molars and somehow gave me a class 2 bite on the left side and a worse class 2 bite on the right. Of course your results will depend on how good your ortho is. I am now in 18 months of braces with a new ortho. I prefer braces over invisalign. I can eat whenever I want and not have to run to the bathroom before/after to pull them out or brush. For me braces are a lot less embarrassing. Everyone knows what they are. With invisalign I was a lot more self conscious. People always looked at my teeth because they are very noticeable (I had like 20 attachments) but they couldn't tell what they were. As for oral health, it is way harder to floss, but I feel like my teeth are cleaner now because they aren't constantly encased in plastic.

[Johnnyboy]

After reading your comments I have decided to go with the fixed braces. My appointment is at 11.20 tomorrow morning. I have spoken with my orthodontist and she said that she can get the top arch braced in the time we have, but isn't sure if there be enough time for the bottom arch. My appointment is for 40 mins. How long did it take to get your full braces fitted? I'm looking forward to getting started, but extremely nervous now.