Invisalign Process for 40+ Year Old Professional - Seattle
I'm a 40+ year old male who has decided to finally...
I'm a 40+ year old male who has decided to finally address crooked teeth, fangs, and other unhappy aspects of my smile. I've just started the Invisalign process.
I began by going to 3 consultations with reputable orthos in Seattle. All of the doctors arrived at the conclusion that Invisalign would help me get a substantial improvement in the orientation of the teeth, but would not help with the bite. That would take braces.
Given my job (and age, I suppose), I'm just not prepared to have metal mouth like I had in my teens. I picked my orthodontist based on referrals from 2 friends and my dentist (Dr. Zerngast on Mercer Island).
Today I had my first appointment (think it cost $400) to get panos and other xrays, as well as molds that are used to get my first set of Invisalign aligners (not retainers, as I keep calling them). I'll keep updating along the way, but I'm looking at 2 years of this!
Replies (4)
Good job researching & going with the treatment option that best suited you. Great pictures - it looks like the assistant that took your impressions did a great job at getting some nice clear molds for you (at least judging by the upper).
How long till you get your first set of trays?
hmm, I think it's a ways out. Don't worry, I love RealSelf and will faithfully keep updating
I've considered invisalign as well, but am concerned that it will cause a slight lisp. Is this true?
Good luck throughout your journey. Looking forward to reading more!
Attended the consultation where I was shown the...
Pretty amazing if they can close my bite with plastic!
Replies (3)
Thanks for posting your Clincheck. It is great to be able to see what the expected outcome is even before starting treatment, isn't it?!
I owe an update...On tray 3, kinda finally getting used to them. Still have some embarrassing moments trying to get the aligners off in front of others. Hate the chewies. Too early to tell if the teeth are moving in the right direction
Ok, not being able to try the samples at WholeFoods definitely gets huge amounts of sympathy from me - that is plain sad!! I'm pretty sure there must be a stipulation in the Invisalign treatment plan that states 22 hours of wear, unless one has a trip to WholeFoods planned, then 21.5 hours is perfectly acceptable. ;)
It can be really hard to see differences, especially in your own teeth when you are looking everyday, so don't let that discourage you - just keep up with the good wear and watch your Clincheck video periodically to remind yourself of why you are putting yourself through this. My guess is it'll all be worth it in the long run.
I'm on aligner 5 and learning along the way that...
This better be working!
Congrats! We'll be watching for updates. Please post before pictures so we can follow with you on your journey to the smile.