Metal Mouth Message Board

I just saw a dentist today about straightening my teeth. He said that Essix Aligners are pretty much the same as Invisalign, except they are about $1000 cheaper. What are the Pros and Cons of Essix Aligners? Do they work?

Invisalign is a type of aligner. The basic principal behind any aligner therapy is that there is a sequence of aligner trays that will gradually change the position of your teeth.

The problem with most aligner systems is that they do not allow the doctor to plan the movement of the teeth. Typically, an impression is sent to a lab, the lab tech cuts the teeth off the model, repositions them, and makes a series of trays. This is less accurate, less predictable, does not allow the doctor to determine the movements, and less likely able to correct major malocclusions.

With Invisalign, the doctor is able to use a 3D digital model to map out the course of your treatment incorporating attachments to produce movements. It is he/she who determines when, how, and the rate of tooth movement.

Remember that with any treatment, you want to make sure you are relying on the experience of your doctor, rather than leaving it to a technician. Good luck!