We all agree, Invisalign express is very limited

Michael J. Thomas, DDS answers: Invisalign vs Invisalign express for crowded teeth

I just had a consultation for Invisalign and the doctor told me that he can straighten my teeth with Invisalign express but that there is no way to widen my arch unless I use the full program Invisalign.

Don't they both work the same way but for different levels of severity? How could Invisalign express straighten my teeth without widening my arch?


Michael J. Thomas, DDS
8 months ago

The express case is very limited. Arch expansion will allow more room for the front teeth to fall into place without having to do alot of sanding and stripping of enamel in between them to create space. Express cases usually rely only on the sanding of teeth to straighten the crooked teeth.

The full case is really best because we widen the arch first then only do the stripping if absolutely necessary. Most people look better with a wider arch. Look at Michael Phelps, the gold medal winner. He has narrow arches and could be much more handsome with wider arches. I would love to have him as a patient for Invisalign. I could transform his smile in 12 months.

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