15 Tray Journey To Fix A Crossbite & Crowding

I started Invisalign December 29, 2008. This was a loooong overdue for me & I'm really excited about finally having them. I have crowding and a crossbite. The crowding is because of 2 impacted molars on the bottom (as can be seen in my X-ray)--they will have to be removed eventually before they cause more crowding. I have also attached pics of my teeth as the "Before," so you guys can see my condition.

Since I can't provide an after right now, here is a video of my clin-check which is supposed to be the final product in about 8-9months (it's 3 seconds long)

Since I have crowding, I need some of my teeth shaved on the sides to help movement and that begins on the 7th tray. I'm a little nervous about that because once you shave, you can't get it back..sooo precision is a MUST.

Pros:

1. Increased my care for oral hygiene because I'm brushing after every meal basically--it's gross having food trapped btwn your teeth and the tray (I usually brush my teeth and the trays, then pop them back in and swish listerine around in my mouth for 1min...for some reason it prolongs the freshness lol)

2. No pain at all for me (so far), just pressure...

3. Affordable because of a payment plan from a bank ($95/mnth)

4. Not all that visible as opposed to having wires in your mouth

Cons:

1. Can't eat or drink colored/hot liquids with them in--ALTHOUGH I have gotten away with eating things you dont have to chew (yogurt, icecream, mashed potatoes, etc)..and it's a way to drink liquids other than water and not get it trapped in the trays--I just tilt m head back. I'm sort of a rebel lookin for options because taking my trays in and out every time I want to eat is tiring.

2. Caused me to develop a lisp when I speak...my orthodontist told me it will disappear...I don't think it will until this is over with

3. I have 4 enamel-colored bumps on my teeth (where the trays grip) they can be seen if you're at a good distance (check out my clin-check video to see what I mean)

4. Chaps my lips A LOT...I really dont know why...

I chose this because I wanted something that was going to be fast (8-9mnths as opposed to 14mnths-2yrs with reg. braces); because my teeth made my smile/lips crooked--so I would look awkward in pics; because I don't really have a severe case; and because my condition was going to get worse as I aged (and by the time I'm 35 I WOULD have a severe case).

So overall, it's too early for me to say I'm satisfied--but I'm doing well so far.

I hope this review is helpful. =)