Inman Aligner Ortho Treatment

johnmurphy2010

Hi,

I am looking at getting some orthodontic treatment done; and am looking into the inman aligner to do it as fixed braces is definitely not an option for me at this time. I have been around many dentists in my local area. Some of them have assessed my condition and said the aligner is not going to work fully, others have said it will make a big difference.

I have settled on one particular dentist that has told me that the inman aligner will be able to straighten my teeth resulting in a nice smile but will not be able to fix everything like fixed braces which would result in a 'hollywood' smile. The dentist has also told me that when treatment is finished with the inman, two or three, possibly four clearstep aligners will finalize the treatment by tweaking little things here and there.

I am wondering if this sounds legitimate to you?

The state of my teeth are as follows: (I will try explain it as best as I can)
First of all, we are only dealing with the upper arch - which is narrow and there is some overcrowding. The dentist has also said that an 'expansion screw' will need to be incorporated into the aligner to provide some space. All my teeth are aligned properly apart from my top front 4 teeth. My front 2 teeth are prominant. The tooth to the right of my front right tooth (looking from inside my mouth out) is behind my front right tooth and twisted about 30 degrees.

I hope you can visualize the state of my mouth.
Looking at different cases online that have used the inman aligner to fix them, I see that they are all relatively simple cases such as a few front teeth that are slightly rotated or slightly prominant. Whereas my case is bordering on the extremes of what the device can handle.
(although i have to say the dentist did say this to me - but the dentist also pointed out on numerous occasions that this type of treatment will definitely work).
It is viewing these cases online that are concerning me more and more because I have yet to see a case online such as mine that has been fixed relatively decently with the inman and possibly other treatment types too.

I know there was alot of reading, but if you are still reading...thanks...and also if you could give me some advice on this or views on my situation would be great thanks.

JM

johnmurphy2010

anyone?

day dreamer

JM

How are things and thanks for the detailed post. You describe your teeth well but obviously I cannot give a definitive opinion without an examination

What I can tell is that your teeth are pretty crooked and would be best fixed by fixed appliances. The dentist even told you that and if you know something will give you a great esult a "Hollywood smile" why not go for it? I know you say this is not an option but can you elaborate why? Is it cost, appearance etc?

I would advise you to see a specialist because I think that you are seeing a dentist who is not an orthodotist but I could be wrong. They have also told you that 2 3 or 4 Clear step aligners will tweak things but I have only seen Clear Step used in 8's even for the simplest of cases.

Be very careful looking on the net for photos as you will only see the best cases on websites promoting Inman aligners and these are only removabkle appliances, not some wonderbrace that has just been invented. It is just that it is heavily marketed so people think it is the next best thing

johnmurphy2010

Hi DayDreamer,

Thanks for your post.
You would be right in saying that the dentist that performing the treatment is not an orthodontist.

Regarding the braces thing; they are not an option for me because I am soon to be starting a new job (career) in the public domain and definitely do not want the braces. I simply want my teeth to be reasonably aligned and "presentable". As mentioned before, I understand the aligner will not give me the hollywood smile but at this stage, I am not seeking that. I suppose another aspect of me not wanting braces at this stage is self esteem and confidence related. I unfortunately dont have high self esteem and having braces, especially with starting a new career and all, would be detrimental i feel to my self esteem again.

With regards to the clearstep statement of using three, do you think that anything could be 'tweaked' by just using 3 aligners? - by this question, does it make you think that this dentist may just be another scheister interested in one thing and one thing only - the money?

day dreamer wrote: »

JM

How are things and thanks for the detailed post. You describe your teeth well but obviously I cannot give a definitive opinion without an examination

What I can tell is that your teeth are pretty crooked and would be best fixed by fixed appliances. The dentist even told you that and if you know something will give you a great esult a "Hollywood smile" why not go for it? I know you say this is not an option but can you elaborate why? Is it cost, appearance etc?

I would advise you to see a specialist because I think that you are seeing a dentist who is not an orthodotist but I could be wrong. They have also told you that 2 3 or 4 Clear step aligners will tweak things but I have only seen Clear Step used in 8's even for the simplest of cases.

Be very careful looking on the net for photos as you will only see the best cases on websites promoting Inman aligners and these are only removabkle appliances, not some wonderbrace that has just been invented. It is just that it is heavily marketed so people think it is the next best thing

day dreamer

JM

Lingual appliances go on the inside of the teeth and are truly invisible. If you feel you cannot wear the tracks on the outside this could be an option.

Even the aligner will affect speech a little and will be visible, you can take it out when you need to but then it will take forever to work, if it will work at all.

2 or 3 Clear Clear step aligners will not have any noticeable effect on the teeth, even simple cases for mild crowding take a minimum of 16 or 24. I dont wnat to comment on what another dentist has said as I have never examined you.

You have to balance up the issues: do I want to have crooked teeth forever or am I willing to wear a brace for a while to sort it out once and for all, even though i might not like it. Adults I have treated only have 1 regret, not doing it sooner. There is no magic wand I am afraid, so think about it and make up your mind!

Lorita

have u considered Invisalign??

djt0607

thanks for your comments. I have considered invisalign. The only problem is the cost. Online cost quotes for invisalign are 3k-5k which I dont have at the moment.

Im just wondering, if the recommended daily hours for wearing the inman is 20 and , for example you are told the treatment time will be 16 weeks, how will wearing the aligner for only 16 hours a day impact on the treatment time?

day dreamer

Hi

if you dont have the money now then wait a while and get it done when you can afford it. Has the cost of the additional Clear Step aligners been included in the quote for the Inman aligners?

Orthodontic treatment is not like having gum disease or decay treated, as long as the teeth are healthy it will be the same treatment next year and the situation in an adult usually will not change or worsen too much over 6 or 12 months.

I just think you will get a better outcome long term with the fixed appliances rather than half doing it now with an appliance that may not even work.

djt0607

day dreamer wrote: »

Hi

if you dont have the money now then wait a while and get it done when you can afford it. Has the cost of the additional Clear Step aligners been included in the quote for the Inman aligners?

Orthodontic treatment is not like having gum disease or decay treated, as long as the teeth are healthy it will be the same treatment next year and the situation in an adult usually will not change or worsen too much over 6 or 12 months.

I just think you will get a better outcome long term with the fixed appliances rather than half doing it now with an appliance that may not even work.

Hi,

No the cost of the clearstep aligners are not included in the cost of the aligner which is roughly €1100.

Im just wondering, how can I clean my inman aligner? Ive had it for a few days now and everytime I removed it, i just washed it under the tap with water; however, it is starting to look tacky and not like it was when i first got it. I heard the best way to clean it is with an ultrasonic cleaner and cleaner solution. Is this true? Where can I buy one of these cleaners and the solution? I can find them on amazon.co.uk but they wont ship the cleaners to ireland.

cheers

day dreamer

Hi

go back to whoever supplied it and ask what they recommend. You wont need an ultrasonic cleaner, they are mainly used to decomtaminate dental intruments

djt0607

oh ok. also, how will i know if the aligner is working for me or not? OR what length of time will have to pass before i will know if the aligner is working for me or not?

day dreamer

Hi

It is impossible to answer those questions without seeing you.
I am not sure why you would ask how you will now if is working or not. If the teeth are straightening it is working.

Again, go back to the person treating you and ask them. If they know what they are doing they should have told you how much to wear it and how long it will take to work.