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?

Sort: Date | Helpful
6 answers to “Invisalign vs Invisalign express for...”

A: Difference is in duration and number of aligners

Bobby Virk, DMD, MSD

The mere difference between Invisalign and Invisalign Express is the number of aligners. Any case we can do for under 10 aligners is considered Invisalign Express. It depends upon the severity of the malocclusion.  I tend to move the teeth slowly, as there is more tendency of relapse if you move them too... more

A: Invisalign express is designed for minimal adjustments

M. Andrew Atwood, DDS

To make significant movement to teeth, you will definitely need time for the teeth to adjust. Widening the arch would fall under more extensive treatement. Remember, Newton's laws apply to everything: for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. That means as you try to move one tooth you are... more

A: Invisalign express

Ryan Sellinger, DMD

Simply put, Invisalign express refers to treatment that only requires 10 aligners to achieve your goal. The aligners are replaced every two weeks, therefore treatment will take 5 months or less. If your treatment is more complex it may require more than 10 aligners and more time. In your particular case,... more

A: Limited Case Selection with Invisalign Express

Jason K. Tam, DDS

There are very few cases treatable with Express. Ten aligners is not a lot. That is basically 20 weeks of treatment. If your treatment can be completed with fixed braces in 20 weeks, you may be able to do this with Express. Keep in mind that after regular Invisalign, there is the opportunity to do up to 3... more

A: Invisalign Express may not be for all cases

Jennifer Jablow, DDS

Invislaign Express is 10 trays or less and may not accomplish everything in the treatment goals if you require more movement. Every case is unique, but there are safety measures that allows only a certain amount of movement with each tray so there is no bone loss or other complications.

A: We all agree, Invisalign express is very limited

Michael J. Thomas, DDS

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... more

Post your question

Invisalign: 308 reviews

80% said it was worth it

Invisalign before & after photos

Post your question
IMPORTANT: As noted in our Terms of Service, the information found on RealSelf.com, including that provided by professionals in the Questions & Answers area, is a general educational aid. The Questions and Answers contain opinions and views created by community members. RealSelf.com is not responsible for the accuracy of any information posted by community members. Do not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical or healthcare advice, or for diagnosis or treatment purposes.