The amount that the upper front teeth can be moved back is determined by the position of the LOWER front teeth. Think about it. If you move the upper front teeth back to fix an overbite, you can only move them back until they rest against the fronts of the lower teeth. It doesn't matter have you get them there whether by using headgear, rubber bands, or removing two upper bicuspids. Profile and lip position are determined by the lower front teeth, not the uppers! Your orthodontist is right.
There are a lot of factors that go into the decision for which retainer is best following any orthodontic treatment. It really doesn't matter how your teeth were aligned. Invisalign is just a tool used by your orthodontist to get the job done. Factors that affect which retainer will be best for you include your original malocclusion, the shape and size of your teeth, ability to clean the teeth, and compliance level. You should discuss these issues with the orthodontist that provided your treatment as he knows your case better than anyone. In my practice I select the final retainers based upon the original problem as it will tend to return in time if not maintained appropriately. Good luck!
Dr. Dwight Damon is a orthodontist from Washington State who developed a self-ligating bracket which theoretically moves teeth with lighter, gentler forces. I say theoretically because there have been many studies showing that conventional bracket systems produce similar movements and results. There is a difference between the Damon bracket (which is just the metal brace glued to the tooth) and the Damon System or Philosophy. The Damon Philiosphy is built around the low friction, low force aspects of his original bracket. Believing that the body responds differently to low forces in low friction brackets, Damon Philosophy doctors claim to be able to treat patients without extracting as many teeth, without using expanders or headgear, and being able to do so in much less time with fewer appointments. For every study published to support this philosophy, there is one that refutes the claims. I use Damon brackets in my office because they are well-designed, attractive brackets that allow consistent adjustments in less time. I approach every patient's problem individually and don't leave the treatment planning to the bracket manufacturer. Damon brackets don't grow extra bone. They do not expand narrow jaw bones. The research also shows that the results obtained are not statistically different than those created with conventional brackets.
Invisalign and lingual braces are two aesthetic options for correcting the crossbite pictured. Invisalign is a series of clear aligners that sequentially move each of the teeth to their desired final positions. The treatment plan is determined before the aligners are constructed and the success of the outcome is determined by the cooperation of the patient and the response of the patients teeth. Lingual braces on the other hand work just like braces, giving the orthodontist more control, and they can be adjusted anytime during treatment. Discuss these two options with an orthodontist that provides both options so that you will get an unbiased recommendation. Good luck!
Once a bracket comes off of a tooth (whether on the inside or the outside of the teeth), that tooth can no longer move with the rest of the arch. I instruct my patients to call the office immediately following the loss of a bracket. We do our best to get them in within 24-48 hours. The only exception to this guideline is in the case of the very back molar which may not need to be moved very much or are just hard to get to. I would discuss the urgency of this problem with your doctor. If you are not satisfied with his answers, look elsewhere. Your smile is too important for indifference!
