I have finished my Invisalign treatment. I loved both the treatment and the results. Currently, I am getting retainers every four months. I will be honest and tell you that, though I have loved the Invisalign, I did not love my Invisalign dentist. Now that I am done with it, is it possible for me to switch dentists? If so, does it need to be an Invisalign dentist or can anyone help me with the aligners?
Carolyn
Dear Carolyn,
I am glad you enjoyed your Invisalign treatment. It has one of the highest patient satisfaction rates around. As for switching dentists, you can do that at any time you want. In fact, your dentist is ethically obligated to cooperate with your new dentist. This will include providing all of his notes and diagnostics that he’s done to whomever you choose. You would actually be allowed to switch even if you were still in the middle of your Invisalign treatment.
Your new dentist would not have to be Invisalign certified, but it certainly would make things easier. Let’s say for argument’s sake that your dentist does not cooperate and provide the materials. The good news is that it will not be hard to make a retainer even without any of the previous information. All that has to happen is a new impression be taken. Then they’ll create a model from that and send it off to the lab.
If you are using clear aligners for your retainers, you can ask your dentist to provide you with some teeth whitening gel. The aligners can double as teeth whitening trays. This will allow you to whiten your teeth at a fraction of the cost.
This blog is brought to you by Des Moines Dentist Dr. Phelan Thomas.