Am I being ripped off? (photos)

Question

I just started Invisalign to fix a very minor issue (essentially one crooked lower tooth). My orthodontist is planning 34 sets of trays, which seems too many for such a minor fix. He also is having me wear each set for just a week instead of the two weeks I've read is typical. Not to mention that just 30 hours into wearing them, and I have cuts on my gums, lips, and tongue from the sharp edges. I'm getting suspicious that I'm being taken advantage of. Should I be concerned, or am I overreacting?

Oleg Drut, DDS · Answer

Looking at the photos attached, the amount of 34 trays seems excessive. Please note that you may have some other issues with your bite that the photos do not show. One week of each tray wear is not enough unless you are using an Acceledent devise or the doctor did a Propel procedure on you, which I assume he did not. Each tray could be worn for about 10 days minimum. It is not recommended to wear them one week only, since one week is not enough time for the teeth to stabilize into a new position even if the next tray fits perfectly. Hope it helps

N. Summer Lerch, DDS, FAGD - Account Suspended · Answer

HI There!  Thank you for the photos!  They really help. I can tell that your orthodontist has an approach that is holistic, in other words he/she is just not treating a crooked lower tooth.  You have other orthodontic concerns in your smile/occlusal design.  Why don't you make an appointment to go over your ClinCheck?  Every Invisalign case has a ClinCheck - a digital program that shows the sequential movement of your teeth.  This is really cool technology - allowing you and your doctor to see where you have been and where you are going.  It also confirms that you are on track in the middle.  If not, then it shows where corrective action should take place.  We show and use our ClinCheck every visit with our Invisalign patients as it reassures all of us that the tooth movement is on track.  Further, some cases are set up to move at one weeks timing, not two weeks.  You can find out about that too by reviewing the ClinCheck with your doc or the staff.  The last thing to remember is that your orthodontist (or any doctor) is on your side.   If you at any time don't understand, don't leave the office, or get off the phone until you do.  You have a right to know and understand what is happening with your body.  And you have the right to expect that the office is there to give you that understanding.

Am I being ripped off? (photos)

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Am I being ripped off? (photos)

Answers (2)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Invisalign

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