Invisalign to Braces?

[invisabrace]

Hello all, I am new here, found out about this site while searching. Then have lurked for a little bit learning.

I need opinions though.

I am about mid way through an invisalign express treatment. Originally my options were invisalign express, invisalign full, or braces.

I went in because i had a gap on the bottom, along with some crowding, and somewhat crooked top teeth. I also have what I would consider an overbite where my top teeth overlap, a mid-line that is off center by about 2-3mm perhaps? And on one side, my bite doesnt "join" my teeth sit on top of each other, instead of joining like a zipper.

The orthodontist recommended the express treatment, citing that he could close the gap, and fix the crowding. So far, OK. Not good. just OK. At first I was optimistic about it. I thought 20 weeks and were done!? Now that I am more than half way through it, I feel like I didnt make the right decision. The overbite still bothers me, and the midline is still off. My bite has changed, because I can feel it, but my teeth still do not meet correctly.

I am seriously considering going the braces route and get what I originally wanted done. If I am going to drop the money on my mouth, I would like to have it done the right way, all the way.

What have many of you experienced? Would you settle for "good enough" or finish what invisalign has started with braces?

I am a bit self conscious about the thought of braces for the length of time, which is why I originally chose invisalign, but I am not sure I will be any less conscious with my teeth the way they are now (even after the express treatment.) Do people really care that you have braces? Or is it all in my head?

[bracesat29]

Moving teeth takes time, and it is unfortunate that you feel like you have already wasted some. You might consult some other orthodontists to see what they say. Everyone is different, and maybe it will just take a little longer than hoped. Your teeth have been moving, so that is at least a positive!

[MisAligned]

I am a pretty self-conscious person (otherwise I might not have pursued braces), and I work with the public. I have the Damon clears, which are pretty noticeable.

After about 10 months of treatment, I realize nobody seems to care but me. Don't get me wrong, I can't wait until they're off (which I anticipate will be within a few months), but they're so worth it. Unlike you, I was not given the option of Invisalign, but I was talked out of lingual braces due to treatment time and anticipated result.

Hope this helps! And good luck!

[rhomboid]

Personally I would get braces, they do the job and the thought of having them is far worse than the experience. Can your Ortho hook you up with out spending more?

[thenumber12]

I had the original silver shiny "grills" and didn't mind it at all. I heard metal braces are more affective for crooked teeth while Invisalign for teeth in less need of drastic adjustment but this is what I heard 4-5+ years ago so not sure if things have changed.