changing from braces to invisalign...

[peach]

Hi. I posted this in metal mouth forum then realized there was a whole section for invisalign. I've been in braces for almost 4 yrs come June. My ortho informed me today that she wants to switch me from braces to invisalign because she believes it will be more successful in my case. My bottom teeth are finished but my upper arch has been slow moving due to soem dense bone. The teeth need a bit more leveling and I have two gaps to close. She said that the invisalign would provide constant force to move my teeth whereas the powerchains she's been using were losing their strength after awhile. I'm a little nervous about the change. Any tips for a newbie to invisalign? Has anyone gone from braces to invisalign? I'll be getting debraced, retainers and molds done for invisalign in a month. Any advice is welcome:)

[DrJasonKTam]

I haven't heard of anyone switching from braces to Invisalign because powerchain will not close a space.

If the chain is losing strength, it would be better to replace it more often. There are also certain brands that last longer than others.

Speak to your orthodontist about the amount of time involved, as well as if there are any additional costs, as there is a substantial lab fee for Invisalign. Keep us posted!

[peach]

Thank you for the response Dr. Tam. She's not charging me for the invisalign treatment. I wasn't too clear in my previous post. I had extractions done a few yrs ago. She was able to close the extraction gaps with the powerchains. Well, she used different methods. Sometimes metal ties and powerchains or two powerchains or closing loops and powerchain. The two gaps I have left were naturally there, which was one of the reasons I got braces. It took about two yrs or alittle more to close the final extraction gap on my upper left. The right side closed quicker. She said that she felt that my particular case would be best served with invisalign to finish the process. I feel a bit skeptical since I thought braces were the better option. But I don't know anything about invisalign or othodontics in general... I've already used my insurance and payed off the braces. She said that because it's not my fault the tx has gone over (my original estimate was 2 yrs), she is not charging me and, because this is her change in the tx plan, she won't charge me for the invisalign.