Are Teeth Filing and Braces Necessary for Invisalign?

I just had a consult with dentist to do Invisalign on both sets of teeth. Is it right that he wants to file off the sides of my teeth as well as wear the retainers?

Also he won't divulge previous customers happy with his service. Is this as dodgy as it sounds? He wants £2800 for the work. Thank you in advance.

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4 Doctor Answers | Asked by tani in suffolk,uk

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Teeth slenderizing is normal with Invisalign

It's normal to slenderize teeth for Invisalign, but giving out other patients' names is not done or normal. It's called doctor-patient confidentiality. There may be testimonials on his or others web sites regarding this treatment, but those people have given their approval to be listed.

It can be necessary to slenderize the teeth during Orthodontic treatment

Both Invisalign and Braces move or change the position of the teeth. In order to do this, in may cases (especially extreme crowding) we need to make more space giving the teeth room to be guided into proper alignment. We call this "Slenderizing" or "Interproximal Reduction" (IPR). Teeth have a memory and are always in movement. Retainers prevent the teeth from shifting back into their former position. There are a few options that can be discussed with your Dentist. ... more

Sometimes IPR cannot be avoided

Slenderizing the teeth often makes the case work, where it otherwise would not, or would be very difficult. We aren't talking a TON of enamel, just "enough." If the other patients have not agreed to divulge their feelings, the dentist likely CAN'T share their thoughts. It might be a good idea for him to get a few patients opinions to have on hand to share. If you are asking for phone numbers to call and discuss, then I don't know if anyone would be OK with that.

IPR may be necessary; Patient confidentiality may be an issue

Filing, or interproximal reduction, may be required to create space required to allow the teeth to move. It is common with any kind of orthodontic treatment, not only Invisalign. The aligners themselves are needed to move the teeth. There could be many reasons for your dentist not showing work from or directing you to previous patients. In most jurisdictions, health care professionals are not free to divulge health records. Unless there is a signed consent, the dentist is actually... more