Opting for braces instead of Invisalign

[xanidu2012]

Nauna28
This has been the best braces experience I've ever had. My 1st go round was age 12-18. Bands on each and every tooth and I expected the same on the 2nd go round. Thank goodness for ortho improvements over the years. You go for it. You will be so pleased and happy that you did. Lets hear it for the brace facers yaaaay

[msw]

I just wanted to add my 2 cents to this great discussion. When I began to consider orthodontic treatment, I was convinced that I didn't want braces. CONVINCED. And I was thrilled when my ortho said I was a great candidate for Invisalign. I'm in a job that requires me to meet and network with many various partners and other stakeholders and I did NOT want to be doing this with a mouthful of braces.

But after a lot of research and careful consideration, I opted for braces instead. And I quite honestly don't regret that decision one bit. Here's why:

- To correct my bite, I would have needed full Invisalign WITH many attachments PLUS three refinements PLUS an additional 3-4 months of braces to finish everything up AFTER Invisalign.

- Even with the above course of treatment, I would still have about a 25% deepbite/overbite. If I'm going to invest the time and money to fix my crooked teeth and correct my bite, I want the results to be PERFECT.

- Predicability of results with braces and the ortho's ability to make precise tweaks and corrections along the course of treatment with braces.

- Compliance required for Invisalign to do it's thing.

Once I considered all these factors, I quickly realized that braces were clearly the way to go. I went with ceramic and metal Damon, and I'm really happy with my choice.

[WiredOldLady]

I was a candidate for invisalign, but I went with regular braces...ceramic on top and metal on the bottom. I know me...and compliance would have been an issue. So...49 years old and a brace face. I have somewhere between 14-18 months to go. They're a pain in the rear, eating is no fun, but that's ok, maybe I'll lose some of the 50 pounds I need to lose!

No regrets here.

[msw]

Right, WiredOldLady?! I haven't been snacking nearly as much as I did PB. And since I have to eat more slowly and carefully, I'm getting full more quickly. Ummm, a more svelte physique AND a beautiful smile? WIN-WIN-WIN.

Hooray, braces!!!

[mapleleafman888]

I first considered Invisalign and went to an Invisalign only provider. She referred me to an orthodontist who also did a consultation and said Invisalign would work but would be a less than optimal end result. Long story short, the third consultation I went to an orthodontist who said Invisalign wouldn't work. I opted for damon clears instead, and am happy I never went for Invisalign because from before and after picture comparisons to regular braces, the differences are noticeable...and the capabilities are unequal.

[starfish88]

I planned on invisalign but the more I read about it the more it put me off. I didn't think the invisibility was that great when attatchments were added and I have heard that people struggle in the first few days getting the trays in and out and as a dental phobic I was worried I would get in too much of a flap. Plus I had a removable aplliance as a teen and it hurt so much I couldn't wear it where as with braces I would have no choice!

Lucky for me these things put me off really because I found out I wasn't suitable at the consultation anyway.

[Gypsyphd]

I was told that I was an invisalign candidate, but that it would almost double my treatment time. They also told me about shaving teeth and adding attachments and that's when I opted for traditional braces. I wanted more precise results in a shorter time span. I am very pleased with my decision!

[Sailrgrl]

I was told I was a candidate for Invisalign, but the ortho I wanted recommended braces (and he only uses Damons) due to bite issues that wouldn't be easy to correct with Invisalign. Before I had really decided (I really wanted Invisalign instead of braces because I'm 49 and talk to lots of people daily at work), I met a woman who'd spent 2 years in Invisalign, and while her teeth looked lovely, she showed me that her bite was off and her molars and premolars didn't even touch. She'd been told she would need to have braces for at least a year to fix it. That made up my mind for me! I had Damon clear applied on top in May 2013, Damon metal on bottom in Sept 2013. Just had brackets out on my molars a few weeks ago, along with a reverse-bend wire on the bottom. It was the first time I've actually had any pain. Tylenol and Ibuprofen worked for the pain, and I could still eat, so I was OK. I'm happy to have braces and I can't believe how quickly things have straightened up, but I still can't wait to get them off!

[Dianatlol]

My Old Dentist wanted me in Braces then Invisaline but this is a no no for someone who has TMJD. And why would I pay for 2 types?? he just wanted more money from me!! Ugg.

[cs2thecox]

I thought I wanted Invisalign, but then my friend got them.
She has to spit them out to eat and drink, so she either has to hide them in her handbag or wrap them in a napkin and leave them sitting on the table. Neither is really an ideal solution!

I go to a lot of business lunches and receptions, and I can't imagine having to excuse myself to go to the bathroom to take my Invisaligns out everytime I'm offered so much as a canape or a cookie at a meeting. (I work for a Japanese company - sometimes it's rude to say no!)

I opted for linguals, and although I have to go and clean them out after certain kinds of food, at least I don't have to deal with the spitting out thing!
I also can't lose them. Or not wear them because they hurt.
And I'm going to get a much better result.

I think most people who end up on this board with braces probably aren't great candidates for Invisalign in the first place

[rocco11510]

I'm about to do the exact same thing! I have a crowding issue and I was told I was originally going for Invisalign. Then I did my homework...............I don't think I want Invisalign anymore LOL. I have an appointment on Saturday and I am going to tell my Ortho that I think I want traditional instead. We'll see how that goes.....

[rocco11510]

The only question now is the classic debate......ceramic or metal. Choices.........still have no idea which to pick.

[TheKT]

I was told by one Ortho I could go with Invisalign but a second opinion suggested I go traditional. I have a severe over bite and very crooked bottom teeth. I went with Damon's - clear on top and metal on bottom. Would have preferred clear on bottom but my Ortho doesn't do them because they have a tendency to snap off on the bottom I am told. I wish I had clear on bottom though. I would suggest clear all the way around if you can get them.

[Nozzelnut]

I was offered aligners too; he said they were Clear Correct or something like that.

I declined because I don't think I'd be able to take them out and put them in, and out and in and out and in...... for a couple years. I think I'd just get frustrated with it. The splints my ortho made were more than enough to seal my decision. Ceramic on top, traditional metal for the bottom; going on May 28th.

Looking forward to not having jaw pain and permanently fixing the problem.

[TheKT]

I don't think I would be disciplined enough for Invisalign Aligners either which could potentially prolong the treatment time so with that and my 2nd opinion I opted for Damon's.