“Just Started but Great So Far - Milwaukee, WI”

I just received my first set of Invisalign Retainers this week. These are my current observations:

COST: I thought that cost was very reasonable given that normal braces are also right around this same cost. My dental insurance covered $1,500 and I had some additional discounts. My actual out of pocket cost ended up being $2090.00!!

LENGTH OF TIME: I am going to address this two different ways. It took approximately 6 weeks to get my aligners back. I wish that it was faster but overall, it was fast enough. Secondly, I will need to have the aligners in for 28 weeks or 14 aligners. My bite is perfect but my biggest concern was the gap between my front teeth and just get a great smile. I thought 28 weeks was awesome timing.

PAIN: I am really only experiencing moderate to low discomfort at this time. The only time that I experience pain is when I am taking the aligners in and out.

MAINTENANCE: It is kind of a pain that you have to brush and floss all of the time. It is great you can take them out but it can be a hassle

OVERALL: I think it's totally worth it. I saw the model of what my teeth should look like and I am very happy with it. Overall, the pros outweigh the cons!

Updated on 16 Mar 2011:
UPDATE 03/16/2011

I just started my newest set of aligners and I find that I am in the most pain when they are first put back in after eating/drinking. This is only for the first day or two. I really do recommend putting in the aligners at night before you go to bed. This gives your teeth time to adjust while you are sleeping. Pop some ibuprofen about 30 minutes before putting them in and you will be good to go!

Updated on 5 Apr 2011:
UPDATE 04/05/2010 Tray #3

Ok, I received my third set of trays today AND they put 4 buttons on my teeth. After reading reviews, I was VERY concerned about how noticeable and painful this would be. In my opinion, they are barely noticeable!!! I am not experiencing pain or pressure from them either. I did ask the girl who works as my Ortho if it's weird I'm not experiencing pain and she said that I don't have much crowding and every case is different. I have noticed today that my front teeth feel "loose". The Ortho said that I had nothing to worry about because my teeth are moving and not completely set yet.

If I have one negative during this third set is that the buttons are rough on the inside of your lip. The less time that you have them out, the better.

Also, I have been breaking some rules! I have been drinking beer or other clear liquids with my Invisalign in during a night out. I do brush my teeth in the bathroom every few hours and swish my mouth with water while drinking periodically. There is no build up or discoloration on the aligners. I have been careful to not drink juice or anything with color additives. I don't want to have them out for long periods and I'd rather break a rule that's not hurting anything....at least, that I can tell....

Updated on 14 Jun 2011:
06/14/2011

Ok, everyone, I received my 8th set of trays today! I am happy to announce that I only will likely have 3 more sets left. He had planned for 6 more sets but the last three were to fill any potential gaps, my ortho does not think that I will have any!! Woohooooo! We also do not think that any refinement will be needed.

My process with Invisalign has been amazing so far. My teeth have moved very quickly. They have helped with my confidence. Previously, I really wouldn't get compliments on my smile but since beginning Invisalign, I have! They tell me how I have a great smile.

That compliment makes Invisalign worth it!

I will admit that I have not been wearing them as much as I should be. I have been wearing them probably closer to 18-19 hours a day. It has not seemed to make a difference.

So far, so good and not much longer to go!