Q.
I damaged my front teeth in a cycling accident in Dec 2011. UR1 was fractured, breaking off about 2/3 of the crown, This has a temporary composite build up with a plan to crown it. UR1 was left retroclined and my endodontist recommended having it straightened. UL1 needed RCT by endodontist as I had a nasty abcess about a week after the accident.

I’d like advice on othodontic devices. My GP dentist referred me to a hospital orthodontist who suggested either add a veneer to the retroclined tooth, a 6 tooth train track for 4 months or a short course of Invisalign (or similar). He also commented that I had mild crowding on the lower incisors. I have always had a big gap between my upper central incisors and he suggested that this could be addressed at the same time as delaing with the retroclined tooth.

I was then referred to a local private orthodontist who recommended Invisalign Lite as being the safest option for the most gentle movement and I was due to start treatment this month. However, her practice went into liquidation about a week after seeing her so had to start all over again with a new practice.

The second practice, where two orthodontists wanted to see me to consider the best options have a different view. One suggestion was to leave the upper teeth for 5 years to monitor vitality. The say Invisalign provides uncontrollable forces that might be too strong and would not prescribe this. The only brace they are prepared to use is a 6 tooth Damon for about 6 months, and at the same time recommend a 6 tooth lingual brace at the bottom as I have 90% overbite as well as crowding.

I’m struggling to find research papers on the forces provided by various systems, or safety post-trauma, but I’d welcome a view on the Invisalign Lite v Damon upper and lingual lower options. The latter is much more expensive even though only the front six teeth are being moved.

Thanks!!