If I have missing teeth, can I still get Invisalign? I’ve seen an orthodontist for a consultation and he said Invisalign only works on the most ideal cases, but my dentist thinks I can still get Invisalign if I want to. I’m not sure which is right. They both have “motive” to get my money. Hahaha. As I live in a completely different state from you and you can’t get any of my money, do you think Invisalign is possible for me?
Elinore
Dear Elinore,
I like your style. It is always a good idea to ask for your advice from someone who cannot benefit from the answer given. While it used to be in its early days that Invisalign only worked on the easiest cases, there have been quite a few advancements in the technology and it is now on the opposite ends of the spectrum where it works on all but the most complicated cases.
Invisalign does fine working around missing teeth, so you shouldn’t have any problems with Invisalign if that is the most complicated thing about your case. So, you may be wondering why your orthodontist was saying it cannot. I don’t think it was a completely financial answer. Orthodontists were trained to work with braces. They have more confidence in working with that procedure. He’s telling you what HE can do the best job with.
If you decide to get Invisalign, you should know there is one other hidden benefit to Invisalign. The clear aligners they use can also double as teeth whitening trays. This means, if you want to, you can straighten and whiten your teeth at the same time. It is like getting a mini smile makeover for a fraction of the cost.
I would consult with the Invisalign dentist you choose about replacing the teeth. In some cases, the teeth can just be shifted, depending on the placement of the teeth, without it having a negative impact on your smile. However, in some cases, your dentist will need to open up space for you to replace those teeth. In that case, you can replace the teeth once your case is done. The best tooth replacement is a dental implant. However, one step at a time.
This blog is brought to you by Tulsa Dentist Dr. Ryan Noah.