Orthodontist - braces

[Willitbeworthit]

My DS doesn't qualify for braces under the NHS, however his front teeth are wonky! We waited about 18 months, to check if he would qualify for the treatment under the NHS and as he doesn't, so they quoted 4.8k and he would need to have two teeth removed (which would have to be done by the NHS dentist). I got a second opinion and the orthodontist said he could have braces or Invisalign, cost 3.5 k (no teeth removal). The third opinion, the orthodontist stated braces with the rubber attachments and he thinks they could avoid teeth extraction (although couldn't guarantee it) , cost 4.5k (+£400 if tooth extraction is needed). How do I essentially pick between three different treatment plans??? Anyone had a similar experience?

I would pick Invisalign.

One of my children had Invisalign and it was great as it avoided removal of teeth and they could be taken out to eat making it easier. If your son quite compliant, as it does require some discipline to wear them for the required number of hours per day, not eat with them in etc then I would go with Invisalign.

Thank you, I guess my concern was why is one orthodontist saying that the teeth need to be removed and the other doesn't?! I would have thought all the treatment options should be the same? What is it about Invisalign treatment, that does not require teeth to be removed? The same orthodontist said that braces would do the same job, just the Invisalign treatment would be shorter and I guess cosmetically better!

We were told our daughter would need 4 teeth out with traditional braces but wouldn’t need any out with Invisalign and she didn’t. From what I remember being told it’s because Invisalign makes the mouth/arch bigger as each aligner is used. My child also have some of their teeth enamel shaved, the bit between her teeth to make more room. There is a proper name for this which I can’t remember but we were assured it was fine to do.

My daughter had it done a few years ago, and has prefect teeth now. She had to wear a retainer every night for a year after treatment but now only has to wear it a few nights a week.