It is only 5 now and an undetermined amount later

Exactly . I too which I had had that treatment

He has an impinging overbite . He may not be in pain that is great , but those lower teeth can still be hitrinf hard to cause damage . Agree on the expansion. Yes a bit more for treatment twice , but you will get a better result not trying to do ALL of the bite correction at a later age

In Indiana it is the same cost . You want an orthodontist who went to school for two years longer for that specialty . The dentist is suggesting Invisalign because they have a product called Invisalign assist . An orthodontist on staff does the electronic treatment plan and your general dentist gets to profit from it . It is a great option if you wear them 22 h/d if not get braces . Curious about Overbite amount ( it’s a percentage of the lower teeth that the upper teeth cover ) reducing your overbite helps protect your teeth from wearing down in your later years . ( Overjet is how far the upper teeth stick out from the lowers ) . Don’t hesitate to get a second opinion! Good luck!

Do you want to only hold your teeth in the current position with retainers ? Or fix the alignment ? At our office that is what I would ask you . If you are only wanting to keep everything where it is there are many types of “retainer insurance “ . Ours is called retainer guarantee . It is trademarked and in multi states . Once you enroll for a fee ( ours is $920) you are covered for ten years , can have as many as you want you just pay $26 when we make them . If you say improve alignment , that is more than a retainer , then you are dealing with a short series of aligners . What state do you live in ?

Chat gbt will tell the user what they want to hear . It appeals to flattery and the emotions of the person asking questions . I know a 35 year old adult with perfect teeth that wore an over the counter mouth guard too may hours in a day and it changed her bite and it was unable to be fixed by orthodontics alone again . Keep wearing your retainers and good luck to you!

It is hard to determine . If you continue you are at risk . Factors include the actual finished result of your teeth , what type of retainers , how active your habit is . I would worry that an open bite or protective teeth would creep back

It is very difficult to take a back molar and bring it forward to close space . Sometimes it can be done with a mini screw implant in the bone . I would go for an implant in that space

Form follows function . So yes if you continue to have a finger habit it will cause tooth movement and protrusion .

Best option is removable upper and lower retainer for nighttime wear . Replace every 2 years or so to keep tight

Ha ha good tip ! Same in my town but cool

I have recently started that also . Is it like the forte that you sprinkle on the food ?

Yes bonded is permanent and yes a clear one over

I re read your first comment again . I am sorry you feel unheard . So frustrating as a patient . A couple of thoughts . A doctor never wants someone to suggest their own treatment option . I feel like they stop listening even if it is a good suggestion . They are doctors . Instead say , I would be willing to put braces back on . I think that is better for me personally than wearing this clear retainer full time . And because you had spaces I recommend you get a bonded retainer as well as something removable to wear on top to keep spaces closed .

I am not sure what you mean by dragging them down . But I agree with you trying to fix things with clear retainers after can be like chasing your tail unless the adjustment is minor . At times brackets can be more efficient . My concern is if your bite doesn’t feel right and they are not willing to talk about that go and get a second opinion . It sucks that the place you already paid won’t make it right , but your bite can affect things in the future . Then if your second opinion states the same info it will put you at ease

Likely your rubber bands will be given to you at a date in the future

I have been in orthodontics since 1986 . Expanders are absolutely necessary to avoid permanent extractions and make room for impacted canines . There is no wrenching . There is a suture in the palate . Much like the soft spots in a baby’s head . The plates are not fused because the brain will grow . The palate suture is like two puzzle pieces sitting there ( Google the image) this does not fuse until someone is done growing . That is why expansion is used in children. With one adjustment a day there is no pain . I have seen this used on thousands of kids including my own son . Hit me with your questions . Also fun fact expansion has been around since the 1920s , the devices just keep updating .

My office has had success with using Invisalign first for our young underbite patients . It may not be feasible in your sons case , but worth inquiring