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Is the Best Option for me to Replace Current Braces with Invisalign? (Photos)

asked 8 months ago by Laurene
Latest answer by Brian Povolny, DDS, PhD
Question viewed 638 times
Tags: braces, candidate

I am a 16 year old girl. I have had braces for 15 months now. But I had to move with my family. Now the new dentist proposes 2 treatments because by continuing this treatment the front teeth will not come properly back he says and I do want them back. 1) remove one upper premolar each side to make space. And replace the current braces with ceramic braces. it will take two more years, 2) remove two upper premolars and use invisalign. It should take 2.5 more years. Thank you for your feedback.

8 answers to Is the Best Option for me to Replace Current Braces with Invisalign? (Photos)

Invisalign for Bicuspid Extraction Cases

I have been using Invisalign since 1999 and love it... for most cases. There are just some conditions for which Invisalign is not ideal and closing bicusid extraction spaces is one of those. The biomechanics required to retract teeth (move them back) and keep their roots parallel is difficult to achieve with Invisalign alone. I know in my offce we would not prescribe clear aligners for bicuspid extraction cases at this time. Hopefully there will be a day where we'll be able to... more

Greg Jorgensen, DMD, MS
Albuquerque Orthodontist

Should I get teeth out?

I certainly would seek a few other opinions before changing treatment! Certainly there are times when we start out without needing extractions and change our minds but after this length of time in treatment and the amount of upper spaces I see I would certainly get some confirmation from other docs

Robert Waxler, DMD, MS
Saint Louis Orthodontist

I would discourage removing teeth if possible

Many adult issues people are dealing with today (sleep apnea or TMJ issues, etc) is from having teeth pulled as a youth. In some extreme cases pulling teeth is necessary, but it should not be common. Judging from your photos I believe you can achieve what you desire without extractions, and should go that route. I suggest finding another office for another opinion.

Lance Timmerman, DMD
Seattle Cosmetic Dentist

Removing Pre-molars

PLEASE seek a second opinion before agreeing to any further treatment. It would be beneficial to see photos of your face; but from what I see, you don't need any further space created and you DEFINITELY would not want to extract bicuspids to create that space. Extracting bicuspids will create far more space than you require and leave you with excess space and poorly angled front teeth.

Brad Lockhart, DDS
Tustin Cosmetic Dentist

Removing teeth when there is space already

You ask a great question ...thanks for providing the photos which help us give you an opinion. From what I can see in these photos (and admittedly I do do not have x rays and have not examined you in person) you do not need upper bicuspid extractions. By using careful "anchorage", which prevents the back teeth from slipping forward, it is possible to treat you to an ideal bite and smile. I would definitely seek other opinions before gettting any upper teeth... more

Brian Povolny, DDS, PhD
Seattle Cosmetic Dentist

www.smilesatsouthcenter.com

Continuing with Invisalign or traditional braces followint relocation

Good information has been given by the responding dentists. Do not pull any teeth without at least 3 different opinions concurring with this direction and in your case I would go with orthodontists for those opinions. Don't be afraid to ask if treatment can be done without extractions as this should be the last resort. There are many options I believe for you and your hesitancy is good. Follow your feelings and if something doesn't make sense ask... more

Scott LeSueur, DDS
Mesa Cosmetic Dentist

Braces may be better than Invisalign in this case

Laurene, Your new dentist probably has access to a lot more information aboout you and your teeth that we do from these photos (xrays, clinical exam, etc), so it is very difficult without these tools to give a true opinion. Your first provider did a nice job setting up your bite in the back and getting you ready to bring the front teeth back, but an xray may show that this is not possible or healthy or stable without taking out premolars. If all was fine with the information... more

Andrew Orchin, DDS
Washington Cosmetic Dentist

Replace current braces with Invisalign

The first thing that I look at when I see the upper teeth is all the space that is there. I can't imagine why you would need to remove any teeth at all. It is hard to know the whole story without all of the information, but based on what I see, I would recommend staying in braces, keeping all of your teeth, and finishing that way. The doctor has more control with braces than Invisalign. If they insist that you need teeth out, you might want to see someone else for... more

Blaine McLaughlin, DDS
Cedar Rapids Cosmetic Dentist

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