Criteria for invisalign

[melissac]

I went to my first ortho consultation last week and found out that I couldn't get invisalign treatment. I have crowding and protruding teeth. He said i need traditional braces and four extractions. He mentioned starting with braces for a year then switching to invisalign. I just am not sure exactly why I can't have invisalign. I figured it was because the extractions, but I've seen posts from people with invisalign that have had extractions. I know it's hard to say because nobody has xrays of my teeth, but does anyone know if there are set criteria for invisalign? I want to get a second opinion but, i also don't want to waste my time if the rules are set in stone.

[blair]

I don't believe there are any set criteria, but there are certain things that Invisalign doesn't do as well, like correcting bite problems. I'm one of the people who had four extractions; my ortho would have preferred traditional braces but gave the OK for Invisalign when I made it clear that I had a strong preference. I've done well with them, but maybe you have other complications? I'm also expected to finish a couple months in braces, though I'm hoping not to since my Invisalign's gone so well. But it's going to be a matter of correcting my bite, which can be hard to finetune with Invisalign.

Get a second opinion - maybe there's an ortho who's more comfortable or experienced with Invisalign who might be willing to take your case on? If it's really not going to be an option, ceramic braces are very discreet. I know a number of people who have them, and it's hard to tell unless you look closely. They'd still be a second choice for me, but not a terrible one by any means. Remember also that Invisalign could take longer than traditional braces (though my treatment time was about the same, and I think it's worth the extra time anyway).