Invisalign and teeth extraction. Should I go ahead??

[Onebigmess]

Hi,
Has anyone had Invisalign with teeth extraction?

I had braces as a child but still have an overbite/teeth have moved. I'm really self conscious about my teeth. I decided to look into Invisalign and was pretty much set on having it done. At my initial appointment the lady (not dentist bit coordinator) said it'd be between 1500-4000 but I she couldn't invisage it costing that much for me.

Anyway. Had an appointment with the dentist this morning and it's worse case scenario. I'd need my top and bottom teeth doing but also I'd need 4 teeth extracted! I always had it in mind that I wouldn't get it done if I needed extraction (but didn't expect it to be the case). Also it'll cost over 4000.

I'm a bit torn now and was wondering, has anyone else had extraction when using Invisalign? Is it extreme getting teeth removed? I'm not sure what to do now, although I think the cost is a factor, as I thought I'd be lucky and I'd be in the cheaper bracket!

If your teeth are really crowded, you need to free up space for them to move into. Hence teeth extraction.
It's pretty common.

I've heard so many horror stories about Invisalign that I'm starting to think hat it's a bit of a scam.

I had orthodontic treatment for about six years between the ages of 11-17, including extractions and fixed braces, because of extreme overcrowding (I had a ridiculous number of teeth!).

Obviously it was pretty hellish at the time, but I'm very glad I did, because my teeth are fine and I've had no significant changes (I'm 43).

As others have said, I really think you need to see a proper orthodontist, because if your issues are down to overcrowding, then no amount of cosmetic straightening will fix your teeth. Better to do it now than leave it until you're any older.

Do you have a dental hospital near to where you live? They're often a cheaper option, as you are used as a learning opportunity for dental students.

I would never have healthy teeth removed for cosmetic reasons.

I had Invisalign and my teeth are amazing now.

I had a lot of teeth removed as a child and braces but they were still rubbish.

For Invisalign I had to have one tooth removed (and felt a bit worried so can understand your concerns re 4) and had both my top and bottom teeth done. One of the best things I have done, especially as I now spend a lot of time looking at myself on Zoom calls !!

I followed the rules to the letter which I think is important as I think some of the negativity comes from people who have had poor results and this could be because they've been a bit lax about wearing the aligners.

I'd suggest exploring all the avenues, with different dentists / orthodontists and then deciding what will work for you, your lifestyle, level of discipline etc.

Happy to answer questions on my experience .

I would also advise you to visit an orthodontist.

my niece and nephew both had teeth extracted and ended up with very small mouths (does this make sense?), not very flattering.

I’ve heard some suggest extraction because it makes their job easier. But if a second opinion from an orthodontist confirms it, maybe it’s the right thing for you.

I’ve had both braces and Invisalign at different stages of my life and would definitely recommend braces. You literally forget you have them, (other than having to keep them nice and clean) and with invisalign, at least Me, I was always conscious of it.

and like you say, they’re not as invisible as they market them and people notice anyway.

good luck with whatever you decide to do.

I fixed my crooked teeth and subsequently have had porcelain veneers and it’s made such a difference in my confidence, I love smiling now…

I'd get a second opinion. I thought they didn't do extractions so often these days as they have a danger of affecting your facial shape in a negative way.

I have had fixed braces and Invisalign. Please go to an orthodontist before making any decisions.
moving teeth is complex and lots of things can go wrong for example teeth can die or teeth just won’t move into a certain position.

I had over crowding on my bottom teeth and I had interproximal reduction (IPR) rather than an extraction. The issue with extractions is it can cause issues if the arches don’t match up. There are plenty of online forums and resources that you can read to help you.

What did you decide in the end? I am in the same boat. I did see an orthodontist though and he said he would only treat me if I got extractions. I am very scared!!