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POSTED UNDER Invisalign REVIEWS

Great Invisalign Experience so far! - Alameda, CA

ORIGINAL POST

I started Invisalign in early September. I quickly...

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Vjv1November 24, 2012
WORTH IT$4,750

I started Invisalign in early September. I quickly adjusted although all the tooth brushing gets old really fast. But I have had very little pain and I imagine that Invisalign is superior to wire braces. I can already see progress and I am very excited. Love my dentist and the whole experience. By the way, I am 54 years old and have wanted to straighten my teeth my whole life. I am so happy to be finally doing it!

Vjv1's provider

Gurit Randhawa

Vjv1

Vjv1 ratings

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I met him at a community festival (he had a booth) and I asked him if I would need to have teeth extracted to get invisalign since I have pretty crowded teeth. He said no, I would not need to have any extractions. I checked out his website and internet ratings and went for it. He is an orthodontist and does a lot of Invisalign. I also like that he treats a lot of adults.

Replies (22)

Jayfrom BK
November 26, 2012
Best wishes. I'm starting my 6th out of 23 trays tomorrow. How many trays is your total treatment? Thanks for sharing on here. It really helps other people who are in treatment or considering Invisalign for themselves. :)
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Vjv1
November 26, 2012
Hi, I have 28 trays for top and bottom. Just started tray 8!
Megan P
November 26, 2012

Good for you for deciding to get your teeth straightened if it is something that has always bothered you. It really is exciting to start to see the changes, isn't it?!! It sounds like you have a great attitude towards your treatment, which of course will help a lot.

I think I can see some attachments in your pictures, but it is kind of hard to tell. How many did you need?

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Vjv1
November 27, 2012
Thanks Megan, I have 12 attachments. They don't look too bad and they don't bother me at all.
Megan P
November 27, 2012

That is good to hear! I've read of other people who have had issues with the attachments catching on their lips and causing discomfort, so its good to hear that isn't the case for everyone. :)

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Southern Sue
November 29, 2012

So glad to hear it! I just got my invisalign aligners yesterday and so far, so good. It's encouraging to me that you and I are about the same age (I'm 55) and that you are getting good results so quickly! Thanks for the update. Best of luck.

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Vjv1
December 5, 2012
Hi Sue! Yes, I'm absolutely loving Invisalign! Now that my kids are grown, it's my turn! Let me know how it goes -- I have had little pain and really no problems. I don't even remember I have them in any more. The hard part is taking them out to eat (I'm a snacker) and not being able to linger over my morning coffee! Good luck! Post pictures!
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Southern Sue
December 5, 2012
I am a major coffee fiend and I have always snacked, so I am adjusting. :) Really no problems so far, but I go back for the buttons on the 11th of Dec. and am a little concerned about being able to remove them easily after that.....I have 33 sets, so lots of work to be done. I may post pics and do a review at some point.
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Vjv1
December 5, 2012
I didn't notice a big difference after I got my buttons. They seem like they just give a little more pressure on the teeth that are moving -- it's not like they actually hook on to anything. You will get the hang of getting them out pretty quickly! I have 28 trays! And probably refinements after that. I will have IPR in the next few weeks and then I suppose I will see a lot of movement!
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CraftyMama
February 21, 2013
I also am 54 and have had mine for over 8 months now. The bottom teeth are done (have been for a month) but I still have 10 more trays for the top. However, I think my top teeth look perfect right now. My ortho said I could stop at any time...but I will probably stick with the total treatment. What's another 5 months? I too LOVE coffee. I found that I can enjoy my cup in the morning by using a coffee stirrer/straw. I don't use sugar, just a little cream. I make sure that the stirrer is further in my mouth, so the semi-hot liquid doesn't damage the liners. No liquid touches my teeth/liners. About an hour or two after my coffee, I take them out to have breakfast and follow with teeth/tray cleaning. I've gotten so used to drinking my coffee this way, that I do it even when the trays aren't in. My teeth have never stayed so white LOL Good luck to you, Southern Sue!! I hope you have a good experience.
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CraftyMama
February 21, 2013
My snacking has almost gone away. My husband just offered me a hot fudge sundae that I turned down. I had already cleaned my teeth real good for the night. They warned me about losing weight because of no snacking. But I think I make up for it with each meal, because I've only lost 2 pounds in 8 months (I'm 54 also). Good luck!! I am loving my smile again (had braces as a teeenager). Even my husband said the other day "you are smiling SO much more now." Yup, I am!! :)
gboe
May 28, 2013
Hi Sue, just got the molds and pictures done today to see if I am a candidate. I am 56... and never had braces. Ready to do this for me!
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pamexx
December 5, 2012
Yay! Someone else in their 50s doing it - Was thinking I was the only one! But its sooo worth it! Should have had it done years ago really, but am glad I finally took the plunge too. I am only 3 weeks into it and only have a 6 month course - so am looking forward to seeing my new smile too! Good on you!
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Southern Sue
December 5, 2012
Yes, I waited a long time for this. I have always wanted a beautiful smile and have hid my smile for my entire life b/c of overcrowding, overbite and a myriad of other issues. I am in my first week. Good luck to you, can't wait to see your results.
bern05
December 13, 2012
Your story is just like mine! I've waited my whole life and this just seemed to be the right time. I am experiencing the same limited pain, glad not to have some of the experiences described by other posters. My lisp was the hardest thing to deal with and that is 98% gone. Good luck on your journey!
UPDATED FROM Vjv1

Tray 19 (beginning)

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Vjv1April 25, 2013
Tray 19 (beginning)

Replies (6)

Megan P
April 26, 2013

WOW - your pictures are amazing! What a lovely change you have had!! Do you have much discomfort with changing out the trays anymore?

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Vjv1
April 26, 2013
not too bad! Only for the first day or so, but oddly, I like a little soreness, let's me know my teeth are moving! That one lateral incisor is moving slowly and I am fixated on it! My ortho said I may want to have a little gum contouring on that tooth when I'm done :-)!
Megan P
April 26, 2013

Oh yeah, it seems there is often one stubborn one!! Gum contouring, huh?! I bet you are going to end up with an unbelievable smile when all is said & done!!

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Cutiee11508
May 9, 2013
Wow your progress is looking great!
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Vjv1
May 11, 2013
Thank you! I just started tray 20 of 28. Can't wait to find out if I will need refinements. I do see great improvement but I'm not sure if eight more trays will be able to complete everything I hope for. I'll post new pics in a few weeks!
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pamexx
May 11, 2013
I found the last half a dozen trays or so made the most visible difference - maybe the first ones are shifting stuff around to make way for the front to be put into place. But your progress so far is great!!
UPDATED FROM Vjv1

Tray 20

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Vjv1May 18, 2013
Not too much going on with the last two trays. It seems like I will have a few that really move my teeth, then nothing for a few trays. It's nice to be on 20 of 28!

Replies (5)

aimeesoo
May 19, 2013
I am on Tray 1 of 13 for both upper and lower. My doctor recommends switching trays every 3 weeks. I have wore it consistently for 22 hours plus for 2 weeks and feel ready for the 2nd Tray. What is your duration of uping your trays?
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Vjv1
May 19, 2013
Hi, I change my trays every two weeks. That seems to be pretty standard but I have heard some doctors have you change every three weeks.
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CraftyMama
May 22, 2013
My ortho had me wear the first few trays for 3 weeks each. I'm not sure if it had to do with my age (I'm 55) or why (he never really said other than that's what he felt would be best). I told him they felt "loose" after 2 weeks, so he switched me to every 2 weeks. All is working out in the end. Maybe ask him about it at your next visit.
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CraftyMama
May 22, 2013
Victoriajv, It seems that I went through the same as you. I'd have a tray that didn't seem to move my teeth at all (very little pressue and no gum sensititivty). Then the next one seemed to hurt for several days. Maybe that's the way Invisalign works it...giving our teeth/roots a chance to heal before tugging on them a bit more. Your pictures look great. Such a great improvement!! I hope you're taking time to enjoy your new smile. I have one more week to go on my top teeth. Maybe some refinements after that; but at least about 4 months of full-time retainer wear. My bottom teeth have been done for almost 4 months and I can go without the retainer for about 5-6 hours at a time without feeling that my teeth have shifted. Every week it gets a little better/a little longer. But it's been worth it.
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CrackerJack007
June 4, 2013
Great progress! Glad you had a good experience with your provider. It's really nice to have a Dr. that understands your concerns and knows how to treat adult cases.
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