Braces with Implant instead of Invisalign after 2nd consult

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#1 Post by **G's Mom** » Mon Jul 09, 2007 1:03 pm

Hello - I posted about a month ago or so asking questions about whether Invisalign or braces with an implant for a missing lateral tooth was the way to go. Many suggested I get a second consult, or as many consults as I needed . . . . My second consult went very well. The orthodontist did not even suggest Invisalign (the first did if I did not want the whole brcces/implant process) , and he explained that while it would close all the many gaps I have, that because I have that missing tooth, everything will continue to shift and I'll eventually be back where I started.

He even showed me pictures of a recent adult client who had the same problem I did but missing both top laterals instead of just one. He went through the process of how it works in conjunction with the photos. I feel so much better about my decision to go with this orthodontist and he did not sugar coat the process or gloss over it.

My next appointment is July 17th. It is an additional consult with records, but they said I may be able to get my braces on then. I am so excited to get this process started and wish I would have done it ten years ago (I'm 38 years old). I had braces as a teen that closed the gaps, and look where that got me. But I remember even then I was excited to have braces on to get it all corrected. But this time I am informed. And I want to have everything aligned properly, not just a quick fix. Thank you to everyone who gave me advice.

#2 Post by **G's Mom** » Mon Jul 09, 2007 3:03 pm

Thanks Maryaten for the good luck wishes.

And seriously, to answer your questions, they'll put the implant and crown in stages after the braces come off. I'll have to consult with someone they refer me to for that aspect. The ortho said they'll put a fake tooth in the gap where the implant will be so that I don't have to walk around with a gap while I am in braces. And then I'll have one on a retainer too after braces come off and until implant in/all complete.

I have gaps between my front top teeth, but I don't have a big gap where the tooth should be at this point, so it won't be until the gap is created by braces that I will need a fake tooth temporararily and then the implant. Right now my teeth are all spread out with smaller gaps in between the front teeth since there's too much room, and the alignment at the midline is way off. Lovely, I know. I have never had any teeth pulled, I was born without the tooth. It will be around 18 mos. to 2 years in braces then the implant process, which I think takes several months? I am not sure on that,

I just know it will be a while, to say the least. Good luck to you!

#3 Post by **platinum** » Mon Jul 09, 2007 4:15 pm

Interesting that two orthos so different opinions. Maybe you can get another consultation to see who is right or so to say.

#4 Post by **Betty Bat** » Mon Jul 09, 2007 4:50 pm

G's Mom,
If you have not seen an implant specialist, then you really should do so as soon as possible. There might be some reason why you can't get implants, and it would be very disappointing to go through your whole treatment, then find out at the end that it wasn't the right one.

DON'T WAIT - go to an implant specialist now!

I'm in the same boat. Missing two teeth (baby teeth with no permanent teeth behind them). Due to get implants post-braces. In fact, I just went to the implant specialist again today to confirm that everything was going correctly and to get my appointment scheduled. My ortho didn't want to take my braces off until we all found out that there is enough space for the implant. That's one of the reasons that I had braces. I had one baby tooth pulled when I was 12 and the remaining teeth shifted around over the next 40 (!) years. So, I've had a spring enlarging the space where the baby tooth used to be.

Here was my schedule of appointments:
- regular dentist for general discussion. He gave me recommendations on an implant specialist, some orthos, and some oral surgeons (to remove the remaining baby tooth and one wisdom tooth)
- initial consultation with implant guy
- initial consultation with ortho
- oral surgeon to get teeth pulled
- ortho to get braces on

#5 Post by **G's Mom** » Mon Jul 09, 2007 5:34 pm

Betty Bat - The ortho said if an implant was not right for me then I'd have to get a bridge. I see from what you are saying that I need to get a consult with a specialist now. But, in the meantime, I am wondering and will worry if I don't ask you, what happens if there is not enough space for the implant?

#6 Post by **Betty Bat** » Mon Jul 09, 2007 5:42 pm

Well, if you are an implant candidate, then they can open up the space by putting in a stronger spring across the gap. My space was kind of trapezoidal - bigger at the bottom than at the top. The dentist and the implant specialist both said that they could put in an implant even in that weird-shaped space, but it just wouldn't be as good. My dentist didn't push me into getting braces to correct that space, but he looked pretty happy/relieved when I said that I was more than willing to go with the braces to do this the right way.

Good luck to you!

#7 Post by **iBorg** » Mon Jul 09, 2007 7:04 pm

G's Mom:
I'm thrilled that there is another person who is following a similiar path. I'm expanding space for two implants where my premolars were pulled for my first round of ortho work as a teenager. My orhto consulted with an implant specialist prior to agreeing to this treatment plan (I suggested the implants). She sain there needs to be at least 8mm of opeinging or I'll need to go the bridge route.

I look forward to your stories.

Good luck and try to have fun!

#8 Post by **G's Mom** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 9:44 pm

Thanks for the info, Betty Bat and iBorg. I have to come to realize from people's answers that there are alwys more questions I can ask and that I still have some things to figure out. I don't want to go thru all this again to have the results be so unsatisfactory as they have been as my teeth have shifted over the years.

I just had my 20th high school reunion and seeing old pictures of myself reminded me how happy I was when my braces came off back then and no gaps or crooked teeth. I was so thrilled I did not even notice that my midline was way off. Little did I know then that it would not last . . . .

#9 Post by **Marley** » Wed Jul 11, 2007 6:19 am

Congrats G's!

I'm glad you decided to get a another consult and go that way! My situation is similar to yours.. I think! I was born without one of my lateral incisors and need to open up room to put in an implant. I get my spring put on Aug 7th. I'm looking forward to it! I'm sure the gap will be hidious (no fake tooth going in while I have braces) but I don't care!!

Good luck with everything!!

#10 Post by **iBorg** » Wed Jul 11, 2007 5:20 pm

A lot of us here have been there, done that and are doing it again. What you'll find is the advances in the technology have made orthodontics less painful and produces better results. All indications are the results have a more long term effect although retainers are no longer viewed as a final stage but rather a lifetime commitment.

You're among friends going through many of the same things as you.

Mike