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Are power ridges an alternative to using attachments in Invisalign?

J
jesmDec 17, 2013

I have four crooked tooth basically. One on each side of my two front teeth account for two of them. And then the bottom two (right below the two front teeth). I'm thinking about Invisalign but the attachments aren't as inconspicuous as I would like...what options do I have?

Answers (3)

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Dr. Sarah Thompson, DMD
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Dr. Sarah Thompson, DMD
Dentist
5.0 | 16 Reviews
Answered on Mar 5, 2014
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Dr. Michael Tam, BDS
Dr. Michael Tam, BDS
Dentist
Answered on Jan 29, 2014
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Dr. Lawrence Singer, DMD (in memoriam)
Dr. Lawrence Singer, DMD (in memoriam)
Dentist
Answered on Dec 22, 2013
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Sarah Thompson, DMD

A palatal expander is best used on those still growing.  If you use an expander, it likely won't help that much at 46 years old.  I recommend that you consult a cosmetic dentist to discuss your options.  Good luck to you and I hope this helps. "Follow" me on Real Self to ask more...

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Sarah Thompson, DMD

You can choose any of the options you've named, but here is the order that I would put those options in.1st choice:  Since you just finished Invisalign, you should be able to get refinement trays and fix the area that you are not completely please with.  This would be the least...

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Sarah Thompson, DMD

Sorry to hear that you are experiencing discomfort.  I would talk to my dentist about this issue and ask him or her if they can make adjustments to alleviate or greatly reduce your pain.  It my be beneficial for your dentist to reduce the movements and increase the number of trays....

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Sarah Thompson, DMD

Based on your description, I would recommend going back to wearing the retainer full time day and night, then making an appointment with your dentist.  Your dentist can place a permanent (also called fixed) retainer that can be cemented to the back of your teeth as a little metal wire....

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Sarah Thompson, DMD

It's unclear exactly why your buttons are coming off, but it may due to a few things.  Here are the most common reasons that I have seen buttons come off over the last decade.  Reason #1:  The doctor makes the button so perfectly, that it holds the tooth too tight, which makes it...

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Sarah Thompson, DMD

Thanks for providing a photo, it makes your case easier to diagnose.  Yes, it is very common to remove 1 or 2 teeth prior to Invisalign treatment or metal braces.  This creates spaces that make it easy for your other teeth to move into.  Invisalign is great at closing spaces and...

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