44 Year Old Going for Invisalign for 12 Months..... United Kingdom, GB

I am starting the process tomorrow and having my first aligners fit. I do hope that I can share the journey positively and relatively pain free! I have a front crown (the one that is lower than the other) which has a post into my jaw due to an infection as a child. The plan is to pull my other teeth forward to align with the front teeth. I have a narrow jaw so the smile should be wider...

Tray one in today (1 of 23). I have to change to tray 2 in 2 weeks, I go back to othodontist in 4 weeks time.
They feel ok, like pressure on my teeth, I took them out to eat lunch and already feeling a little tender after only a few hours....but all normal apparently. I have painkillers ready just in case.....

Just to add that I have not had any of the fixtures out on yet, we will do that at my next appointment. Added photo of aligners on,

Well...initial feedback from is that my teeth are tender but still happy with choice. I am managing 22-22.5 hours a day which is great, can't really see them (but no attachments until June), I can talk ok with them in, etc

I am still positive about doing this but a few little worries are creeping in.....

The main issue i had was last night...I kept on waking up as I was grinding my teeth/aligners in my sleep...I seemed to be gritting my teeth too!!?! I think I must do this anyway when I am stressed (have a stressful life...not by choice) but last night it was not good....I was waking up as obviously with my tender teeth the pain was enough to wake me up. Does anyone have any solutions to not grinding teeth?

My concerns on reading posts on here are 1) that at the end of treatment some people are being told that they need more trays (not just refinements but upto 20 more trays!).....and 2) I am worried that my bite will be different and cause issues.....

Anyway, stay focused on positive :-) think of those straight teeth...the ultimate goal!

I am hoping that it is a little like pregnancy....you count the days and weeks at the beginning...but then you just go with it and can't believe it went that quickly :-)
I am excited about this time next week when I will be getting ready for tray number 2....interested to see if there is any difference!
I am managing 22+ hours a day, apart from yesterday when I went to a meeting where I knew I would be self-conscious and took them out for 1hour and 20 mins (my longest) and wow did they hurt when I put them back in....well not so much 'hurt' but I knew that I had out them out if that makes sense! I made up for it though and actually managed to eat in that time period and so am planning at 23 hour day today!
So the good points after one week: I still think it's the right thing to do; not as obvious as I thought to others (although I get my attachments on in 3 weeks time so that might make a difference?); I am getting into a routine and 22 hours is not too much of an issue.
The not so good points after one week: Tender teeth....I guess steaks are off the menu for a while!; I was told just to rinse my trays with water...but no way! I brush them with toothpaste and a soft brush twice a day; still have slight lisp but nothing too bad; I have an earache and headache but not sure if it is related to the invisalign trays?!

Looking forward to getting through this week to start tray 2....

Well I thought I'd be losing weight as I can't snack.....but starting to binge eat when I take them out.....hhmmmm....need more self discipline I think :-)

Whe i do click them back in I feel pressure....but after a short period of time I can't feel any pressure ....so hope they are still working. Also I switched back to my electric toothbrush today...it was too sore a few days ago. But that said, I move to tray 2 in 4 days so I will be back of my soft toothbrush again I expect!

My main issue is cleaning the trays....I don't want them to be cloudy so not using denture cleaner....but I think they need more than a gentle brush which is all I am doing with some non abrasive toothpaste....I also worry that I am bending the trays when I clean them?

I will update when I start tray 2..

Well actually it's not that bad....but I decided to put them in (tray 2) after dinner so that when I take them out by my night time clean and then have them in overnight they have had several hours in place! But wow they were tight when I first put them in but now it's 2 hours later and they feel fine...I am sure that my teeth will be tender over breakfast and I will pop some painkillers before bed just in case....

I took pictures but no point in uploading as they is obviously no difference after 2 weeks...well not visibly anyway, so perhaps will upload new pics after 2 months to see where I am up to.

One thing I did notice....despite me brushing Tray 1 each time I took them out they do seem a little more cloudy and stained than my new very clean and clear Tray 2. I know it's only two weeks but if anyone has tips on keeping them looking as good as new...let me know!!

I go back to orthodontist in around 10 days time to have attachments on....not looking forward to that.....what is the major difference with them on? Better results? more pressure on teeth? or just sticky out blobs on teeth :-) ?

p.s. still binge eating too.....think I should exercise before bed!!

I am half way tray 2 and seems to be ok.....I have my appointment this coming Thursday for a heck up and attachments. Really not looking forward to attachments but will go with what works.

I am sticking to 22 hours.,,,sometimes longer than that...but have the occasional day (one day in 2 weeks) where it is more like 20-21 hours.....so I can sit and snack and have a glass of wine or two.....but I feel guilty and rush to get them back in....I notice that the pressure on the teeth is strong when I replace the trays but then after 15-20 mins all feels fine again. But I miss coffee during the day the most as I restrict myself to one cup a day now....and drink healthy water instead...I keep saying that I am protecting my investment.

I Am going on holiday in august for a week and doubt that the 22 hours will be kept to....I will obviously try but going for a leisurely breakfast each day and the restaurant for dinner....that is not in my control on timing.....it's going to be tough. Am going to suggest to orthodontist that I keep that tray in for a week longer to make up any time missed Afterwards but we'll see. :-)

Looking forward to getting my next trays though....bit little worried as my orthodontist is pregnant so not sure who will watch over my journey when she leaves.....a question on my list of things to ask!

One question I have is about what each tray will do....is that possible? I'm not sure that she knows this as I did ask whAt my teeth would like half way through but she said that she can't stop or pause the video film that as shown to me...so it's hard to tell!! But am going to ask the plan for each tray and hoping that the answers are not too difficult.

Update after attachments and tray 3....ooohhh worried about big blobs on my teeth.......

I keep reading reviews from people that thought invisalign was ok until they got their attachments...and the stories of permanent staining, difficulty in removing trays when they are in, how the 'braces' look so much more obvious with attachments in......and worst the PAIN for those with sensitive teeth both during the procedure and beyond......and I have sensitive teeth!! aarrrgggghhhh!

I have my list of questions for my orthodontist...but one of those is..."do I really really need the attachments?" The plan is to add quite a few on my top teeth... 10+ ....did anyone refuse them? I know I sound like a wimp after I keep saying "I will protect my investment and do whatever they say to have nicer teeth"....remember I want 'better teeth' not 'perfect teeth'....

Thoughts anyone?

I can't believe this but I have just taken trays out to compare set one and two....and I have forgotten which ones are which!,,,,

Do you know if they are numbered properly....if my tray says U 01n and U 02 n then can I assume they are trays upper one and 2 as per their number? Gosh I am so stupid! Anyone know what on earth I do?....

Oh want to cry

What a big fuss pot I am! Firstly, my mad confusion over which tray was silly....of course I had it right but I think the worry of today and the attachments had me stressed :-)

Then my worry about attachments...and now they are on...not on the two front teeth but quite alot on the sides (top and bottom)....it wasn't too bad but I have noticed 3 things: 1) trays are much tighter...but better results I suppose, 2) one attachment has already come off! So I have to go back tomorrow to get it re-done...and 3) one tooth that has an attachment is covered in the glue/cement stuff...and I am wondering to ask the orthodontist to polish it off (not the attachment but the glue stuff all over the entire tooth?

Here are the questions and answers from today's appointment with my orthodonist.....
Q: the gum above my crown seems to be sore, can I file the tray over that tooth so that it does not tooth my gum.
A: it does look sore but the trays need to go over the top of the tooth to get good results, see how it goes in the next week or so....also tray 3 seems to fit a little lower on that tooth so hopefully it was just a one off with tray 2.

Q: Have you heard of Accelledent? and can I use it?
A: Many orthodontists in the UK prefer not to use Accelledent when there is a lot of movement (ie: more than 6 months planned movement of teeth) because of the roots of the tooth - we need to respect them and it is important not to rush things, so we prefer not to recommend this for your particular treatment plan.

Q: I have noticed that many people have lots of refinement trays - I worry that I may end up with a lot...remember I want straighter teeth...not perfect teeth!
A: Firstly, lots of people work with invisalign - including regular dentists that follow a plan devised by the computer system without understanding the detail that a professional orthodontist would. For your treatment plan I talked to invisalign in advance based on your x-rays and desires, checked their plan and tweaked it a little before the final appointment with you. I am not saying that there will not be refinements...but I would not expect more than 4-5 trays. 85% of my patients using invisalign have not needed refinements.

Q: can I have whitening treatment during invisalign, I only want 2-3 shades whiter..nothing drastic or false looking!
A: Yes, there are a number of options on whitening, I would recommend we get to the end of the 23 trays first, we could use tray 23 (last tray) as a tray for whitening...but let's get to the end, polish the attachments off and then decide on the whitening plan.

Q: will the attachments stain?
A: towards the end of the plan (23 trays) I would expect that they look a little yellow yes, but we can polish these off, I have not had anyone with permanent staining. The main thing is to polish around the attachment to not leave residue on the tooth other than the 'button' (Note: I have 2 teeth that are covered in addition to the button so I will mention this too!)

So there we have it, I now have tray 3 in and have been given trays 4,5,6,7 too....but my next appointment is in 9 weeks time......apart from having the attachment checked that I think has come off already!

I have compared Tray 7 to tray 1 and my upper teeth will move quite a bit! Instead of a V shaped jaw it will be more of an U....if that makes sense?

Feeling sore but happier!

Thanks for listening....and hope this helps someone out there!

N

Well I have had attachments for one week now and whilst I don't like them, they are prominent, are rough when eating......actually they are not as bad as I thought! I have two that are quite noticeable and a couple of people (friends) have asked what they are..but they are a small price to pay. I had to have one replaced that came off on the same day I had them...but that was okay, especially as I knew what to expect this time.

This week I went to my daughters school for an event and they offered snacks and refreshments for the parents...that was hard as I had to keep on politely refusing (no-where to really take my braces out or clean teeth)...so little things like that bother me but in the scheme of things - fairly small issues!

I can see some small movements that have already happened and that is exciting...I have worked out my dates for 25% and 50% of the way through the trays and that is when I plan to upload the latest pics.....although I am quite obsessed at taking pictures of my teeth :-) , as we are trying to widen my smile, my back teeth are moving the most at the moment.

So...
25% of the way through is July 25th and I will be on tray 6
50% of the way though is October 17th and hopefully will be tray 11
75% is January 2nd (hope I can keep them in 22 hours a day over christmas!!!)
100%/Completion is set for the end of March/early April 2015....and possibly some refinements....and possibly a replacement crown on the front tooth....

I know I should not be wishing days away but be good to see the comparison on all of these dates :-)

Bye for now....

I just thought - wow Tray 4 is that all? But then I think...well actually it has been 6 weeks and about to enter week 7/8 with Tray 4...I suppose I was born impatient!

Here is what I have learned so far:

1) attachments are not as bad as I thought, I suppose you can get used to anything!
2) I miss coffee (still drink it but not as much)
3) I grind my teeth in the night and often wake up due to trays
4) snacking is out....binge eating is in..
5) I worry about the gum above my 2 front teeth (one has a crown) and it seems to be irritated
6) you forget you're wearing them - and hardly anyone notices them
7) don't worry about the lisp...it gets better...and again you notice it more than anyone else...just don't say words like "specifically" and "sea shells" haha!
8) teeth hurt for 1-3 days after a new tray...but then 'normalise' again.
9) it's okay to study your teeth more...it is not OCD just a healthy interest in your investment :-)
10) any dentist/orthodontist that says you only need to rinse your trays with water....has never had invisalign personally. They need to be cleaned!

latest pics attached...no major changes

Well things going ok...my crown is still lower but I'm not too concerned as I plan to replace this at the end. More soon.....

Having posted such a good pic last time I am not worried a little that actually my teeth look a little strange? My bite is not as good as it was...although I am trying to console myself that I am only tray 7 of 23 and that things may get worse before better.....

I have posted the following pictures for comment/opinion?
1) Top Tray 1 and 7 to show the plan
2) Smile May 8th (before invisalign) and Aug 3
3) Open mouth showing teeth (but hoping I won't pull this face too often!!)

You can see that my crown looks lower that the rest (but this was always the case and I can aways replace it at the end). But I think that my teeth look longer and that maybe my gums are receeding a little all over? I guess gums don't grow back :-(

Well I just got back for a week in Portugal and ended up wearing tray 8 for 4 days longer than usual....I did this as my normal 22 hours was reduced to around 19-20....but I was 10 days into tray 8 when I arrived on holiday but When I got to day 14 I did not want to put a new tray in and not give it time to settle in as I knew that I had less control over eating times etc. I also have tray 10 and 11 ready....and have my next appointment when I am 7 days into tray 11. As I have 23 trays then tray 11 will mean I am almost half way through....so will post next picture then :-)

Funny thing was when on holiday I was sat on edge of pool and chatted to another lady and I noticed she was wearing invisalign :-) I did say normally I would. To have noticed but I am obsessed with teeth...she was on tray 15/28 and her teeth looked amazing to me.....but I suppose we all notice or own faults don't we.

Anyway all is going well and I also had a great holiday :-)

I will update later just posting pics

I am still on tray 10 (see my last pics) with tray 11 due to go in at the weekend. So far I am happy with the progress. I don't notice changes until I look back either at my teeth before...or compare tray 1 with tray 11 and then I can see the changes.

The most challenging parts for me are:

1) my impatience for better teeth NOW!!
2) not being able to nibble and snack during the day (I am now a binge eater at meal times)
3) on holiday and not having the trays in as long as normal.

Let me explain how I managed to get through the holiday without have a negative effect on invisalign progress.

Prior to the holiday I had decided that I would plan changing my trays around the forthcoming holiday. I knew, for example, there would be little point in changing to a new tray before holiday. I decided to extend my usual 2 weeks to 3 weeks instead so that Here are some tips that I found useful though:

1. try not to stress when you know that they are out for longer than normal! This happened in the first day or two when a leisurely breakfast could take up to an hour (instead of normal 10 mins grab and run). As long as you pop them back in and keep them in for a prolonged period (a few hours) afterwards then don't worry! It will ruin your holiday!

2. My normal major clean and floss after eating was replaced with quick floss (and sometimes I didn't do this) and rinse before putting them back into walk back to the hotel....I did this with the knowledge that I would give them a good clean and floss when I was back at the hotel. I found that cleaning and flossing in the public bathrooms was not my favourite thing in Portgual...so preferred a quick version of this. It could take 30 mins to stroll back and I would prefer trays in uncleaned that not at all (do I hear gasps of urrggghh disgusting? :-) for me it was better than the hassle the otherway around)

3. I also had a big breakfast which meant that I could skip lunch...or just have a snack for 5-10 mins which made up on the time I was wearing them.

4. dinner was the biggest pain as I wanted to have a few drinks too! But I always took the trays out at the last moment possible and put them back in after dinner.

5. I also suffered and drank water on the plane whilst my family/friends had a glass of something stronger :-) but I focused on protecting my investment and thought of straighter teeth!

Overall, I was at around 20 hours instead of 22 per day....but now I am back on track (even though I am a week behind the original plan now)
Hope this helps people?

I am collecting my next set of Trays on October 11th so will update then.

Good luck fellow invisaligners...

I started tray 11 and I noticed that after starting tray 10 and now tray 11 I do not have the usual tender teeth for the first 1-3 days.....maybe this is because only small adjustments?

I am really looking forward to getting my new sets of trays and asking my orthodontist my next set of mid-way questions (I am almost 50% of the way through the planned 23)....yay!!!

This week I had an appointment with my dentist and also my orthodontist...

The dentist thankfully said that my teeth are healthy and said that we should wait until the end of my invisalign journey before discussing my crown or any other 'cosmetic' treatment. I mentioned that on a tooth that had turned there seemed to be brown staining. He said it was not a cavity but where my teeth used to be so tight together...he said that we could discuss that at the end of the treatment and not to worry.

I then saw my orthodontist and she is happy with progress...I started tray 12 of 23 and was given trays 13,14,15 and 16.

I specifically asked the following questions:

1) one front tooth (not my crown) seems to be sticking out more than it used to, why is that? She answered that it needs to tilt forward to allow the tooth next to it to move but that it will move back in towards the end tray.

2) the tooth next to my crown has been hidden behind my crown and as it emerges for the first time In many years it is an odd shape and I can see it will have quite a gap at the top. She said that she can see my concern and that we can discuss cosmetic options at the end of invisalign...but we should not do this until we see the results. I was told not to worry too much (I'm now half way through) as often things look worse before they look better!

3) my bottom teeth seem to look worse! Especially at the front bottom the gap (big black triangle) ...the answer was the least encouraging.....apparently my bottom teeth may be like this as they had to widen to ensure that my bite remains accurate (my top jaw was/is narrow but bottom jaw is not). My gums are healthy but do recede over the years and can not grow back.

So basically I think that my bottom teeth currently look worse and what if they get worse and the triangles get bigger and more obvious between my teeth? I read that it is possible to put something on the side of the teeth to widen them? Or make them look this way? I hear that the main resin people don't like invisalign are the new gaps.......triangle teeth and black areas of gaps.....

My final question as about my crown and that it now looks even lower than it used too....I was told that this was not an issue at all, if it does not adjust we will replace....and she still thinks it is moving as planned....

So that's my update.....

As requested here are 2 pics, bottom teeth black triangle...and my latest smile :-)

In answer to a earlier question, my bottom teeth are being widened but not as much as my narrow top jaw. I remain concerned about my bottom black triangle but I am trying to remember that I was told often things look worse before they get better. I will photo my trays this week to show what I mean. For now have added latest teeth pics.

I have been comparing to when I started to end tray 14 which is where I am now. my smile is getting wider and actually it is strange as I have been used to a narrow smile for such a long time. When I take my trays out and smile in the mirror I can see TEETH...does that make sense? ie: I seem to have more teeth than before and it is actually weird! Having spent so many years hiding my teeth I am actually feeling more conscious of them now and although I am happy with my invisalign journey I am currently feeling nervous about the end results.

Anyway have posted the latest comparison pictures....and included one of the top tray 1 and top tray 14 that I have just completed.

I am due to see my orthodontist after tray 16 and I am already listing my questions for her and will post full questions and answers then...

Well....i am normally sooo good but I had them out for hours on Christmas day! and out longer than usual on other days too! I am now back on track and decided to keep tray 17 (of 23) in a week longer than usual as I owe it to my teeth and my investment to get this right.

My next appointment is February 6th. The pictures today are from today after 2 and 2 days of Tray 17. I already have trays 18,19 and 20 and it is exciting to see that I am getting close to tray 23. However, I do feel that I may need refinement or little tweaks at the end. I have odd shaped teeth next to my front two teeth at the top (probably as they have been hidden behind my other teeth for so many years)...but it will mean I will have a few black triangle gaps that I would like to avoid. That said, I am happy with things and glad I am on this journey.

I worry a little about the last few months and trays and how the fitting will be for a retainer. Will my teeth move before the retainer arrives or do invisalign base it on the last tray and send it in advance? I would like to perhaps consider a few refinements but only if it is 6-8 weeks extra. More than that might be demotivating.....but anyway we will see how the gaps looks at the end.

What do others think of my progress?