POSTED UNDER Invisalign REVIEWS
Invisalign Express For Overbite- Chicago
ORIGINAL POST
After years of living with an overbite, I finally...
Melissalee19January 8, 2016
$3,500
After years of living with an overbite, I finally decided to get Invisalign. I went to the Invisalign website and found 2 Elite providers nearby my home -one general dentist and one orthodontist. After talking to the orthodontist, I felt more comfortable using an orthodontist who has more training than a general dentist and who specializes in moving teeth. In retrospect, if I were in the market to find a provider again, I would get consultations only from Elite orthodontists.
The initial process consisted of getting molds of my teeth, photos, and digital scanning - all very painless. When looking at the ClinCheck scans, both providers glossed over the fact that I would need attachments and IPR. I would recommend carefully reviewing your ClinkCheck so you know and understand these elements of the treatment process. I would specifically ask about attachments and IPR.
Getting Started with Invisalign
I qualified for Invisalign express, which means if all goes according to plan, my treatment (minus retainers) will be completed in 5 months.
Attachments
I started my Invisalign on December 29. I have 16 attachments in total, which were put on at the onset of my treatment. I was initially very disappointed to have 2 attachments on my left top front tooth. The process for getting attachments was quick and painless. Initially, I found it very difficult to remove the upper trays, due to the attachments. However, after 1 day of practice using the Outie removal tool, I no longer had difficulty removing the trays. I highly recommend the Outie removal tool - it has been a life saver for me and my fingernails :). I am also no longer self-conscious about my attachments- they are still much less noticeable that traditional braces. I do not think most people notice them at all.
IPR
I am not a fan of IPR at all. IPR was done in 7 different places on my teeth. My orthodontist initially took a flat, razor blade-like, sanding device between my teeth. However, it was difficult for him to him to fit the sanding device between some of my teeth that were close together so he used some electric device to do the IPR. The device is a small circular blade that sounds like a drill. I hated the sound and the burning smell when my the teeth were being filed. The process was PAINLESS but nonetheless, it made me very nervous- I feared that too much of my teeth were being filed.
If you need IPR, I definitely suggest you choose an orthodontist. I understand that IPR is used for traditional braces as well as Invisalign. I will need additional IPR before tray 6 and I am not looking forward to that at all, even though it is not painful.
Pain
I first started reading reviews after I had made down payments for my Invisalign (not good at all). In all honesty, after reading some of the horrible experiences that people described I probably would not have moved forward with Invisalign. So far, I am happy with my decision to use Invisalign.
Fortunately, I have not experienced any significant pain at all. On the first day, I felt some discomfort when I removed my trays ,but nothing excruciating. It took me a while to figure out how to remove my trays. I have found it is easiest to start with the back teeth (inner and outer sides) and work my way forward to remove my trays. For the first day, I was also more comfortable eating soft foods such as soup broth and yogurt because these food did not stick in the spaces created by IPR.
I have 16 attachments and have not had any problems with them scraping my mouth when my trays are off. I also have not had irritation to my mouth from my first trays. I did not file my trays- the edges were not rough as many others have described.
Perhaps, Invisalign has taken feedback about the rough edges to heart - I have no complaints at all so far about pain from Invisalign. Fingers crossed that this does not change. I encourage people who are considering Invisalign to keep this feedback in mind.
Dining Out
I dine out frequently. I now make a point to choose restaurants that have plenty of counter space in the restroom. I also prefer to go to places that are not super crowded. On day 2, I went out for sushi and I did not experience discomfort eating that. I soaked my trays in a small denture soaking tub with Retainer Brite while I ate to minimize the amount of time my trays were out. I am very pleased with how clean Retainer Brite has kept my trays.
The initial process consisted of getting molds of my teeth, photos, and digital scanning - all very painless. When looking at the ClinCheck scans, both providers glossed over the fact that I would need attachments and IPR. I would recommend carefully reviewing your ClinkCheck so you know and understand these elements of the treatment process. I would specifically ask about attachments and IPR.
Getting Started with Invisalign
I qualified for Invisalign express, which means if all goes according to plan, my treatment (minus retainers) will be completed in 5 months.
Attachments
I started my Invisalign on December 29. I have 16 attachments in total, which were put on at the onset of my treatment. I was initially very disappointed to have 2 attachments on my left top front tooth. The process for getting attachments was quick and painless. Initially, I found it very difficult to remove the upper trays, due to the attachments. However, after 1 day of practice using the Outie removal tool, I no longer had difficulty removing the trays. I highly recommend the Outie removal tool - it has been a life saver for me and my fingernails :). I am also no longer self-conscious about my attachments- they are still much less noticeable that traditional braces. I do not think most people notice them at all.
IPR
I am not a fan of IPR at all. IPR was done in 7 different places on my teeth. My orthodontist initially took a flat, razor blade-like, sanding device between my teeth. However, it was difficult for him to him to fit the sanding device between some of my teeth that were close together so he used some electric device to do the IPR. The device is a small circular blade that sounds like a drill. I hated the sound and the burning smell when my the teeth were being filed. The process was PAINLESS but nonetheless, it made me very nervous- I feared that too much of my teeth were being filed.
If you need IPR, I definitely suggest you choose an orthodontist. I understand that IPR is used for traditional braces as well as Invisalign. I will need additional IPR before tray 6 and I am not looking forward to that at all, even though it is not painful.
Pain
I first started reading reviews after I had made down payments for my Invisalign (not good at all). In all honesty, after reading some of the horrible experiences that people described I probably would not have moved forward with Invisalign. So far, I am happy with my decision to use Invisalign.
Fortunately, I have not experienced any significant pain at all. On the first day, I felt some discomfort when I removed my trays ,but nothing excruciating. It took me a while to figure out how to remove my trays. I have found it is easiest to start with the back teeth (inner and outer sides) and work my way forward to remove my trays. For the first day, I was also more comfortable eating soft foods such as soup broth and yogurt because these food did not stick in the spaces created by IPR.
I have 16 attachments and have not had any problems with them scraping my mouth when my trays are off. I also have not had irritation to my mouth from my first trays. I did not file my trays- the edges were not rough as many others have described.
Perhaps, Invisalign has taken feedback about the rough edges to heart - I have no complaints at all so far about pain from Invisalign. Fingers crossed that this does not change. I encourage people who are considering Invisalign to keep this feedback in mind.
Dining Out
I dine out frequently. I now make a point to choose restaurants that have plenty of counter space in the restroom. I also prefer to go to places that are not super crowded. On day 2, I went out for sushi and I did not experience discomfort eating that. I soaked my trays in a small denture soaking tub with Retainer Brite while I ate to minimize the amount of time my trays were out. I am very pleased with how clean Retainer Brite has kept my trays.
Melissalee19's provider
Replies (2)
March 2, 2016
I also use a denture tub and retainer bright. Great cleaning product! Great deals on Amazon.
Replies (1)
January 27, 2016
Your teeth look awesome. I do think it is very possible for you to finish in 5 months :) I've followed your review, so I can't wait to see updates. Hopefully the process continues to go smooth for you with no pain.
UPDATED FROM Melissalee19
1 month post
Tray 3 of 10
Melissalee19February 10, 2016
Hello. Not much to update. I have seen very little movement so far. The gap from the IPR on the left top teeth has not yet closed. Of course, as it turns out, the gap is right next to two teeth with attachments- not attractive. Food is also a magnet to this particular gap.
I just started my fourth set of trays and have not experienced any discomfort so far, which I hope is a good thing. My orthodontist has not monitored my progress at all so far and he will not do so until I complete my 5th set of trays, which will be halfway through my treatment program. I hope things are on track- it will be very disappointing if there is a setback that could have been addressed sooner.
I just started my fourth set of trays and have not experienced any discomfort so far, which I hope is a good thing. My orthodontist has not monitored my progress at all so far and he will not do so until I complete my 5th set of trays, which will be halfway through my treatment program. I hope things are on track- it will be very disappointing if there is a setback that could have been addressed sooner.
Thank you so much for sharing your detailed story. I hope you'll continue to keep us updated on your progress, and that you'll let this community know if you need support or feedback.