POSTED UNDER Invisalign REVIEWS
61-yr old optimist in B.C., Canada
ORIGINAL POST
I had my first of sixteen 2-week Invisalign trays...
gorgonzolaJune 28, 2015
WORTH IT$5,700
I had my first of sixteen 2-week Invisalign trays and the bumps done June 15/2016. I too, probably had not researched enough about wearing braces. The invisible feature of Invisalign as well as being able to take them out to eat was really appealing to me. I have a few teeth that are turning "in" slightly with age and my bottom front teeth have never been very straight. I have 5 crown in my mouth. I must say that I've suffered a bit in this first 13 days - rough edges felt like razor blades and my tongue was pretty raw. Bumps were tough on inside of my mouth when braces were out and I was eating or talking a lot. That's improved somewhat now. I used copious amounts of dental wax and finally, went to my orthodontist on Day 12. He filed the edges down which was helpful. I did a little more of that at home. The trays are much more comfortable now. I have used less wax and almost don't notice what's going on in my mouth when I'm busy. I look forward to putting in Tray 2 tomorrow night before bed. Trays 2, 3 and 4 have also been adjusted by my orthodontist as I'm going on holiday for just over a month. I have found a 30-min break for breakfast and lunch and an hour for dinner works well. I switch up that sequence if I'm eating out. The cleaning process is just fine with me - I haven't found that to be a problem when out. I take the little case, some wax, a small toothbrush and toothpaste with me. REALLY find the input from Invisalign "veterans" helpful on this website. Wearing braces is not a walk in the park for sure but I'm committed. Onwards and upwards.
Replies (5)
September 3, 2015
OMG I can't believe you're 61 ... You look great! Good luck
September 3, 2015
Thanks. Wish there was some kind of a facial Invisalign product to get rid of wrinkles and sun damage! A big face brace!! But very happy with the teeth movement so far so it's all good!
UPDATED FROM gorgonzola
15 days post
Tray 2 Feeling OK
gorgonzolaJune 30, 2015
Put in Tray 2 last night before bed. Did have to file some very sharp edges even though the orthodontist did a filing on them last week for me. I actually feel less pressure on my upper molars with this tray although overall, trays feel tighter. I really think that Invisalign needs to come up with a way to have the manufacturer smooth or roll those fine rough edges of the trays. Even with my tongue toughening up, they are razor sharp without me working on them with a nail file. I would say this, so far, is my only pet peeve with the process. Really appreciating the comments and reviews other folks leave here. Great support and information.
Replies (9)
July 15, 2015
I agree with you about the edges! On my first tray, I went to the dentist's office to have them smooth (file) my tray. Each tray after that I have just filed them myself. I use my husband's Dremel tool, with my very own file, of course! I have more trays for my top teeth than my bottom (37 vs 25), so when they gave me the extra trays for the bottom, it was almost like they were made by a different company! My bottom trays fit so nicely. Not one rough edge at all and tapered at the top. Incredibly comfy! Wonder why my top trays are made so differently? I will ask my dentist when I go next week!
July 31, 2015
Hi, I just wanted to add that despite the orthodontist filing your aligners, you will probably have to do more yourself with a nail file. I did not use an emery board, but rather one of the glass nail files. Once I smoothed my aligners well, I had no more cuts. The attachments are another story. They do hurt your mouth when you have the aligners out and try to eat or talk. They seem to get better over time, but you may need to ask your orthodontist to smooth them a bit. I just finished my 16 months with Invisalign and I am 61 years old. It is one of the best things I ever did despite the discomfort some of the time. By the way, we all agree that the manufacturer should fix this sharpness problem. So far, that hasn't happened. Keep filing and use your wax. Hang in there and Good luck!
August 3, 2015
Thanks a lot for the support! I can feel that it is all becoming easier to manage. I will try the glass file next. That first month is tough and I understand why people feel like throwing in the towel. Glad I've stuck it out and I look forward to getting a few more months under my belt. Was very happy to hear that you feel it's one of the best things you have done. Makes it worth while.
October 14, 2015
I agree with you. I haven't had much discomfort with the tray as far as my teeth but my tongue and the roof of my mouth are so chewed up. I also have had the dentist file the edges but that was not enough. I bought a really small pair of manicure scissors so I could cut the edges down and file with a nail file. It usually feels better at first but within an hour or so I am back where I started. I bought some wax by GUM and thought that was the solution but so far it has not been much better, it was mint flavor which turns out to be a burning sensation when you are so sore anyway. I van another type of wax coming in the mail tomorrow.
November 4, 2015
I am now on my third tray with engagers. My teeth feel like they are being squeezed the whole time and I still have some burning in my mouth. I am constantly aware there is something in my mouth. The dentist gave me some oral rinse to use twice a day and things seemed to be better but I still feel like this may not be something I can live with for 9-12 months. It feels like I am constantly salivating, and I still have a burning sensation on the roof of my mouth and under my tongue which is strange since I only have them on the
top. The new wax I bought was not much better but thankfully not mint flavor.
top. The new wax I bought was not much better but thankfully not mint flavor.
November 5, 2015
I wonder what is causing that burning sensation in your mouth? My orthodontist has said that I must have a very senstive mouth given how much the rough edges still bother me although I do do a LOT of filing with each each tray. It's funny that I tend to feel like I don't salivate much at all when the trays are in! My mouth often feels very, very dry. Does the burning sensation go away when you have the trays out of your mouth? Hopefully, there is something your orthdontist can come up with to help you through this as it will likely be worth it. I have just under 3 months to go and while I remind myself that braces aren't a walk in the park there is the odd day that I cannot wait to be done with the process. Most of the time, it is OK but when they bother me, particularly in the evening when I'm tired and/or hungry, my patience gets short. Stick with it - but perhaps keep at your orthodontist for some kind of remedy to get you through it.
November 5, 2015
Thank you for getting back to me. Yes my mouth does feel better when they are out. Also when I wake up in the morning it feels great. I told my dentist about the burning and he said he has never heard of this. He did give me a rinse and at first I think it did help. I get this feeling under my tongue that causes me to salivate and that gets a salty taste in my mouth which in turn gets my bottom lip sore and I do get a little irritation on the inside of my lip. If it weren't for all this other stuff going on I would say it's not too bad. I have read where most people say they forget they are in their mouth, I am constantly aware, it is getting old. I really hope this all goes away and I am not doing any damage to my teeth.
April 16, 2016
agreed - for what we pay its unbelievable that they cannot deliver a product with smooth edges!
UPDATED FROM gorgonzola
22 days post
Invisalign Process Question
gorgonzolaJuly 7, 2015
Is there a logical reason why I have none of the pressure/tension in my upper molars when I lie down or go to bed? There may be a very simple explanation but I can't seem to get there! Is it something to do with gravity? Please wade in with your theory or answer. Thanks.
Replies (2)
September 25, 2015
That does seem odd. Sorry I don't have an answer. Could it just be perceived?
April 27, 2016
I feel like with each tray there is different pressure. Last set there was pressure on my uppers and they really ached when I took them out to eat. This week the tightness is on the lowers.
I think it changes up with ever set.
I think it changes up with ever set.
Good for you for getting the hang of your Invisalign treatment so quickly. I hope you'll continue to update us as your treatment progresses. I suggest posting photos so you (and we) can see your progress over time.