orthodontics Archives - Coleman Dental

Can teens use Invisalign?

September 14, 2021 by Brian Sartin

My front teeth are so ugly. They are crooked and one sticks out really far. I really don’t want to be a brace face though. Can I use Invisalign if I am only 13? I heard it was only good for adults, not teens. Do you know if it’s cheaper than braces? I want to have my facts straight before I beg my parents. Also, it’s really only my top teeth that are jacked up. Maybe that will cut the price down? Looking forward to your help!

– Gentry in Alabama

Patients love Invisalign invisible braces for many reasons. They are invisible, more comfortable than metal braces, and take about half the time to straighten teeth. The good news is that the Invisalign company did release an Invisalign Teen line in 2009. But the main issue with this clear aligner system is that your permanent teeth need to be fully erupted in order to be a candidate. If this sounds like you, find an Invisalign Teen dentist in your area to make sure it will work for you.

Regarding the cost of Invisalign, in most cases, it does tend to be more expensive than traditional braces. Also, Invisalign will not provide aligners for only the top arch. So there is no cost savings with only getting aligners on the top because it simply isn’t an option. The general or cosmetic dentist will end up paying the same fee whether you get trays for the top only or bottom, or both. Many dentists will provide a free consultation to answer your questions and help determine if Invisalign makes sense for your case.

Best of luck!

Is It Possible To Switch From Braces to Invisalign?

August 28, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I’m pretty sure my mom convinced my orthodontist to just say you can’t switch from braces to invisalign to shut me up. I wanted Invisalign to begin with, but my mom says I lose things too often. She’s right. I do lose things, but this is something that was important to me and I would have taken care of them. So, is he telling the truth? Is it impossible to switch? I HATE braces.

Amara C. – Minn.

Amara,

Well, technically, you can switch from braces to Invisalign, but only if you’re a candidate for Invisalign to begin with. You wouldn’t want to remove your braces only to find out that you’re not a candidate.

If I were in your place, I’d talk to your mom about how you feel. I know you mentioned your mom was worried about your losing the aligners. I wonder if she knows about Invisalign Teen? They factor into the cost extra aligners on the assumption a couple will get lost.

She might be more willing to switch if she knows the aligners are covered.

Are Lingual Braces or Invisalign Better for Adults?

August 26, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I’m trying to choose between finding an Invisalign dentist or one who does lingual braces. I’m 43 now and had braces when I was in my 20s, so my teeth aren’t too bad, but I’d like to correct the little bits that have shifted and make them even again. At the same time, I don’t want to have braces that are obvious. I’m a business professional and I don’t want to look like a teenager with a face full of metal. With the research I have done, it seems like both Invisalign and lingual braces are an option for someone with teeth like mine. Is there a benefit to using one type of orthodontics over the other?

Thanks,

Marjorie in Washington, DC

Dear Marjorie,

Based on your description, you probably are a candidate for both. People tend to turn to lingual braces when they worry that they’ll forget to change their aligners or that they’ll lose them. Lingual braces can sometimes tackle cases that Invisalign can’t, but the aligners do a very good job, even on challenging cases.

A lot of adults have trouble with lingual braces because their tongue is drawn to them. They have difficulty speaking and it can be uncomfortable. Being a professional, where it sounds like you may have to attend meetings, speak publicly and such, you can remove the aligners entirely beforehand if you prefer. You can also remove the aligners for cleaning, which is a huge benefit for oral hygiene. Some people have a lot of trouble brushing and flossing with braces, which inevitably leads to gingivitis, advanced gum disease, or decay. Some doctors also cite damage to enamel as a problem with traditional braces. The main reason this becomes a problem is when hygiene isn’t kept up.

If you really are a candidate for both options, you’ll probably prefer the versatility and speed of Invisalign, though you likely won’t have to do any kind of orthodontic treatment for long because you’ve already had it and are refining what’s already been done. Everyone’s mouth and challenges in treatment are different, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach with orthodontics. Start with a consultation and verify what your options are and be sure to mention that you’re open to suggestions depending on what your ultimate goals are. When deciding between these two options, though, you’ll likely be happier going through Invisalign treatment.

Is Invisalign a holistic approach?

August 22, 2021 by Brian Sartin

My teenager needs braces and our dentist is recommending a local orthodontist. But my daughter has a severe nickel allergy so I am really more interested in Invisalign. The orthodontist didn’t even seem like he considered Invisalign as an option and said he needs ceramic braces. But I don’t want her to have braces. I am not comfortable with any kind of treatment that has metal. Do you think a holistic dentist would be a better fit for our situation?

– Carly in Nevada

Carly,

A holistic dentist may have a different opinion and viewpoint than an orthodontists. They may have more information regarding possible alternatives to metal as well. There are toxins used in non-metal braces that you may need to be tested for too before moving forward with any teeth straightening treatment. Most of these practices are also mercury-free dentists.

Non-metal alternatives may include expanders and as you mentioned initially, Invisalign may be an option. As long as your daughter’s teeth are fully erupted and her jaw is done growing, Invisalign may work. But if a natural dentist also deems that she isn’t a candidate for Invisalign, don’t push it. The positioning of her teeth may be presenting some complications. A non-extraction orthodontic option may be the best for her situation. These methods make more room for the existing teeth in conjunction with the arch versus removing the “surplus” teeth.

In a nutshell, a holistic or “biological” dentist may be more inclined to make recommendations on how the total mouth works in harmony together, instead of pure aesthetics. You can never go wrong seeking a second opinion, especially with your daughter’s nickel allergy concerns.

Good luck!

Do I Have to Get Buttons With My Invisalign Treatment?

August 17, 2021 by Brian Sartin

My orthodontist just drew up a plan for me to get Invisalign. I’m not really worried about any of it except for the buttons he said I needed. A friend of mine has them as well and constantly complains about the awkwardness and irritation caused by them, but I also know people who didn’t get any at all. Should I get a second opinion or just tell my dentist that I don’t want the buttons when he does my Invisalign?

Thanks,

Julie in Kansas

Dear Julie,

Your teeth are as unique to you as your fingerprints are. No two sets are exactly alike. In fact, there’s an entire specialty field in dentistry called “forensic odontology” devoted entirely to solving crimes and identifying victims based solely on teeth and impressions left from bite marks. As unsettling as that may sound, it just goes to show you that your treatment won’t be identical to your friends, nor will it be identical to the patient seen before you or the patient seen after you, because each of you have teeth in slightly different positions and it will always be so.

Buttons or attachments in Invisalign treatment serve a purpose. Sometimes, teeth are aligned in such a way that the aligners either can’t shift them into proper position or it will extend the length of your treatment. So, to ensure swift and proper results, your cosmetic dentist or orthodontist may need to place buttons.

Most patients don’t experience any issue with them at all. They’re tiny nodules that are adhered to the top of your tooth, just above the top of the Invisalign aligner and they hold elastic bands which will help move your teeth. Sometimes people feel discomfort as the teeth are pulled into proper positions. This is normal and can be alleviated with over the counter medications like ibuprofen. If one protrudes or irritates your gums, mention it to your orthodontist as he may be able to make slight adjustments that will make a world of difference.