Invisalign AND metal arch expanders

Discussions about treatment with invisible braces that use clear aligners, such as Invisalign, OrthoClear, the Red White and Blue system, etc.

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pearlie
Posts: 29
Joined: Mon Nov 20, 2006 8:29 am

Invisalign AND metal arch expanders

#1 Post by pearlie »

Has anyone had invisalign WITH arch expanders? I have significant lower crowding and dont want to extract teeth. I am 24 years old. The only plausible way (that I can see) to get straight teeth is to widen my arch. Someone on here said invisalign CAN widen the arch, but I just dont see how. That would take significant force that plastic does not seem capable of. Speaking of, does anyone know what type of plastic invisalign is made out of?
Anyway, I was hoping to ask the ortho if its possible to get metal arch expanders behind my teeth while I'm wearing invisalign. Anyone have experience with this?

Ewok2000
Posts: 40
Joined: Wed Feb 15, 2006 7:52 pm

Re: Invisalign AND metal arch expanders

#2 Post by Ewok2000 »

I'm on 15 of 22 aligners top/bottom and my arch has been widened significantly. I'm not sure if invisalign can do it for all cases, especially extreme ones but you gotta consult your ortho.

waiting2smile
Posts: 105
Joined: Thu Mar 31, 2005 7:04 pm

#3 Post by waiting2smile »

I have definitely noticed that my upper arch has widened as a result of the Invisalign. I was skeptical about what these plastic aligners could do as well but now I have the gaps (and today the pain!) to prove that they are in fact strong enough to move teeth. I haven't experiences a metal expander myself however from pictures I've seen on this site Im not sure how it would work with the Invisalign because the aligner go right down to the gum line and the expanders look to attach right to the teeth. Again I don’t have personal experience with this so maybe it is possible...best to check with your ortho as the others have said.

Good luck with ever route you choose!

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