I'm sorry to hear about your bad experience. Scans can be sent to Invisalign relatively quickly if the office is experienced with using digital scanning equipment. No cost is incurred for the office (other than chair time) for scanning and sending a scan to Invisalign. When a good scan is sent, Invisalign uses this data to create a treatment plan and determine how many trays will be required to achieve the desired tooth alignment. Many offices will review the treatment plan with the patient prior to clicking "Accept" and authorizing Invisalign to begin fabricating aligners. Once your dentist has done this, an invoice is created, aligners are being made and it becomes costly to "back out". I hope this helps.
Hello, thanks for your questions. Your orthodontist is correct to have you changing trays weekly, this is new (late 2016) protocol from Invisalign Align Technologies. Tray fit and tooth tracking isn't a new challenge with Invisalign. When you place your trays, try biting down on some cotton rolls on both sides to help seat the tray. New trays will always feel tight at first but should start to feel comfortable after wearing them for a while. Invisalign recommends wearing the trays 22 hours a day for predictable results. Sometimes a tooth that is crowded out of the arch stops tracking with the rest of the teeth because it has no where to go (no space). This usually means you need IPR or arch expansion or some combination to create space. This can be done during treatment or during refinement. You're still at the very beginning of your treatment (3rd set of trays) and its likely this is a part of your treatment plan but hasn't been completed yet.
This is a common challenge with a simple solution. The new G5 attachments only engage the trays on one surface. Your dentist should check your bite and make adjustments to the non-engaging surfaces of the attachments so you can close fully without any interferences. It won't affect the success or timeline of your treatment either. Good luck!
Hello, based solely on your photo and the short description you provided, I would recommend extracting the third molar in the photo. Its partial soft tissue impacted and infected (pericoronitis). Its also possible that you've traumatized the soft tissue because of the localized swelling thats present. Untreated, this will likely come and go, getting worse and more severe with each episode. The only real definitive solution is to extract the tooth. This is common. Most dentists recommend extraction of third molars while patients are young, healthy (no infection present) and able to heal quickly. I hope this helps, best of luck. Get that treated soon and start feeling better.
Hello, it appears you have severe crowding and based solely on the photos my recommendation would be to pursue Six Month Smiles. Likely your dentist will need to do some minor adjusting in between your crowded teeth to make room and help the teeth move faster. As far as the brackets damaging your enamel, the risk is low. Bonding of brackets (Clear or Metal) to enamel is very common and with proper daily brushing, and regular visits to your dentist, little to no harm will occur when they are removed. Sometimes, especially if home care has been poor, the infamous "white window" will be present. This can be avoided with superb home care (i.e.: brushing and flossing). I hope this helps! Good luck!
