On week 7 of Invisalign and rubber bands are uncomfortable. Is moving my jaw back necessary? (photos)

Question

I’m 28. My ortho put me in rubber bands with Invisalign to move my lower jaw back( I was unaware of this until the day I went in to get my Invisalign). I’m on week 7 and I am unhappy with the way It is turning out. I feel like I am forced to hold my jaw really far back, it’s uncomfortable and makes me feel like I look funny. Is it necessary to move the jaw back? Or can it be corrected by moving only the teeth?

Rick Iskandar, BDSc (Hons) · Answer

Hi LKell5649,
I'm sorry that has been your experience in invisalign thus far, we always try to make sure to let patients know about all the little extras that are necessary to make the alignment procedure successful such as buttons and elastics.
The reason for the elastics is to prevent a potential side-effect of the treatment which is a loss of the normal relationship of the upper law relative to the lower jaw. Sometimes in Invisalign, patients end up with a beautiful, straight upper set of teeth, a lovely, straight set of lower teeth, but instead of fitting together properly, the lower jaw has shifted forwards relative to the upper jaw, resulting in a destructive, unsustainable edge-to-edge relationship between the upper and lower front teeth.
Elastics can be annoying and uncomfortable, but they are likely a necessary part of ensuring your treatment goes according to plan. If you are still feeling uncomfortable about them, talk to your orthodontist about it and I'm sure they will let you know if there is anything you can do to.
Hope that helps!
Dr Rick

On week 7 of Invisalign and rubber bands are uncomfortable. Is moving my jaw back necessary? (photos)

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On week 7 of Invisalign and rubber bands are uncomfortable. Is moving my jaw back necessary? (photos)

Answers (1)

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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.