Can Invisalign Be Used on the Top Teeth While There is a Permanent Wire Retainer on the Bottom? (photo)

Question

Like many, I failed to wear my retainer after braces. As a result, my top teeth have become crowded again. Can Invisalign treat the top, or would I need to have the bottom retainer removed and treat both top and bottom? I don't have any bite problems as of now, and the problem with my top teeth is mainly cosmetic.

Gerry Curatola, DDS · Answer

Simple answer: yes

	Based on the photos you submitted, orthodontic relapse did not occur on the lower arch because of the fixed lingual bar retainer. Invisalign is a perfect choice to correct the upper arch relapse and subsequent crowding. The bad news is that Invisalign does not discount the laboratory fee to treat a single arch instead of both but I do provide patients with a slightly lower fee for a single arch treatment.

Jay Neuhaus, DDS · Answer

Talk to your dentist. Depends on where you want to move the top teeth. If they will interfere with the bottom teeth, then you would have to move the bottoms as well, after removing the retaining wire.

Robert Waxler, DMD, MS · Answer

Although Invisalign charges the doctor the same fee for one or two arches there is no reason why you cannot just have one arch treated (assuming it is possible to keep them coordinated)

Can Invisalign Be Used on the Top Teeth While There is a Permanent Wire Retainer on the Bottom? (photo)

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Can Invisalign Be Used on the Top Teeth While There is a Permanent Wire Retainer on the Bottom? (photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Invisalign

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.