“So Far So Good - Massachusetts”

It has been 10 days since I started the invisalign treatment and I'm getting used to the whole regimen. The first night I had dinner out with friends and it was a little awkward going to the bathroom before food arrived to take out the aligners but I did drink a glass of wine and had water while they were in.

I am a big coffee drinker so I also drink warm (not hot) coffee or iced coffee with no problem, just making sure I drink water afterward to minimize the residual coffee/sugar that could stay in the aligners.

I have 10 attachments which were placed the first day. This was the main discomfort for me as they rub on your cheeks while eating. I am getting used to it so not too difficult now. In 2 months I will go back to the orthodontist to have my teeth filed to create spaces due to the overcrowding. This process takes the place of extraction which I like very much.

My insurance covered 1500 so my total cost is 4000. My orthodontist also mentioned that he will "tweek" the results with traditional braces if necessary(no added cost) at the end but feels the results should be good. I will have a total of 15 aligners for aprox. 31 weeks (9 months) not too bad.

I wanted traditional braces due to the cost difference and the fact that it seemed like less care vs. removing for every meal and brushing etc. My dentist and orthodontist felt it was best for me as I have prexisting problems from grinding and since you can't wear a mouthguard with traditional braces, this would give me some protection at night. Also, I am currently having other dental work done and this allows easy access to the teeth and gums for my dentist.

I have serious crowding of my lower teeth and overlaping of my front teeth. This happened over the years from my wisdom teeth coming in. (They didn't need to be removed for this) Nobody seems to notice that I am wearing them and when I mention to my co-workers(since they see me with my toothbrush everyday after lunch) they are surprised. I am looking forward to to the end results and like the computer technology used to show your progress.