Invisalign as a technique rather than a product

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#1 Post by **DrJasonKTam** » Tue Jun 08, 2010 9:34 pm

I recently put together a short video on how to view Invisalign and discuss the types of issues that your doctor can correct using aligners.

Hope it helps some of you as you make a decision on the type of orthodontic treatment you will seek as well as the doctor you choose.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8a8teiY ... re=related

#2 Post by **Koolmama** » Tue Aug 03, 2010 6:24 am

Thanks for this, Dr Jason!

Could i pls ask you a question... for a tooth (say a canine, which has a large root) which is tilted inwards (i.e. the opposite of flared teeth) do traditional metal braces or Invisalign work better to correct this problem?

Also, if we choose to wear clear retainers at the end of (metal) treatment, are these retainers made using the same technology as Invisalign? If there are slight imperfections in the final positioning of the teeth (e.g. too high/low) can these clear retainers correct those imperfections?

Many thanks for your feedback!!

i look forward to hearing from you

Cheers Koolmama

#3 Post by **DrJasonKTam** » Tue Aug 03, 2010 2:53 pm

Thanks Koolmama. Every situation is going to be different and the results will differ depending on the experience of your provider.

In general, root movement is more difficult to achieve with aligners. That being said, there are a small number of doctors who are able to do so. Vertical movements are also more challenging with aligners.

There are many different types of clear retainers. Your doctor may have them made in a local lab, use the Invisalign material for your last retainer, or provide you with Vivera retainers. Studies have shown that the Vivera retainers may have the best durability.

Retainers are generally used to do exactly as the name implies, namely, retain teeth. Depending on your doctor, minor modifications can be made to clear retainers to provide minor movements, but this type of treatment is quite advanced for Invisalign.

Good luck!

#4 Post by **Koolmama** » Thu Aug 05, 2010 10:58 am

Thanks for your feedback, Dr Jason!

i'm just curious, based on your research or experience, do you find that Invisalign or metal gives a better overall outcome - in terms of, say, how the teeth look at the end of treatment, the way the top and bottom molars meet, etc??

i've always had this impression that because Invisalign uses computer technology, it should be able to achieve better results but i may be wrong

Thanks again!!

#5 Post by **DrJasonKTam** » Fri Aug 06, 2010 7:11 pm

Invisalign is my choice technique in various situations, while fixed braces may be the best way of aligning teeth and the bite in others.

The basic principle is that Invisalign is a removable appliance. It is capable of "pushing" teeth. Actions that require that the tooth be "pulled" into a specific location are much more difficult to achieve with aligners.

When the correct technique is used properly, there should be no difference in the quality of a final result. Good luck!

#6 Post by **Wireless** » Sat Aug 07, 2010 3:59 pm

I think it is important to seek out a doctor with experience in the event you have any unusual problems. Some specialists with Invisalign can do things others can only do with regular braces.

In my case, my doctor wanted to use Invisalign over regular braces due to some pre-existing conditions. I was skeptical as info I had read indicated Invisalign wouldn't work for me. At this time, my doctor has managed to create about 5 mm of vertical correction in my bite with Invisalign and we are now working with clear retainers to get my molars to grow in enough to close the gaps between my rear teeth. I really didn't think this was possble but was willing to try after discussing my options. I had a slight twist in one of my lowers and he has made some correction in the lower retainer to correct this.

For me, the down side has been trying to wear aligners and now retainers 22 hours a day for an extended treatment. However, this is much better than the alternatives that I had - either continuing to experience gum inflamation and possible tooth loss if I did nothing, or a possible "stop treatment" if regular braces were used and further damage to a tooth root occurred.

The Invisalign web site posts doctors with advanced credentials. In my case, I felt an orthodontist was important for treatment as Invisalign could have not worked out. He holds an advanced degree in Orthodonitics. Also, find someone who can explain your condition, risks and what to expect. I have found it very beneficial to find a doctor who can explain why I had a difficult case to treat and problems that could happen after treatment.

Hope this helps!!