POSTED UNDER Invisalign REVIEWS
At 45 yrs old My Invisalign Journey to a Beautiful Smile :D (Overbite; Crowding) - Cary, NC
ORIGINAL POST
With nervous excitement I started this journey...
WORTH IT$4,430
With nervous excitement I started this journey towards more fabulous teeth yesterday late afternoon!
So far dental wax is my BEST FRIEND! I can't image what my tongue would be like without it. I find myself eating less often today. Because I don't want to mess with putting the wax back on after I put them back in my mouth. I'm guessing this will all get easier. Or my tongue will get less sensitive.
I'm already finding my "sweet spot" that I hear others reference, regarding moving & installing them. I have a big button thingy on my top left side that left me feeling like I might break my tray everytime I removed it until dinner tonight.
Not too sore, though I am very aware I'm wearing them. Looking forward to a time when I forget I'm wearing them, as I've read can happen at some point.
So far dental wax is my BEST FRIEND! I can't image what my tongue would be like without it. I find myself eating less often today. Because I don't want to mess with putting the wax back on after I put them back in my mouth. I'm guessing this will all get easier. Or my tongue will get less sensitive.
I'm already finding my "sweet spot" that I hear others reference, regarding moving & installing them. I have a big button thingy on my top left side that left me feeling like I might break my tray everytime I removed it until dinner tonight.
Not too sore, though I am very aware I'm wearing them. Looking forward to a time when I forget I'm wearing them, as I've read can happen at some point.
Lilly's Mom's provider
Replies (4)
July 31, 2016
Congrats on your Invisalign journey. I always wanted straight teeth but as a child my parents just couldn't afford braces. I am 49 and put my first set in on July 27th so I'm in at 5 days. So far not that bad. I haven't got wax yet but my first thing on the list today to go and get. I'm wearing rubber bands which is the biggest deal for me. Also, I've determined I will probably lose weight just because I won't be drinking sodas or snacking, this could be good. It's just to much trouble to take them out to drink something other than water or snack. It's like you have to purposely plan your food and drinks other than water. I'm not sure I will get to the point where I forget them but I hope that I do I the near future. I change my weekly and have 38 trays. Best of luck.
August 1, 2016
I put my first set in late in the day on the 28th, so we are we are only one day apart. I look forward to walking this path with you!
I wanted braces as a kid, but my parents took me to an orthodontist who told us that my bite was good & that my overbite gave me a nice smile. He discouraged them from getting them for me.
Apparently when I was in college I forgot to go have a crown put on my back molar, which makes no sense to me, since I was on my parents insurance. Anyway, long story short, I cracked it in my late 30's & it had to be removed. Since then, my teeth started moving.
I finally made the decision to do this when I started noticing one of my front teeth was starting to move in pictures. Plus, my bottom tooth was really getting pushed back. I didn't want to risk loosing it.
I had started a weight loss journey about a month before getting my trays. I didn't even realize that this would help in that process. Although, my dental tech said that she gained weight when she did Invisalign, since she ate larger meals instead of many smaller meals. So I took that as warning. I don't want that to happen!!!
Sounds like we will finish around the same time, since I have 21 trays that I change out every 2 weeks.
I definitely feel like each day gets easier.
Best of luck to you too!!!
I wanted braces as a kid, but my parents took me to an orthodontist who told us that my bite was good & that my overbite gave me a nice smile. He discouraged them from getting them for me.
Apparently when I was in college I forgot to go have a crown put on my back molar, which makes no sense to me, since I was on my parents insurance. Anyway, long story short, I cracked it in my late 30's & it had to be removed. Since then, my teeth started moving.
I finally made the decision to do this when I started noticing one of my front teeth was starting to move in pictures. Plus, my bottom tooth was really getting pushed back. I didn't want to risk loosing it.
I had started a weight loss journey about a month before getting my trays. I didn't even realize that this would help in that process. Although, my dental tech said that she gained weight when she did Invisalign, since she ate larger meals instead of many smaller meals. So I took that as warning. I don't want that to happen!!!
Sounds like we will finish around the same time, since I have 21 trays that I change out every 2 weeks.
I definitely feel like each day gets easier.
Best of luck to you too!!!
UPDATED FROM Lilly's Mom
3 days post
Survived my first weekend w/trays!
My weekends are often filled with both a date night with the hubby & a girls night with my BFF's, plus some time with my mom. That is if I'm not working the whole time. This weekend was no exception. I was concerned about how I would handle eating out & having some cocktails with my BFF.
Eating out turned out to be no problem. I just decided I would pack a toothbrush, toothpaste & my dental wax, of course ;) It is still my best friend. I excused myself to the bathroom after eating & brushed my teeth, etc. No one seemed to notice, or care. I've decided that I've just got to do what I have to do.
After dining out this weekend, I did decide to buy a smaller toothbrush this weekend...when I was shopping for them I found Wisps...has anyone tried them before? If so, any recommendation on where to buy? I haven't tried them yet, but I'm hoping they will be a good option for when I'm away from home.
Drinks turned out to be a different story. I felt like I had them out too much yesterday to keep them out while I had some wine last night. So I just drank water while my friend drank beer. I'll plan better next time.
I'm a little more concerned about Bunco this upcoming Friday night. Any tips for handling events that last a few hours & involve drinking alcohol? I'm pretty flexible about what I drink, so if someone has a good option, I'd appreciate it!
I've been surprised that so far only person to notice the trays is my hairdresser who said something when she was standing above me washing my hair. I've had to mention it to my friends & family, only because I wanted to share my excitement. They too were surprised by how unnoticeable they are when in my mouth.
Eating out turned out to be no problem. I just decided I would pack a toothbrush, toothpaste & my dental wax, of course ;) It is still my best friend. I excused myself to the bathroom after eating & brushed my teeth, etc. No one seemed to notice, or care. I've decided that I've just got to do what I have to do.
After dining out this weekend, I did decide to buy a smaller toothbrush this weekend...when I was shopping for them I found Wisps...has anyone tried them before? If so, any recommendation on where to buy? I haven't tried them yet, but I'm hoping they will be a good option for when I'm away from home.
Drinks turned out to be a different story. I felt like I had them out too much yesterday to keep them out while I had some wine last night. So I just drank water while my friend drank beer. I'll plan better next time.
I'm a little more concerned about Bunco this upcoming Friday night. Any tips for handling events that last a few hours & involve drinking alcohol? I'm pretty flexible about what I drink, so if someone has a good option, I'd appreciate it!
I've been surprised that so far only person to notice the trays is my hairdresser who said something when she was standing above me washing my hair. I've had to mention it to my friends & family, only because I wanted to share my excitement. They too were surprised by how unnoticeable they are when in my mouth.
Replies (3)
August 1, 2016
Sounds like you're doing great :-) Re drinking - I was very careful at first to remove my trays when having anything other than water...but that didn't last long! I stick to white wine or vodka and soda, and drink those with my trays in - nipping off to the ladies room to pop my trays out and brush my teeth every little while. I figure it's more important to have the trays in, than it is to avoid alcohol! I know there's a risk of cavities if you leave anything to sit in your trays for too long, but I've also read that it takes hours for anything bad to start happening. So I think regular cleaning/brushing should hopefully avoid any issues! My teeth certainly look and feel much cleaner since I've been wearing Invisalign :-)
August 2, 2016
It sounds like you're adjusting well, congratulations! I hope you'll continue to keep us updated on your progress.
August 1, 2017
You can drink sips of water in between sips of anything else to help wash out the other drink.
UPDATED FROM Lilly's Mom
9 days post
1st week done... What a roller coaster ride!
It's been just over a week since I got my first tray & attachments (they were put on my teeth on day one)...I was so excited (seems like a lifetime ago, in certain ways) to get this journey started. I was also pretty nervous. I was worried about how much it would hurt. Would it set off my TMJ? Would people notice & did I care? Would I be able to get them on & off w/out breaking them? Would my tongue survive? Would I talk funny?
By day 2 or 3, I was seriously beginning to question if I could do this for a year. I was tired of feeling the trays & attachments in my mouth. I was weary of all the taking them in & out to eat, drink, etc. My tongue was sore, etc.
My worries over the week changed from would I ever forget I had these on my teeth, to oh crap, I forgot to take them out before I popped that chicken nugget in my mouth (yes, that happened last night at Bunco, after a few drinks, lol).
Earlier this week my husband (who had braces in his teens) laughed at me saying I was treating the trays like my first child. He said give a it a month or two, you'll be popping them out laying them on the counter, then blowing on them before you put them back in your mouth. It did make me laugh. I must admit, I'm not anywhere close to that now, but when we went out to dinner the other night, I realized I forgot my case, I set them in a small dish, he looked at me with that knowing look.
Well, I've come a long way baby. I guess is the bottom-line. I now have reached the I'd rather wear them than not. I swear that's why they do the attachments. I'm convinced it's to make you wear the trays as much as possible. You just get to the point where it feels more comfortable. Your tongue gets bored & you forget there in.
Things that worried about for no reason: I've had no TMJ problems, yay!! I only had a slight lisp a few hours & it was never enough for anyone else to notice. I learned how to get them on & off w/o breaking them. Just took a little time to find my way. No one has noticed them, except my hairdresser while she was washing my hair & she knew I was getting them. And, even if someone did notice, I don't care :D
Lastly, I've decided to keep my sanity that I would do as other have said, live my life. I will do my best & that's all. I drink clear drinks with them in...I read someone say that since they were brushing their teeth 3 or more times a day & they had read that it takes a while for anything on your teeth to do damage, that was enough...I agree. It's the risk I'm willing to take.
Best wishes for Beautiful Smiles to all those who are on the journey with me :)
By day 2 or 3, I was seriously beginning to question if I could do this for a year. I was tired of feeling the trays & attachments in my mouth. I was weary of all the taking them in & out to eat, drink, etc. My tongue was sore, etc.
My worries over the week changed from would I ever forget I had these on my teeth, to oh crap, I forgot to take them out before I popped that chicken nugget in my mouth (yes, that happened last night at Bunco, after a few drinks, lol).
Earlier this week my husband (who had braces in his teens) laughed at me saying I was treating the trays like my first child. He said give a it a month or two, you'll be popping them out laying them on the counter, then blowing on them before you put them back in your mouth. It did make me laugh. I must admit, I'm not anywhere close to that now, but when we went out to dinner the other night, I realized I forgot my case, I set them in a small dish, he looked at me with that knowing look.
Well, I've come a long way baby. I guess is the bottom-line. I now have reached the I'd rather wear them than not. I swear that's why they do the attachments. I'm convinced it's to make you wear the trays as much as possible. You just get to the point where it feels more comfortable. Your tongue gets bored & you forget there in.
Things that worried about for no reason: I've had no TMJ problems, yay!! I only had a slight lisp a few hours & it was never enough for anyone else to notice. I learned how to get them on & off w/o breaking them. Just took a little time to find my way. No one has noticed them, except my hairdresser while she was washing my hair & she knew I was getting them. And, even if someone did notice, I don't care :D
Lastly, I've decided to keep my sanity that I would do as other have said, live my life. I will do my best & that's all. I drink clear drinks with them in...I read someone say that since they were brushing their teeth 3 or more times a day & they had read that it takes a while for anything on your teeth to do damage, that was enough...I agree. It's the risk I'm willing to take.
Best wishes for Beautiful Smiles to all those who are on the journey with me :)
Replies (1)
October 18, 2016
Great review! I've had mine 46 weeks - so four trays to go as I change mine weekly. I'm so happy with the results that if I'm told this is as good as it gets, I will be thrilled. I laughed about your care of the trays as I was the same...in the beginning. Now I pop them off and throw them on a Kleenex, or whatever is near. I threw them on a take out coffee try in the kitchen ONCE...and they ended up in the garbage so lesson learned there! I drink white wine with them on :) and have never had issues! Good luck on this amazing journey. I'm 56 and wonder why I didn't do it 20 years ago when the crowding started.
I got to the stage where I forgot about them really quickly - about day 3!! It's been a breeze, but you're right about the wax haha! Good luck with it all :-)
Funny story about the ClinCheck video....I didn't realize what it was when my doctor sent it to me. I was busy & didn't pay attention. He was so excited he sent it to me early. I thought the starting point was the end. I was like, well what is he so excited about, looks like what I got now. Needless to say when I went into the office & he hit play, my excitement level went through the roof!!