Can I please ask about adult teeth braces?

[Turmericpie]

I wanted to ask other mums - or any orthodontists! - for their thoughts.

I plan to have my crooked bottom teeth corrected. I've seen three dentists and had a range of opinions on Invisalign, ceramic fixed, metal fixed.

Two recommended orthodontists didn't have a problem with just correcting the bottom arch. They thought fixed would be more predictable, as long as I didn't mind them being less discreet.

The third dentist who only does Invisalign was very confident that just doing the bottom row was problematic, the bite would change, teeth would move in a way that would change bite etc etc.

I asked one of the orthodontists if just doing the bottom was a bad idea. He said, it's better to do both, but it give me more room to move if not.

I find myself confused over the advice.

My questions are:

1 - Is just doing the bottom arch a bad idea (the top are not an issue)?
2 - what's better fixed or Invasalign?

Thank you.

Do both front and bottom with Invisalign - starting mine soon !

I'm going to ask about the Inman aligner at my next appointment as it's quicker and cheaper than Invisalign. I have similar questions as you, because I've got some problems with two bottom teeth which may mean that they shouldn't be messed with unnecessary. I only want to do the top.

The orthodontist that said you can’t do just the bottom because the bite will change is correct. You’d need to do top and bottom together. It’s more complicated than teeth just looking straight. They have to match top to bottom for a bite otherwise you get jaw issues, chipped teeth, etc.

So you need to do top and bottom. As for Invisalign or train track braces that depends on how long you want to be in braces and whether you have any issues wearing braces at work. The train track metal ones work the fastest and have best results. Invisalign take longer and can sometimes not move some stubborn teeth, but if your job is very customer facing people can’t tell you are wearing them.

On a side note you have to take Invisalign out everytime you eat or drink anything other than water. So if you like a cup of tea or coffee or snack during the day...you have to take the braces out. Have the drink/snack brush your teeth and then put them back in. The same for all meals. This is a pain, so you may prefer the metal braces because you can live less restricted.

I had my metal tracks taken off a year ago. Didn't have teeth removed so still have a slight over bite.. Orthodontist said top lip would fall in a bit if top teeth removed! Like my full lips more than having perfect teeth! Crooked bottom ones are straight and the top one was a bit skewed is now perfect. Would have both done with metal tracks!

I've just had my teeth corrected wearing fixed braces for a couple of years. My bottom teeth were fine no issues but as my bite would change they insisted on both. What I will say is if getting fixed braces don't get the clear ones. They stain so easily by loads of foods its just not worth it. They are lovely and clear for about 3 days and then they get stained and make your teeth look worse

Thanks everyone.

That's so interesting.

These orthodontists were highly recommended and were yet happy to do just bottom. It's so confusing!

Maybe it depends on your individual circumstances, OP! I'm sure the orthodontists you've seen are better able to judge than someone who's never seen you.

Ignore the invisalign guy. Most are sausage factories as they basically get some kid in mexico to design the treatment plan and just dole out reprinted moulds.
Go with one of the two proper orthodontist.

Get proper tracks if overcrowded - I got braces as an adult it was great my teeth look awesome you won't regret it 👍

I had my top ones done with a fixed brace about 8 years ago. My bottom teeth are fine and I’ve had no bite issues, despite only having an upper brace.