we spend so much money on so many trivial things decided to invest in my smile. Only con that I can think of is a little bit of a lisp for the first couple of months. don't be deterred it gets better. I have not had any pain as some had mentioned. it's almost too easy. just don't forget to brush and floss. make sure you have a travel kit so you can always be prepared. Updated on 21 Jun 2015: when I found out I had 65 trays I just couldn't believe it. I thought, are my teeth that messed up. But if you want something you need to work at it, so I decided to just do it. Take pictures of your progress it will keep you motivated. In the beginning you will see little of no progress but within 3 months you will start to see results. If you were to ask me if Invisaline is invisible I would say for the most part yes. I have attachments on my teeth and no one has mention anything only people who know are the people that I've told.I waited for the longest time for one of my friends to call me out on it. the joke was the winner would get a bottle of wine so far looks like I'll be drinking it myself. Updated on 8 Jul 2015: Just a quick update. I'm starting tray 16 today and as usual, no pain no pressure. Sometimes I wonder if anything is happening. Updated on 8 Jul 2015: Updated on 14 Jul 2015: Just happened to notice a small space between my lower tooth and tray. This tooth was very crooked and still far from completely straight. On my last visit to my ortho I had a IPS procedure where the lower teeth were filed or as my ortho said polished. This was needed so the teeth would have enough space to move in to proper position. Just wondering if its still making some contact with surrounding teeth creating additional resistance and not moving ias intended?? Updated on 12 Aug 2015: Just a quick update, With Invisalign results are often slow and hard to see. As a result I find it very useful to keep a photo journal. Results are easiest to see when looking back three months. Photos below will show the difference between May 1st and August 1st. Updated on 10 Sep 2015: Just a quick update, after speaking with my ortho regarding lower tooth not tracking properly. I will continue using the current set trays provided. My ortho believes because I have so many trays till completion that my lower tooth will eventually straighten. If necessary I will have refinement trays. Updated on 6 Oct 2015: Not much to report. Looks like my upper teeth are starting to straighten. I have a upper tooth that is rotated and is slowing down any visual progress with the front upper teeth. Most people still don't notice that I'm wearing aligners,I suppose another year until completion is not a big deal. Hoping the finished product will meet my expectations. Updated on 5 Aug 2018: Still doing my Invisalign treatment. After completing my 65 trays I'm now on refinement trays 22 of 24. It's taking much longer than expected and I don't think I'll be done for another six to eight months. I'm still enjoying watching the progress of my teeth shift but still not happy with my results yet as my Upper Front Teeth are still very crooked.
Depending on what types of tooth movement was done, and because you are an older patient, you should wear retainers. I have my patients wear them 6 months full time, and for a long time at night. You can start to taper off by experimenting with how long you can leave them off without the retainer feeling tight when placed back in. You may be able to get to 1 day per week after a few years. For long term retainer wear, I do not use the Vivera type retainers as they wear out from chewing or grinding at night. I usually use a Hawley type retainer with an ASTICS clear wire across the front of the teeth.
It looks as though you have what is known as a deep bite. The lower teeth probable bite on the back surface of the upper right canine, forcing it out of line. I would rather use fixed appliances in your case, but if you insist on removable appliances, I would use Invisalign. Invisalign will work, but make sure your orthodontist is highly skilled in using Invisaline as your case can be a little tricky.
In theory, all types of braces: fixed metal, fixed clear, or removable Invisalign can close gaps equally well. The orthodontist must determine what type of appliance will work best for your teeth. In my office, if Invisaline is not the best choice, I use SimpliClear clear braces and clear wires, not metal braces.
In some circumstances, buttons can be placed on the inside for both fixed braces and Invisalign. It depends on what direction the orthodontist is applying force to the teeth. You should ask the orthodontist if this is an option for you.
The rule is: do not eat food hard enough to break the braces. Generally prohibited food is similar to Jolly Rancher candy, bones, pretzel nuggets, pen caps, etc. There is no complete list, just remember do not chew very hard food.
