My Dentist Is Retiring in the Middle of My Invisalign Treatment

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Invisalign upper and lower aligners

Find a dentist with Invisalign experienced and advanced cosmetic dentistry training

Hi. I’ve worn all but five sets of my Invisalign aligners. For unexpected reasons, my dentist must retire two years earlier than expected. He has referred his patients to two other dentists in town. I prefer not to see either dentist after my dentist retires in August. I have narrowed my choices to three dentists, but I don’t want to choose a dentist just because they are Invisalign certified. I am happy with the results of Invisalign, but I’m concerned about how my case will progress from here. Should this be a problem when I see a new dentist? – Nick from Lexington, KY

Nick,

Thank you for your question.

Can You Switch Dentists in the Middle of Invisalign Treatment?

You can switch dentists in the middle of Invisalign treatment. You will be able to continue your Invisalign treatment with ease after your dentist retires. Your dentist has an ethical obligation to ensure a smooth transition to your new dentist. Even so, it will not be difficult for a dentist to provide whatever you need to continue your treatment. You can request a copy of your dental records before your dentist retires. Also, the Invisalign company has your orthodontic history and will help your new dentist continue your care without interruption.

Ensure that the dentists you are considering are skilled Invisalign providers with experience in cases like yours. You can schedule consultations with one or all three dentists to discuss your concerns and case. You can also ask each dentist to show you before-and-after patient photos.

Dr. Steven Brooker, a Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post. Dr. Brooksher is a former Invisalign provider who switched to ClearCorrect® aligners for orthodontic treatment.

How Often Will I Change Invisalign Trays?

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Clear aligner trays similar to Invisalign and ClearCorrectInvisalign and other clear aligners can improve your smile faster than traditional braces—in half the time or less. After creating a 3-D model of your mouth, your dentist will develop a treatment plan to move your teeth gradually and precisely. Each set of clear trays that you wear will move your teeth closer to their final position. But how often will you change trays?

How Often Will You Change Invisalign Trays?

You will change Invisalign trays every one to two weeks if you wear the trays twenty to twenty-two hours daily. Your dentist will give you sets of aligners to keep at home and have available when it is time to switch to the next pair. Most invisible braces require you to change to a new set every one to two weeks.

What Determines When You Change Invisalign Trays?

The time frame for changing Invisalign trays depends on your case, the complexity of tooth movement, and your diligence in wearing the aligners as directed.

  • Your patient case – No two patients’ cases are the same. Depending on the stage of your treatment plan, when you switch aligners may vary between one and two weeks.
  • Complexity of tooth movement – It takes longer for Invisalign and other clear aligners to achieve complex tooth movements than simple tooth movements. When movement is complete and your teeth are stable, your dentist may advise you to move to the next set of aligners sooner than two weeks.
  • Wearing the aligners – It takes twenty to twenty-two hours of daily wear to move your teeth as outlined in your treatment plan. If you do not wear the aligners as directed, it will delay switching to the next set.

What Are Invisalign Alternatives?

Today’s invisible braces offer several alternatives to Invisalign. A dentist or orthodontist may work with various braces or aligners and decide which to use for specific cases. Some dentists use Invisalign only. Others achieve beautiful results with Invisalign alternatives like ClearCorrect®.

Schedule a Consultation for Clear Braces

Regardless of which brand of aligners you choose, look for an experienced dentist with advanced occlusion and bite and clear aligner training.

Schedule a consultation and ask questions:

  • How many orthodontic cases have you completed from start to finish?
  • How many cases like mine have you managed?
  • How long have you used clear aligners for patients?
  • Which brand do you use and why?
  • May I see patients’ before and after photos?

Straightening your teeth with braces or clear aligners can be an exciting change. Take time to research your options and provider.

Dr. Steven Brooksher, a Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post.

Will Acid Reflux Ruin My Invisalign Trays?

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Young redhead woman portraying concern over acid reflux effects on Invisalign trays and her teethI’ve suffered from acid reflux for more than 12 years. I have a lot of heartburn, and the acid burns my gums. My doctor prescribed a proton pump inhibitor, but I stopped taking it because I understand that long-term use is harmful. I’ve managed to control the reflux a little with some natural supplements, but it is not totally under control.

Now I want Invisalign to straighten my teeth, but I don’t want to invest my money in plastic aligners if acid reflux destroys them. Will acid reflux ruin my Invisalign trays? – Thank you.  Bayleigh from OK

Bayleigh,

Thank you for your question.

Will Acid Reflux Ruin Your Invisalign Trays?

Acid reflux will not ruin your Invisalign trays. Wearing the aligners will protect your teeth from the acid. Also, you will switch aligners in one to two weeks, so the exposure of the trays to stomach acid is limited. Still, acid reflux can ruin your teeth. And you still must be diligent about taking good care of your overall and oral health.

How to Prevent Acid Reflux from Ruining Your Teeth

You can prevent acid reflux from ruining your teeth by seeing a doctor who can identify the cause and offer effective treatment options. While you take natural supplements to help control the problem, identifying the real reason will help your treatment plan. Otherwise, a dentist can protect your teeth with dental crowns. But crowns do not resolve the issue. And over time, the acid may erode the crowns, too.

Invisalign upper and lower aligners

Invisalign can minimize the effects of acid reflux on your teeth

You can minimize the effects of acid reflux on your teeth with these steps:

  • Drink plenty of water daily
  • If a surge of acid enters your mouth, rinse it with water thoroughly
  • Avoid late-night meals or snacks
  • Use a pillow to elevate your head while you sleep
  • Strengthen tooth enamel with toothpaste for sensitive teeth
  • Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after eating or an acid surge

If you have additional concerns about acid reflux and Invisalign, speak with your dentist. After examining your teeth, your dentist can offer suggestions about preserving them and increasing your comfort while you wear Invisalign.

Do I Need a Crown for My Dark Front Tooth?

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Man covering his mouth portraying someone with a discolored front tooth after Invisalign and tooth replantingI wore Invisalign for 16 months and enjoyed a year of having what I felt was the perfect smile for me. My teeth are not even, my teeth are straight, so Invisalign made me feel better about myself. Then in August of this year, I had an accent that knocked my tooth out. My dentist put the tooth back in place and did a root canal on it.

After saving the tooth, my dentist recommended a crown during my last visit because the tooth was discoloring. I don’t want my tooth ground down for a crown. Is there another way to correct the discoloration? Jalin from Charleston, SC

 

Jalin,

We understand your disappointment after successful Invisalign treatment to feel better about your smile to have an accident that detracts from it. Yes, there is a better way to correct the discoloration. Also, sometimes after a dentist replants a tooth, your body may begin to resorb the root. So we recommend asking a dentist to x-ray your tooth to ensure the root is intact.

How Does a Dental Crown Affect a Front Tooth?

A dental crown will weaken a front tooth against lateral stresses. It will increase the risk of breaking the tooth if you have a heavy bite.

Can You Lighten a Tooth After Root Canal Treatment?

A dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training can lighten a tooth after root canal treatment. Also, the dentist can minimize discoloration with these steps:

  • Complete root canal treatment
  • Clean out root canal filling material or cement from inside the crown
  • Internally bleach the tooth
  • Insert a fiberglass post in the tooth and secure it with bonding

After several years, the tooth may darken. But a skilled cosmetic dentist can provide you with a porcelain veneer that hides the discoloration and matches the adjacent teeth.

It seems that your dentist did an excellent job with saving your tooth. If the tooth gradually discolors over the years, you can trust the dentist’s recommendation for a porcelain veneer. But it will take the skill of an advanced cosmetic dentist to manage the discoloration with conservative treatment.

 

Dr. Steven Brooksher, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Baton Rouge, LA, sponsors this post.

Will removing and reapplying dental bonding damage my teeth?

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Brunette woman with her hands covering her mouth - for info on repeat dental bonding and Invisalign from Dr. Brookser in Baton RougeMy dentist and I agreed to a treatment plan that would end with Invisalign treatment. I wanted to feel better about my teeth before I started Invisalign. So, my dentist whitened my teeth and replaced old dental bonding. But the color of the bonding does not match my white teeth.

Some of the bonding is near the gumline, and it feels rough and looks gross. When my dentist finished the work, I immediately noticed that the bonding color was off. I told her about it, and she agreed that she did not match the color. After two attempts, she still cannot get it right. I want to begin Invisalign treatment, so I am willing to see another dentist to redo the bonding and go back to my dentist for Invisalign. Will repeatedly removing and reapplying bonding damage my teeth? Thank you. Elliana from Missouri

 

Elliana,

Thank you for your inquiry. We are sorry to hear about your disappointing experience with dental bonding, especially when looking forward to starting Invisalign treatment.

Correcting Mismatched Dental Bonding

When dental bonding does not match your natural teeth, you may have two options for correcting the color.

  • Resurfacing – A cosmetic dentist might be able to remove some of the surfaces of the bonding and apply another color of composite
  • Replacing – Cosmetic dentists use dental burs that can remove bonding without damaging your tooth structure. Afterward, the dentist can apply fresh bonding

Dental Bonding Near Your Gumline

When you need dental bonding near your gumline, abfraction lesions, or notches, are usually the cause. Enamel near the gumline can wear away and leave sensitive notches on your teeth. Lesions are most often caused by clenching your teeth. Pressure from clenching weakens teeth. A dentist who uses bonding to conceal lesions and protect tooth roots must consider these factors:

  • Stiff bonding can loosen or pop out as your teeth flex
  • Flexible composite bends with pressure on teeth and can help fillings stay in place
  • If you clench or grind your teeth, a dentist can make a custom nighttime mouth guard to minimize the habit and protect your teeth

If you are unsure of your dentist’s ability to replace your dental bonding and match your natural teeth this time, schedule a consultation with a skilled cosmetic dentist.  You will get natural-looking results. Best wishes on a resolution and a smooth transition to Invisalign.

 

Dr. Steven Brooksher, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Baton Rouge, LA, sponsors this post.

 

I haven’t worn Invisalign for weeks and now the trays don’t fit

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The month of May was crazy for our family, and I only wore Invisalign for the first few days. I was so distracted by a sudden death of a friend, illness, and travel that I kept forgetting to wear it. The worse thing about this is that I was seriously considering switching to another orthodontist. There is no way I am returning to the orthodontist I had because I am too embarrassed. I tried to put on my current set of Invisalign, but it wouldn’t fit! I am shocked that in a month I can’t get the aligners on. Should I go use an earlier set of aligners? I still have them. Thank you for your help. I’m embarrassed to call a dental office. Shana from Atlanta

Shana – We understand that you are embarrassed about your situation, but do not put off getting assistance. Anyone can experience life events that make it challenging to keep their routine. Please do not guess about which aligners to wear.

What If Your Invisalign Trays No Longer Fit?

If your Invisalign trays do not fit anymore, a dentist needs to examine your teeth. If you are not comfortable going back to your orthodontist at least once more, find another Invisalign provider. It may be as simple as going back to a previous set of aligners, but we do not want to advise you without an examination.

Invisalign upper and lower aligners

Look for a skilled Invisalign provider if you must switch dentists

Why Won’t Your Invisalign Trays Fit Anymore?

If you forget to wear Invisalign, your teeth will begin to shift back to their original position. The aligners will not fit properly. Do not worry, though. It will not be difficult to get back on track with your treatment.

How to Find a New Invisalign Dentist

If you do not already have an orthodontist or Invisalign dentist in mind, you can try the following:

  • Ask acquaintances for recommendations
  • Do an online search for an Invisalign provider in your area.
  • Ask how long the dentist has been treating patients with Invisalign and how many patients they have treated from start to finish
  • Check the Invisalign website for experienced providers near you.
  • Look for dentists’ online patient reviews.

Bring your Invisalign trays with you to the appointment with your new dentist. Eventually, you will need to sign a request form to transfer your dental records to the new practice.

Dr. Steven Brookser, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Baton Rouge, LA, sponsors this post.

Oral yeast infection after getting my new crown

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Before last fall, I had not been to a dentist in 3 years. I decided to do something about my crooked teeth, so I went to an Invisalign consultation. The dentist agreed that Invisalign would work for me, but she required a full exam to ensure my teeth were healthy. Not surprisingly, I had some tooth decay and needed fillings. An old crown was cracked, so my dentist told me that she needed to restore my teeth before I could get Invisalign treatment. After my dentist placed the temporary crown, my teeth were hyper-sensitive. Now that I received the permanent crown, my lips are chapped, the corners of my mouth are sore, my breath smells, and my saliva production is excessive. I have noted that sugar and gluten seem to make the symptoms work. I suspect that I have a yeast infection that will not go away, but I am skeptical about seeing this dentist again or trusting her for my Invisalign treatment. Could my dental crown be causing these issues? – Thank you. Craig from TN

Craig,

Thank you for submitting your inquiry to our office. You have many symptoms that likely have different causes but could be related to your dental treatment.

Oral Yeast Infection

Overgrowth of candida—a fungus that normally lives on our skin and in our bodies—can lead to yeast infection. An oral yeast infection can result from stress, antibiotics, diabetes, and dry mouth.

Excessive Saliva

Some causes of excess saliva include:

  • Allergies
  • Sinus infection
  • Heartburn
  • Certain medications
  • Difficulty swallowing due to a nervous system disorder
  • Oral infection

Sores in the Corner of Your Mouth

Excess saliva can buildup bacteria in your mouth that causes sores and dry lips.

What Causes Bad Breath and Bitter Taste?

May factors can cause bad breath, including:

  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Tobacco products
  • Certain medications
  • Dry mouth
  • Oral infection
  • Sinus drainage

Bitter taste in your mouth

Some cause of a bitter taste in your mouth include:

  • Acid reflux
  • Some medications
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Dehydration
  • Smoking

Our experience shows that a stressful dental appointment and dental restorations that do not fit or function well can lead to additional stress. Burning mouth syndrome can result from stress and cause sensitivity, pain, and dryness. And many patients with a sore mouth are more delicate than usual with their oral hygiene.

What you can do:

  • Thoroughly floss daily
  • Thoroughly brush your teeth at least twice daily
  • If your symptoms do not improve, you may need an antibiotic
Invisalign upper and lower aligners

Establish good oral health to avoid interrupting Invisalign treatment

If you are uncomfortable with our dentist, you can consider getting a second opinion on your new crown’s condition. Seek a resolution to avoid interrupting your Invisalign treatment to correct issues with your crown.

Best wishes.

Dr. Steven Brookser, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Baton Rouge, LA, sponsors this post.

 

My new dental crown feels weird and loose

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I’m frustrated because I had to relocate and switch dentists in the middle of Invisalign treatment. After examining my teeth, my new dentist recommended a crown for my bottom right first molar. She attached the crown but didn’t spend a lot of time checking my bite. She seemed in a hurry. My crown feels wobbly and doesn’t fit right. I can really feel it when I chew on the right side of my mouth. What should I tell my dentist to do to correct it? I’m worried that if she can’t get the crown right, I will have to switch dentists again and prolong my Invisalign treatment. Thank you. Autumn from Kansas

Autumn,

We understand your concerns about your dental crown and the frustration it is causing during Invisalign treatment. Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your crown to determine the cause of looseness and how to resolve it. But we are concerned because dentists dedicated to providing quality work will check a crown thoroughly before cementing it to your tooth.

When a dentist places a new crown, it should feel like a natural tooth. You shouldn’t notice the crown at all. If your crown is loose on the tooth, it will eventually fall off.

Reasons for a Loose New Dental Crown

If your new dental crown is loose, there are two possible causes—not enough tooth structure or a problem with cementing it.

  • Not enough tooth structure – If you don’t have enough healthy tooth structure to support a crown or if your dentist aggressively prepares your tooth, a crown can feel loose. The more a dentist tapers your tooth, the less likely it is to stay on. It takes a lot of precision for a dentist to prepare a tooth for a crown minimally.

    If your tooth is too small for a crown to adhere to it, a skilled dentist can build up the tooth for a secure bond.
  • Crown cement isn’t strong enough – It is possible that the cement was contaminated during the bonding process. Or something might have gone wrong during the bonding process. But in most cases, if a dentist prepares a tooth properly, even the weakest cement will hold.
Invisalign upper and lower aligners

Find a dentist with Invisalign experienced and advanced cosmetic dentistry training

Schedule an appointment for your dentist to check the crown. If she doesn’t have a satisfactory answer, schedule a second opinion with an experienced cosmetic dentist. Look for a dentist with advanced training in dental aesthetics and experience with Invisalign. If a dentist has experience in both areas, it can eliminate the need to find yet another dentist to resume your Invisalign treatment.

 

Steven Brooksher, DDS, of Baton Rouge, LA, sponsors this post.

 

Will Invisalign Work If I Have Missing Teeth?

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My bottom teeth are crooked. Two of my second bicuspids are primary teeth. One was painful, and my dentist extracted it. I’ll probably lose the other one soon. Also, I have a lower right molar that’s missing. I’m concerned about underbite and lack of space between my top and bottom teeth. Will Invisalign work if I have several missing teeth? I’m 47 years old, and I don’t want metal braces. Will I need dental implants too? Thanks. Joel from MO

Joel,

If you have missing teeth, Invisalign, and other types of invisible braces, will still work. But other factors determine if you’re a candidate for clear aligners.

Underbite and severe crowding can be obstacles to receiving Invisalign. Dentists vary in their willingness to take on those challenges with Invisalign. Orthodontists are more conservative and often shy away from the new technology. But expert orthodontists are on the Invisalign staff, and if they approve a case, Invisalign will work.

Visit two or three dentists who offer Invisalign or similar types of aligners to get their opinion on your case. Invisalign might close the spaces in your lower law and prevent the need for dental implants. Clear aligners might move your upper teeth out. It depends on the position of your teeth, though. Your dentist will take panoramic x-rays and send details about your case to the lab. You’ll get a treatment plan and learn what to expect. It can help you determine if you want to proceed with clear aligners or opt for low-profile braces.

Steven Brooksher, DDS, of Baton Rouge sponsors this post.

 

4 Suggestions to Get a Refund for Invisalign Treatment that Didn’t Work

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(Note – nothing in this post has anything to do with our practice. We do not know this patient and had nothing to do with her getting a refund. The person who wrote this post for us is not even in our office but is a remote free-lance writer that we have hired. We know nothing more about this case other than what is written here. The information is very helpful, but if you call us for more details, we regret that we will be unable to help you.)

In June 2018, I decided to get Invisalign to correct my midline and make room for veneers on my right and left lateral incisors to alter the shape. My dentist recommended Invisalign for 8 months. I finished the treatment, but my midline still wasn’t in the middle. So, my dentist ordered a new set of trays with the target of being completed in October 2019. And my midline still isn’t correct. Now I feel like I’ve wasted time and money.

My dentist admits that he is puzzled and can’t give me a reason that this isn’t working. I’ve paid over $4500 for treatment that didn’t work, and I still can’t get porcelain veneers until my midline is correct. Last month I had a consultation with an orthodontist, and she says that Invisalign won’t work for my case. She recommends low-profile braces instead. How do I get a refund? – Alayna from Huntsville, AL

Alayna,

Moving a midline can be complicated, and is probably not a case for Invisalign. Invisalign (or ClearCorrect, which we prefer) is an excellent treatment, but the company itself emphasizes that it isn’t right for every case where teeth need to be moved, and this is one of those cases where traditional braces are probably better. Invisalign leverages one tooth against another to straighten them. But moving a midline requires moving all the teeth in one direction.

Having said that, Invisalign and other types of invisible braces are often downplayed by orthodontists. Sometimes it’s because general and cosmetic dentists receive training to place non-traditional braces, and orthodontists are protective of their status and specialty.

Three verticle photos of a woman progressivly putting Invisalign trays on her teeth.

Advanced cosmetic dentists get great results with invisible braces

At times traditional braces are the most predictable way to move teeth, but invisible braces also work if you’re willing to accept the limitations. Many patients who refuse traditional braces prefer Invisalign or other brands of invisible braces, even if the results aren’t as exact as conventional braces. They just don’t want the hardware on their teeth. But a dentist, in accepting a case like that, should be forthright in explaining the limitations. It doesn’t look like that happened in your case.

Getting a Refund for Faulty Invisalign Treatment

So you’re in a situation now where you feel like you should get a refund. From what you’ve told us about your case, that sounds reasonable. Here’s how to go about that.

The reaction you’ll get when you request a refund depends on the dentist. Some are responsive and cooperative with refund requests, but others may become angry. Anticipate a negative response and consider the suggestions below.

  1. Be polite but straightforward in requesting a refund.
  2. If you are turned down, ask your new dentist or orthodontist to call and request a refund for you. If your Invisalign provider recognizes that another dentist is calling for you, it may help him see that your refund request is worthy of consideration.
  3. If that doesn’t work, tell your first Invisalign dentist that you will file a complaint with the state dental board and follow through.
  4. Hire a malpractice attorney.

Be polite but firm throughout the process.

This post is sponsored by Steven Brooksher, DDS, of Baton Rouge, LA. Read our Invisalign page to learn why he prefers ClearCorrect to Invisalign.