http://orthodonticsquestions.com/cracked-invisalign-aligner/ Orthodontics Questions and Answers Sat, 29 Jan 2011 10:40:02 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1 http://orthodonticsquestions.com/cracked-invisalign-aligner/comment-page-1/#comment-249 Nebula D Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:50:52 +0000 http://orthodonticsquestions.com/cracked-invisalign-aligner/#comment-249 I'm a dentist. First off, the aligner needs to be replaced. If it is cracked, it is no longer able to apply the amount of pressure Invisalign intended for it to apply. Second, it is very unlikely that you will need to pay for a replacement. Invisalign designed your case using a type of CAD program for teeth. Hence, it was their responsibility to make your aligners removable. If you had that much difficulty removing your aligners (because of the tabs) that one of them finally cracked, it is their fault, not yours. Besides, it is very inexpensive for them to make another aligner for you, thus it is unlikely that they'd even want to charge you for it. Regarding advancing to the next aligner, you should NOT do this. Remember, Invisalign requires that you wear each aligner for two weeks before advancing to the next aligner. They do this for a reason. Each aligner is supposed to move the teeth a certain amount, and do so in a way that is not damaging to the periodontal ligament. Should you prematurely advance to the next aligner, your teeth may fit, but the orthodontic movement likely becomes more traumatic--which is not a good thing. Now, it is possible that your doctor may tell you to go ahead and use the next aligner, and I'd urge you to follow his/her recommendation rather than mine, as I cannot examine you myself. Finally, as far as removing the retainers, you need to lift them off your teeth little-by-little at different areas of the retainer. Lift a little at the back/molar area, then a little at the front/incisor area, then a little at the middle/premolar area. Repeat this process until the tray comes out. Since you have tabs/buttons on your teeth, keep in mind that the front of the retainer will be the last to be removed. I’m a dentist.
First off, the aligner needs to be replaced. If it is cracked, it is no longer able to apply the amount of pressure Invisalign intended for it to apply.
Second, it is very unlikely that you will need to pay for a replacement. Invisalign designed your case using a type of CAD program for teeth. Hence, it was their responsibility to make your aligners removable. If you had that much difficulty removing your aligners (because of the tabs) that one of them finally cracked, it is their fault, not yours. Besides, it is very inexpensive for them to make another aligner for you, thus it is unlikely that they’d even want to charge you for it.
Regarding advancing to the next aligner, you should NOT do this. Remember, Invisalign requires that you wear each aligner for two weeks before advancing to the next aligner. They do this for a reason. Each aligner is supposed to move the teeth a certain amount, and do so in a way that is not damaging to the periodontal ligament. Should you prematurely advance to the next aligner, your teeth may fit, but the orthodontic movement likely becomes more traumatic–which is not a good thing. Now, it is possible that your doctor may tell you to go ahead and use the next aligner, and I’d urge you to follow his/her recommendation rather than mine, as I cannot examine you myself.
Finally, as far as removing the retainers, you need to lift them off your teeth little-by-little at different areas of the retainer. Lift a little at the back/molar area, then a little at the front/incisor area, then a little at the middle/premolar area. Repeat this process until the tray comes out. Since you have tabs/buttons on your teeth, keep in mind that the front of the retainer will be the last to be removed.

]]> http://orthodonticsquestions.com/cracked-invisalign-aligner/comment-page-1/#comment-250 Anita G Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:50:52 +0000 http://orthodonticsquestions.com/cracked-invisalign-aligner/#comment-250 It is best to call your orthdontist and make an appointment and let him know your concerns. do not move to the next stage unless he says to. It is best to call your orthdontist and make an appointment and let him know your concerns. do not move to the next stage unless he says to.

]]> http://orthodonticsquestions.com/cracked-invisalign-aligner/comment-page-1/#comment-251 sup? Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:50:52 +0000 http://orthodonticsquestions.com/cracked-invisalign-aligner/#comment-251 thats the con about them thats the con about them

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