CraftyMama

It's a HUGE Commitment - Ocala, FL

The time goes by faster than you realize. Some days it feels like it will never end, but then you have a bunch of really good days. You'll develop your own method of removing them, cleaning them, and doing everything else. Good luck. There's lots of people on here that will support you and help you in any way we can.

I think one thing people don't realize when they get Invisalign...with traditional braces, the normal wear time is around 2 years. As a teenager, I wore my braces for 2-1/2 years before they were removed--and they appeared straight to me all during the last year. I then wore the retainer off and on for another 2 years until it broke and I never replaced it. My teeth didn't start to shift until I had some crowns/fillings put in (around age 45). With Invisalign, I'll only be wearing them less than 12 months...so wearing the "retainer" for another year--even if it's 'full-time', is about the same time as if I had traditional braces (without the hassle of braces). My ortho even recommends wearing a retainer at night for the rest of your life, even for traditional braces. Like Barbara stated, "I'll do whatever it takes for it not to be a waste of money" and for me...NOT to have my teeth shift back. Too often I think we want a quick and easy fix. While Invisalign gives us straight teeth fairly quickly, we need to give our teeth/gums time to adjust to and retain that new smile.

I agree with the additional time statement. However, it is one advantage over brackets. If I have a special dinner, I know that into the 2nd week of a set, I can leave them out for 1-2 hours without any problem. I try to wear them the recommended time during the first week. It seems to help. I don't keep them out long very often, but it is an advantage (I feel) to traditional braces. I've added about 2-3 weeks to my treatment (I'm now into month 9 and have about 3-4 months to go).

His statement was that he was being charged $6,800 TOTAL for invisalign. I was saying that I felt it was about $1,500 to $2,000 TOO much. Most people tend to pay between $4,500 and $5,200 for their Invisalign treatment. I wasn't saying it should only cost him $1,500 to $2,000. Sorry for the confusion.

Like you said, everyone has their own cleaning methods. Just in case you want to try it...I use about 2/3 water to 1/3 peroxide (just enough to cover the trays) and soak the trays when I'm at home. Then I lightly brush them, using a bit of mouthwash to make them "smell" better. Been doing it for 8 months with no problems, and they stay bright as ever. I also have been wearing my final bottom tray for over 2 months now and they look just as nice/clean as my new top ones. Thought I would share...just in case you want to try it. BTW, I get the peroxide at Dollar Tree. Cheap price.