I have completed my Invisalign treatment (6 months and 13 trays). While the invisalign corrected the problem I originally had with my front teeth, it created a problem in my bite that I did not have before. Now none of my molars meet. My orthodontist explained to me that this is still a new technology and all of the consequences of treatment are not predictable as of yet. In order to correct the problem that was caused by the invisalign, I will be getting ceramic braces soon.
Has anyone else had a similar experience? How difficult is the transition from invisalign to braces?
Unsuccessful Invisalign
Moderator: bbsadmin
Hey Elise!
Actually, I had a similar problem with Invisalign. I had two teeth that didnt turn as they should, and ended up bumping into each other causing pain and discomfort. That was after a 2 year treatment with 40 trays. So the orthodontist offered me ceramics and treatment for free. He said 6-9 months to finish up the treatment. I got the braces on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and still have them, so its been... a little over 4 months now that I've been in braces.
The transition from Invisalign to braces is actually a very easy one. You're already used to having something foreign in your mouth, so the brackets are easy to get used to. You'll probably get sores on the inside of your lips a day or two after getting the brackets on, and there will be some pain. Wax is your best friend during this period! Well, for me it hurt quite a bit more than Invisalign, but never was it unbearable. I never had to eat soft foods while using Invisalign, but with braces every few months when they put a new wire on, boy does it hurt and for 3 or so days I eat nothing but soup, yogurt and ice cream. That's probably the worst part of the transition. All the pain comes every time you visit the ortho rather than every 2 weeks.
You can't eat anything and everything you want. You have to avoid hard foods. They are really hard to clean. You'll spend probably 20 minutes a night flossing, brushing and rinsing, where with Invisalign its just a quick brush and floss, and a quick brush and rinse of the aligners.
The brackets will feel something like little rocks in your mouth, which didn't bother me much since I was used to an appliance in my mouth. I didn't lisp at all either.
So anything else you want to know? To tell you the truth, I prefer the ceramics over Invisalign. I prefer the way they feel. I got tired of taking the trays out every time I had to eat, and the "looseness" of my trays after 2 weeks of wearing them. I don't know how you were, but I played with my trays all the time with my tongue because they were so loose by the end of two weeks that I could take them off with my tongue. I ended up cracking a couple of trays and prolonging my treatment because it was almost like tapping your foot, you didn't notice you were doing it.
Anyway, good luck, and feel free to PM me if you have any questions.
Actually, I had a similar problem with Invisalign. I had two teeth that didnt turn as they should, and ended up bumping into each other causing pain and discomfort. That was after a 2 year treatment with 40 trays. So the orthodontist offered me ceramics and treatment for free. He said 6-9 months to finish up the treatment. I got the braces on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and still have them, so its been... a little over 4 months now that I've been in braces.
The transition from Invisalign to braces is actually a very easy one. You're already used to having something foreign in your mouth, so the brackets are easy to get used to. You'll probably get sores on the inside of your lips a day or two after getting the brackets on, and there will be some pain. Wax is your best friend during this period! Well, for me it hurt quite a bit more than Invisalign, but never was it unbearable. I never had to eat soft foods while using Invisalign, but with braces every few months when they put a new wire on, boy does it hurt and for 3 or so days I eat nothing but soup, yogurt and ice cream. That's probably the worst part of the transition. All the pain comes every time you visit the ortho rather than every 2 weeks.
You can't eat anything and everything you want. You have to avoid hard foods. They are really hard to clean. You'll spend probably 20 minutes a night flossing, brushing and rinsing, where with Invisalign its just a quick brush and floss, and a quick brush and rinse of the aligners.
The brackets will feel something like little rocks in your mouth, which didn't bother me much since I was used to an appliance in my mouth. I didn't lisp at all either.
So anything else you want to know? To tell you the truth, I prefer the ceramics over Invisalign. I prefer the way they feel. I got tired of taking the trays out every time I had to eat, and the "looseness" of my trays after 2 weeks of wearing them. I don't know how you were, but I played with my trays all the time with my tongue because they were so loose by the end of two weeks that I could take them off with my tongue. I ended up cracking a couple of trays and prolonging my treatment because it was almost like tapping your foot, you didn't notice you were doing it.
Anyway, good luck, and feel free to PM me if you have any questions.
2 year Invisalign patient graduated to ceramics to finish up treatment
Thanks Rooroo for the information and the support. I am hoping that I won't have to wear the braces too long. The orthodontist didn't give me an estimated time.
My experience with Invisalign has not been bad. Other than the soreness for a couple of days with each new tray, it hasn't been that bad. And yes, they are kind of loose after the two weeks, but I prefer that over how tight they are the first time you put on a new tray. There were a couple that I just did not think were going to go on - not to mention taking them off for the first time. Ouch!
I am very anxious about getting braces. I chose invisalign because I didn't want everyone to notice braces - and I was so proud of myself for "beating the system". But, I guess I lost in the long run. When I found out that the invisalign had actually done more harm than good, I was really upset and angry. I did not have a major problem to correct in the first place, and now I have a serious problem in that it's very difficult to eat and my teeth are out of line.
Thanks again for the information. It's nice to know I'm not the only one in this situation. I will probably have more questions once I actually get the braces put on (in May).
My experience with Invisalign has not been bad. Other than the soreness for a couple of days with each new tray, it hasn't been that bad. And yes, they are kind of loose after the two weeks, but I prefer that over how tight they are the first time you put on a new tray. There were a couple that I just did not think were going to go on - not to mention taking them off for the first time. Ouch!
I am very anxious about getting braces. I chose invisalign because I didn't want everyone to notice braces - and I was so proud of myself for "beating the system". But, I guess I lost in the long run. When I found out that the invisalign had actually done more harm than good, I was really upset and angry. I did not have a major problem to correct in the first place, and now I have a serious problem in that it's very difficult to eat and my teeth are out of line.
Thanks again for the information. It's nice to know I'm not the only one in this situation. I will probably have more questions once I actually get the braces put on (in May).
If it is just the back teeth not touching, often times the aligners can be sectioned to cover just the front 6 and then the bite settles in.Obviously, I havent seen you so I dont know how severe it is but this often works.
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SumatraBouffant
- Posts: 12
- Joined: Thu Mar 17, 2005 7:21 pm
Burned by Invisalign!
So at the tender age of 48 I had this big idea that I would like to improve the minor crowding in my upper and lower teeth. I had a slight over bite as well. Otherwise no major problems. So my girlfriend had invisalign braces and I was sitting on top of a very generous unused orthodontic benefit from my employer and I thought, Oh okay, gloriously sexy straight teeth, here I come.
So after nine months of invisalign my teeth are still crowded and now my bite is messed up! My rear teeth don't meet in the back anymore. My othodontist contacted the invisalign folks and they said they would give me some "refining" trays at no extra charge (oh how very generous of them) but my ortho told me, if I really wanted perfect teeth, I was going to have to go with traditional braces. Fortunately for me she was willing to write off the cost of the invisaligns against the archwires, but it will be at a loss to her, more expense to me (even with the write off), and tons more time invested on my part.
If I had to do it over again I would have never ever gone with invisalign. My ortho made the very best recommendation she could at the time of my consult and no one would have ever been able to guess we would have such a crummy outcome.
My advise: Don't waste your time and money. If you are really serious about perfect teeth bite the bullet (sorry no pun intended) and get real braces.
So after nine months of invisalign my teeth are still crowded and now my bite is messed up! My rear teeth don't meet in the back anymore. My othodontist contacted the invisalign folks and they said they would give me some "refining" trays at no extra charge (oh how very generous of them) but my ortho told me, if I really wanted perfect teeth, I was going to have to go with traditional braces. Fortunately for me she was willing to write off the cost of the invisaligns against the archwires, but it will be at a loss to her, more expense to me (even with the write off), and tons more time invested on my part.
If I had to do it over again I would have never ever gone with invisalign. My ortho made the very best recommendation she could at the time of my consult and no one would have ever been able to guess we would have such a crummy outcome.
My advise: Don't waste your time and money. If you are really serious about perfect teeth bite the bullet (sorry no pun intended) and get real braces.
So there is another who has not had success with Invisalign! It seems strange to me that my orthodontist did not tell me from the start that there was a possibility that invisalign would not work. But at least he is not charging me any more for the ceramic braces. He told me that really the only way for him to make sure that my bite is corrected (to the extent possible without jaw surgery) is to have real braces that give him more control over the process. Hopefully this set will be successful.
I'm glad you're both going through with the traditional braces to get your teeth looking perfect. After what you've already been through, it's worth the time and bit of pain to get your teeth absolutely perfect! My ortho kind of warned me that Invisalign might not work. But they went with Invisalign's recommendation and said I was good to get them.
I think I agree with you guys though, if I had the self confidence I do now and the knowledge, I'd go back and just do traditional braces cause I'd be out of them by now.
I think Invisalign is trying to take on too many borderline cases. They should stick with simple fixes.
Elise, I'm sure your ortho had no idea Invisalign would not work. I mean, there's always the possibility that treatment won't work period, which was probably explained in an agreement you signed. Your doc probably didn't expect certain teeth not to move etc. So don't be too mad at him. He's taking a big bite in the butt with giving you ceramics for free.
I think I agree with you guys though, if I had the self confidence I do now and the knowledge, I'd go back and just do traditional braces cause I'd be out of them by now.
I think Invisalign is trying to take on too many borderline cases. They should stick with simple fixes.
Elise, I'm sure your ortho had no idea Invisalign would not work. I mean, there's always the possibility that treatment won't work period, which was probably explained in an agreement you signed. Your doc probably didn't expect certain teeth not to move etc. So don't be too mad at him. He's taking a big bite in the butt with giving you ceramics for free.
2 year Invisalign patient graduated to ceramics to finish up treatment
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SumatraBouffant
- Posts: 12
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jennielee81
- Posts: 2144
- Joined: Tue Mar 22, 2005 2:31 pm
- Location: The Old Line State
I went into my consult determined to get invisalign. My ortho told me that if I wanted perfect teeth, I needed a full set of traditional braces.
I was depressed! He told me that with invisalign he could make my teeth appear straight, but that I would have trouble closing my mouth when it was all finished and that I had one tooth that needed rotation and even with the little "bumps" invisalign uses to grab rotated teeth, that tooth would probably retrack into the gum
.
Now I am even more glad I chose traditionals after reading these posts!
I was depressed! He told me that with invisalign he could make my teeth appear straight, but that I would have trouble closing my mouth when it was all finished and that I had one tooth that needed rotation and even with the little "bumps" invisalign uses to grab rotated teeth, that tooth would probably retrack into the gum
.Now I am even more glad I chose traditionals after reading these posts!
"Life is an occasion; RISE TO IT!" --Mr. Magorium
I wore Damon 3's and Opals for 20 months at age 42. Braces off January 2007
http://www.archwired.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=3535 a little more about me here: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/co ... 961130.htm
I wore Damon 3's and Opals for 20 months at age 42. Braces off January 2007
http://www.archwired.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=3535 a little more about me here: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/co ... 961130.htm
Yeah, don't mess with those "turned" teeth at all. My one bad tooth never turned. However, the same tooth on the other side was just as bad, or needed just as much turning, but it turned fine. Weird. Well that unturned tooth is being a pain in the butt turning even in metal braces. I'm on the second set of wires and have got some wire ties and the stinker hasn't budged. Well good luck and let us know your progress!
2 year Invisalign patient graduated to ceramics to finish up treatment
Okay, you guys are scaring me. I am also 48 yrs old and on aligner number 8 tomorrow. I was wearing my aligners for two weeks each but with the last aligner the Ortho changed this to three weeks each. What would have taken me 9 months to complete, will now be one year (as long as there are no more delays).
I have already been told that I will need more work done once the aligners are complete, but not with traditional braces. It's more of capping teeth and reshaping my gumline. I wasn't too happy with that but once I began I felt I need to follow through.
Currently, my molars are hitting at some weird angle. It doesn't feel right and makes it really hard to chew. I am assuming this occurs to even traditional brace wearers....right?? I can't imagine being finished with my aligners but still having molars that don't quite meet correctly. Yikes! Can't wait to talk to my Ortho at my next appt!
Shaking in my aligners,
Debbi
I have already been told that I will need more work done once the aligners are complete, but not with traditional braces. It's more of capping teeth and reshaping my gumline. I wasn't too happy with that but once I began I felt I need to follow through.
Currently, my molars are hitting at some weird angle. It doesn't feel right and makes it really hard to chew. I am assuming this occurs to even traditional brace wearers....right?? I can't imagine being finished with my aligners but still having molars that don't quite meet correctly. Yikes! Can't wait to talk to my Ortho at my next appt!
Shaking in my aligners,
Debbi
I heard a statistic that Invisalign is only successful in about 50% of the cases. (Can't remember where I heard that; it was a couple of years ago). I'm sure that Align Technologies doesn't like me spreading that information (and I'm not sure how accurate it is). However, as I say, Invisalign isn't for everyone, and it doesn't correct all problems. As you can see in this thread, some peolple had unsuccessful treatment.
I had originally wanted Invisalign (who wouldn't?!), but after one look my ortho said that only traditional braces would correct my problems. In retrospect, I know that he was right.
It's always best to get several opinions before embarking on ortho treatment. Even if the "news" is what you want to hear. It's always good to get a consensus of opinion, just in case. For some people, Invisalign works really well, but for others it seems it does not. It depends on your specific case, and how extensively your doc was trained in Invisalign treatment.
I'm sorry that some of you had unsuccessful treatment. At least after traditional braces your teeth will be the way you want them to be!
I had originally wanted Invisalign (who wouldn't?!), but after one look my ortho said that only traditional braces would correct my problems. In retrospect, I know that he was right.
It's always best to get several opinions before embarking on ortho treatment. Even if the "news" is what you want to hear. It's always good to get a consensus of opinion, just in case. For some people, Invisalign works really well, but for others it seems it does not. It depends on your specific case, and how extensively your doc was trained in Invisalign treatment.
I'm sorry that some of you had unsuccessful treatment. At least after traditional braces your teeth will be the way you want them to be!
Last edited by bbsadmin on Sat May 21, 2005 5:59 pm, edited 1 time in total.
I'm the owner/admin of this site. Had ceramic uppers, metal lowers ~3 years in my early 40's. Now in Hawley retainers at night!
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SumatraBouffant
- Posts: 12
- Joined: Thu Mar 17, 2005 7:21 pm
Detest Braces
Not to be a whiner, but traditional braces suck. I have had them now for two weeks and every single day I am picking junk out of them and they are snagging my inner cheek. Every night I lie in bed and tell myself .... "just try to see if you can make it one more day"....because every morning I say to myself "this is the day I drive back to the ortho office and tell her to take these damn things off me!"
Every one I know says to me, "why did you get braces? your teeth weren't that messed up?" To which I reply: "They weren't that messed up until I tried Invisalign!"
Yes I am pissed off. Will I ever arrive at some sort of peace with these ugly uncomfortable things?
Every one I know says to me, "why did you get braces? your teeth weren't that messed up?" To which I reply: "They weren't that messed up until I tried Invisalign!"
Yes I am pissed off. Will I ever arrive at some sort of peace with these ugly uncomfortable things?
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jennielee81
- Posts: 2144
- Joined: Tue Mar 22, 2005 2:31 pm
- Location: The Old Line State
I am sorry to hear that.
We're here to help any way we can.
My teeth were (are) definately messed up enough to go through with this "torture" if it turns out to be that. I will find out Monday (stay tuned)
Vent if you need to...that's what we're here for!
We're here to help any way we can.
My teeth were (are) definately messed up enough to go through with this "torture" if it turns out to be that. I will find out Monday (stay tuned)
Vent if you need to...that's what we're here for!
"Life is an occasion; RISE TO IT!" --Mr. Magorium
I wore Damon 3's and Opals for 20 months at age 42. Braces off January 2007
http://www.archwired.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=3535 a little more about me here: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/co ... 961130.htm
I wore Damon 3's and Opals for 20 months at age 42. Braces off January 2007
http://www.archwired.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=3535 a little more about me here: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/co ... 961130.htm