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POSTED UNDER Invisalign REVIEWS

Early Allergic Reaction, Better Now - New York, NY

ORIGINAL POST

My first set of aligners caused a severe allergic...

pdittyAugust 8, 2012
WORTH IT$3,000

My first set of aligners caused a severe allergic reaction. I had extraordinarily painful mouth sores and significant puffiness and swelling of my lips and cheeks. After consulting with my doctor and the Align company, I was notified that they would send me a new set of aligners that were essentially hypoallergenic. The new aligners have been MUCH better. Today is my last full day on the second set of aligners (2/16), and I've not experienced the bad reaction. Seems like I'm probably in the clear since it's been nearly one month without any issues.

The biggest recommendation I can make to new Invisalign wearers is to get yourself some chewies. Google this to find them online for purchase. I've noticed that the chewies get my trays to sit much more tightly on my teeth and minimize any speech issues they cause. When I don't use the chewies, I have much more of a lisp. It becomes a lot more subtle once I've used my chewies. Also, the tighter fit to the teeth makes the aligners visibly less obvious to other people. The most important time to use the chewies is with a new set of trays. I find that the better fit reduces the discomfort during the early days of a new set.

Replies (3)

Megan P
August 9, 2012

Good tip on the chewies, thanks for sharing that worked well for you.

I'm glad to hear they were able to get you some trays that you didn't have a reaction to. Did they happen to mention what the difference in material was?

pditty
August 9, 2012
They said the only difference was that the new trays were cut and washed by hand. Sounds like either they don't want to share information on the material OR their cutting and washing process produces some sort of residue that is the cause of the allergic reaction.
Megan P
August 10, 2012

That is interesting, appreciate you sharing what you know about it. :)

UPDATED FROM pditty

I'm nearly done with my third set of aligners. My...

pdittyAugust 21, 2012
I'm nearly done with my third set of aligners. My girlfriend keeps telling me that she can really notice a difference already. She's very impressed with the progress so far. Nearly six weeks into treatment with my hypoallergenic aligners...I couldn't be happier.

Replies (1)

Megan P
August 21, 2012

Thanks for updating us and letting us know all is going well for you. I'm so glad the trays you have are not giving you any issues!

UPDATED FROM pditty

Okay, so I had to start set 4 one day early...

pdittyAugust 27, 2012
Okay, so I had to start set 4 one day early because I got a crack in my lower aligner of set 3. Not a big deal. Overall, the tightness was the same as it always is for a new pair of aligners. One thing I've noticed is that I have a lot of trouble sleeping the first couple of nights with a new pair. The headache isn't terrible, but it's just annoying enough that it keeps me feeling a bit off. Then, of course, the sleep deprivation just makes it worse. Usually by day 3 or 4 I'm feeling fine again and sleeping well. But, I'm definitely trying not to schedule anything too important for the first day or so after starting a new pair of trays.

Replies (4)

Megan P
August 27, 2012

Awe, sorry to hear they are giving you a bit of trouble sleeping. :-/ I sometimes struggle with sleep for no good reason, so I can definitely sympathize with that! It seems most people recommend switching trays right before bed so you sleep through most of the discomfort of the new tray, but have you considered switching in the morning if it is interrupting your sleep? Might be worth a try?

pditty
August 28, 2012
Since the poor sleep lasts a couple days (not just the first night), I'm not sure it will help to switch in the morning. That will just increase the number of times I have to remove a new set of trays during those first 10-12 critical hours when my teeth are adjusting to them to the largest extent. I think it's just going to be part of the process for me. We're moving teeth, so it shouldn't be surprising that it causes headaches and impacts sleep for the first 2-3 days...
Megan P
August 28, 2012

It sounds like you are definitely taking it in stride. Glad you are able to see it as just a part of treatment and still move forward with it. :)

Kristen37
August 28, 2012
Wow, sounds like you had some drama there in the beginning. My Orthodontist actually gave me those chewies that you are talking about with each set of tray. Definitely help to get them on good & tight.
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