Invisalign

[Anonymous]

My husband's teeth are crooked, and I'd love to see them straightened. I suspect he'd be more open to Invisalign than regular braces. Can anyone recommend a great dentist or orthodontist who does this? He has some dental insurance so it would be great if the doctor accepted insurance, but that's not a deal-breaker. Near Metro Center, Friendship Heights, or NW DC generally would be ideal. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Doubt insurance will cover much....
I agree crooked teeth are worth fixing if terribly unattractive, or impacting bite.
We are looking into invasilgn versus braces for our kid, whose teeth are nice but some are coming in out of place and it could impact his bite.
Must be worn 23 out of 24 hourse a day, according to dentist.

I'ts not just a retainer you wear at night kind of thing.

Would love to hear more from people with experience.

[Anonymous]

My DH just finished his experience with invisalign and is very happy with the results! Was not covered under our dental insurance as it's considered cosmetic so the total cost was about $5K? if I remember correctly? Maybe less but it wasn't cheap. He is so much happier and the experience was very positive. I remember my mom getting braces back in the mid-90s when I was in my mid-twenties and to see an adult in her late forties with a mouth full of silver was disconcerting intially but she really appreciated the chance to "fix" her teeth. If you can swing it I say go for it -- the self esteem boost is worth it! Good luck.

[Anonymous]

I heard that Invisalign is not good for those who have rotated canines...anyone have xp?

[Anonymous]

i don't think any dental insurance covers this. too bad.

[Anonymous]

My SIL is doing it now and is thrilled. Her family didn't have the money for orthodontia when she was young and she's so excited by the progress.

[Anonymous]

There is a groupon today for invisalign.

[Anonymous]

Orchin Orthdontics near Mazza handled my Invisalign, and I'm very happy with the results.

http://www.orchinorthodontics.com/

I did just the top teeth (the bottom would have required traditional braces), but the outcome was terrific. Insurance did not cover a dime, but I'm still glad I did it. I smile a whole lot more now!

[Anonymous]

I hated invisalign. I ended up getting iBraces and it took 6 months less. Cost is comparable.

[Anonymous]

Invisalign doesn't work for all problems. I had perfectly straight teeth, but gaps between some of my top front teeth I didn't like. I went to 3 different orthodontists looking for Invisalign, but all 3 said it wouldn't work for me. I ended up just getting old school braces (although clear) and am getting them off in 1 month. A little humiliating to be wearing braces in yoru 30s, but it is TOTALLY worth it. Couldn't be more thrilled that I went ahead and did it.

[Anonymous]

Most orthos do provide invisalign, it seems - we've just been running through orthodontists' offices and I noticed ubiquitous marketing. Doesn't work for everyone. One of the office coordinators told me that Invisalign has such a powerful marketing strategy that people are always asking for it, even though it is often inappropriate. I'd wonder whether the teeth move back to their old position if you don't wear a retainer, just as with regular braces.

[Anonymous]

I've been wearing Invisalign for a little over a year. I expect to wear them for about another 6-8 months. Overall, I'm satisfied with the results that they have achieved. I had moderate crowding and an overbite. Invisalign fixed the crowding, but not the overbite. The total cost was 4K and insurance does not cover the treatment

Now, if I had to do it again, I would probably NOT choose Invisalign. While I'm generally happy with the results, I believe that traditional braces will do a much much better job at straightening your teeth and aligning for bite etc. Invisalign does not work for all patients and it takes strict discipline because you really have to wear the trays at a minimum of 23 hour per day. This means constant brushing, flossing etc. You can ONLY drink water when you have your trays in, so if you are a person that likes sodas, coffee drinks etc., this may not work for you unless you are up for a drastic lifestyle change. It is also a hassle when you go out to eat because you have to carry a toothbrush, paste and floss wherever you go. I found it a hassle when I went with friends to HH or on a date with my DH because you cannot have them out for very long and you cannot have a cocktail or wine while wearing the trays. If you do not keep your mouth very clean, you can easily develop cavities while wearing the trays. The trays can also develop a funky smells if not cleaned properly. I bathe mine in Efferdent in the A.M. and that has helped. Some of your teeth will be outfitted with 'buttons' that aid in locking in the trays and also put pressure on teeth that need to be moved. When your treatment is finished, these buttons will be removed (grinded down), but quite a few of my friends report that their teeth look sort of dull afterwards (no longer have that 'shine). I have not completed the treatment yet, so I cannot give info on my own experience, but it has me worried.

Overall, I think Invisalign is good for light to moderate crowding, but I think better results can be achieved with traditional braces. And I also do not think that adults who wear traditional braces should be embarrassed. I will probably get regular braces because I really want the 'perfect' smile and I will wear them with pride.

Good luck with whatever you or your DH decide to do and I think, it is fantastic that he wants to do something for his health as well as his self-esteem.