It's Invisalign's Fault !

My Dentist says: “It’s Invisalign’s Fault!”

My bite just feels a little off from what it was before I got my Invisalign.  My dentist says: “It’s Invisalign’s fault… sometimes that just happens with Invisalign.”  

This front tooth right here just didn’t get straight when I had Invisalign before. My dentist says “It’s Invisalign’s fault…sometimes that is all the straighter Invisalign will get the teeth.”

As an Orthodontist, I have heard comments like these many times in recent years from patients who have come into my office for a consultation regarding the results of their previous Invisalign treatment.  They have come in because they feel Invisalign didn’t work and it’s all Invisalign’s fault.  The only way the typical lay person would know what to blame is if their Invisalign Provider told them it was Invisalign’s fault rather than  offering any further recommendations or treatment alternatives to further correct these legitimate concerns.  Or, if they did offer an alternative, quoting an additional fee to “fix what Invisalign messed up”.

As I have made perfectly clear in these writings, Invisalign is not a cure-all and straight-all in orthodontics.  Yet, neither is any other “tool” in the Orthodontist’s available range of braces and appliances.  In fact, there are certain types of orthodontic mal-alignments and problems that there simply is no complete fix available short of extensive facial-jaw surgery to correct.  Generally speaking, these can and should be identified in advance before Invisalign or any braces are even recommended.   

So…Is it really Invisalign’s Fault?

Well…let me tell you about the “Plumber with One Wrench”.

Let’s imagine your home is equipped with a relatively standardized valve to turn the water on…and your homes valve is stuck closed.  So you call out a plumber to open the valve.  The plumber shows up with just one wrench that he knows how to use to open the valve.  He gives you the fee estimate, explains the process and shows you THE wrench he always uses to open the valve.  You assume he is “the expert” knows that wrench must be the answer to your problem, no other alternative was mentioned.  You approve, pay him the fee and “put him to work”.  He returns saying the job is complete but the value is only open half-way, the water is running but very slowly.  He says as he leaves your home…”It’s THE wrench’s fault...sometimes that is all the further THE wrench I use will open some valves.  Now that I tried it, I know yours happens to be one of them.”   As the door is closing you vaguely hear: “Oh by the way, THE wrench caused your valve to be struck in this position.  If you want that fixed…schedule another service call.”

So…is it really THE wrench’s fault…well…the wrench had a part to play, yes.  Certainly the wrench has some limitations since it apparently doesn’t work quite right sometimes.  Unfortunately, the Plumber seems to only knows that after there is a problem.  With only one wrench to work with, this Plumber fixed it the best he could. 

And so it is in orthodontic care, Invisalign is an absolutely wonderful orthodontic “wrench”; it works beautifully most of the time.  But what if it doesn’t, what does your Invisalign Provider have in their Orthodontic “toolbox” to offer you?  Ask them before you start your Invisalign care…”If by chance Invisalign does not work for me, do you use a different kind of braces or appliances to resolve the problem.  Do you charge me for that additional treatment?”  You decide what the right answer is but at least get an answer other than: “Don’t worry; Invisalign always works”.  My suggestion following an answer like that…leave the office ASAP and get a second opinion because it does NOT always work as we would expect or hope.

Every type of orthodontic appliance works; just not every time…

that includes Invisalign.

Do NOT blame Invisalign for “not working”…it’s not THE wrench but the Plumber who fixes the leak.

 Thinking about getting Invisalign?   Always look for this logo:

                          

Choose a member of the American Association of Orthodontists to provide your Invisalign care.   Membership requires training in all aspects and types of orthodontic braces including Invisalign.  All members of the AAO are referred to as Orthodontists or Orthodontic Specialists…they possess all the orthodontic “tools”. 

Dr. Paul Hamersky DDS, MS is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists and a Preferred Provider of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen.  Here at Douglas County Orthodontics we proudly offer a full range of fixed braces, clear, colored and removable appliances including the extensive use of Invisalign…each chosen specifically as the best available treatment for you and your family.  

Invisalign: A Replacement for Braces? You Now Can Choose

Invisalign; A Replacement for Braces?

Part 3

If given a choice…“I would choose Invisalign” and here’s why:

I would NOT have said that a year or two ago.  Until recently, it was my opinion that Invisalign was highly marketed product that simply did not achieve the consistent superior quality results I expect as a trained Orthodontic Specialist.  That has now changed with the development and release of Invisalign Teen and Invisalign Generation 3 in 2010. 

Much to Invisalign’s credit, Align Technology, the manufacturer of Invisalign has diligently researched and technically improved their product to the point that results are now comparable to those achieved with fixed braces when diagnosed and utilized correctly.

SO…why would I choose Invisalign?

1. The Cost, Treatment Time and Final Results are now relatively equal.

This statement may not be true at all Orthodontic Providers.  It is in fact true at Douglas County Orthodontics; we charge a very similar fee for either Invisalign or fixed braces.  Furthermore, it is now my professional opinion that both methods of treatment if diagnosed correctly and provided by a fully trained Orthodontic Specialist will finish with similar great results in about the same time. 

2. Invisalign is more comfortable to straighten your teeth.

Generally speaking, pain is not a big problem in orthodontics today with all the new techniques.  However, this is not to imply there is no discomfort at all with either fixed braces or Invisalign, which can be extremely variable from person to person.  Overall though, it is my experience that there are less complaints or reports of pain from our patients wearing Invisalign verses patients wearing fixed braces.

3. Invisalign is completely removed to brush and floss your teeth.

This is where Invisalign “shines”!!  Because the Invis-Aligners are removable from the mouth you can clean, floss and brush your teeth as you always have.  This is obviously not possible for fixed braces…nothing more needs to be said.  This alone can be the sole deciding factor for some people especially many teenagers to choose Invisalign.

4. Invisalign is less likely to cause injuries and irritations.

Again, another obvious big advantage Invisalign has over braces.  Invisalign is just smoother than fixed braces.  Consequently, braces are more likely to rub raw spots on your cheeks and gums, as well as be the cause of additional injury if the mouth area is bumped or bruised.

5. Invisalign is generally “thought” to be more Socially Acceptable.

Most of you would agree, Invisalign is more socially acceptable but actually this is really your personal opinion.  How important it is for you to hide or display your orthodontic braces or Invisalign is your choice.  Thankfully, the world is made up of all types, those that proudly display a mouth full of braces full of different colors and others who will not even smile with Invisalign in.

The Bottom Line

First and foremost…find a fully trained Orthodontic Specialist so you have a choice between fixed braces and Invisalign.  Generally speaking, only an Orthodontist is fully trained in all the tools in the World of Orthodontics.  Without that prerequisite, you really don’t have a choice, do you?  Ask your dentist if they offer fixed braces as well as Invisalign…if they don’t; are you receiving the best recommendation or the ONLY recommendation available?

After that…you decide…there is no wrong answer, so relax.