Metal Mouth Message Board

My ortho said I can do Invisalign but it sounded like a lot of responsibility. Are there certain people that do better with Invisalign than other? How aware or vigilant do you need to be?

From what I can tell you need to be pretty much 100% compliant for them to work properly. It doesn't take long for teeth to move back into their original positions. If you don't stick with it your treatment may need changing which involves extra costs. I'm not sure about needing a certain type of personality but my ortho prefers braces over invisalign, he says they generally do a better job that people are happy with.

I am wondering about this as well... I am not sure I trust myself to be totally compliant the way I am supposed to be.

Enough discipline to wear the aligners as required, which is 20-22 hrs/day and for the required number of years/months. One's lifestyle will also impact this, since the aligners have to be removed for eating and drinking, with proper oral hygiene before reinsertion.

There are people from all walks of life that will wear Invisalign, and many of them can adapt their daily routines to make sure they are wearing them properly.

For patients, we often use indicators like pre-existing oral-hygiene, regular hygiene, grooming of nails/hair, finding out about a teen's school record etc, as hints as to whether someone may be a good candidate.

Remember that you can make Invisalign work with your life, as long as you try hard enough!

I'm in my 3rd year of a 2 year treatment plan (doh!)
Just FYI, it's my fault for not wearing them.

I hadn't thought about that! I do tend to follow directions well, especially when it's something I'm paying this much for! I may keep them out for an extra hour here and there, but I'm right on track. On Tray 19 of 41, and the doc is pleased!