My Invisalign Journey - Columbia, SC

I first would like to say that this site has been very helpful in providing info and feedback on on experiences with invisalign. I like many had braces when I was a teenager but did not continue using my retainer. Over the years my teeth shifted and the end result was all the spacing which I absolutely hate. I've been wanting to do something about it and I finally am able to make it happen. I didn't want to have metal braces again as an adults so I made up my mind about invisalign after talking with my dentist and the having a consult with an orthodontist. He stated that I was a good candidate for it. My dentist stated that I should have all for wisdom teeth removed before beginning invisalign. I didn'thave a problem with them but one was impacted and the two on the bottom did make it difficult to floss due to the angle at which they came in. He said they could really cause me trouble down the road. I had the wisdom teeth removed in September 2013 by an oral surgeon because they had to be cut out. That pain was actually not bad at all. I was really afraid but I do not remember the procedure after they started my IV. Recovery was not bad it just took a while for the holes to close completely. I must say that I followed post op instructions exactly because I did not want any complications like dry socket (which I've heard is extremely painful).

So my invisalign consult was on 3/25/14. As I stated I was told that I am a good candidate. My biggest goal is closing the gaps but he sure he can correct my bite as well. He referred me to a periodontist to examine gum recession on one bottom tooth. I saw the p eriodontist on 3/31/14 and he has not stated that I need have a frenectomy or frenulectomy (not sure which is correct) on my lower lip and a gum graft. He stated that the frenulum is causing stress on that gum tissue/tooth. That is now scheduled for 4/15 and the gum graft can be done two months after that. I'm afraid to have both done but I'm really dreading the gum graft. He said the frenulectomy will only take about 15 mins and they basically numb the area. The gum graft will take about an hour or two and he took a mold/impression of my upper teeth for a try that looks similar to the aligned but extends to cover my palate where the tissue will be harvested from. He says it will protect the palate and it will feel like a bad pizza burn on my palate. Well I dont know about anyone else but I hate the feeling of having a burn on my palate. My appt for the digital scans/impression for my a ligners is scheduled for 4/22. Im a little nervous now and I will gave to find out at my appt how the gum graft will affect my treatment since the periodontist states I need to wear that clear stent as he called it. I dont see how I could possibly wear my a ligners amd that stent. I will be sure to ask my ortho at the appt on 4/22.

I'm now a few steps closer to getting started with my treatment. I had my frenectomy done a few days ago. The procedure was not as bad as I expected. It only took about 5 or 10 minutes for him to do it. I didn't feel any pain during the procedure. I was advised to take 3 ibuprofen 1hr before my appt. The dental assistant gave me some Peridex to rinse with and then she put numbing gel on my lower lip area where he would be doing the frenectomy. The periodontist came in and explained the procedure again. He then gave me some O2 and then nitrous oxide to help me relax. I felt a little pressure when he used the needle to administer Lidocaine but that was the only thing I felt. After the procedure they applied this gum like dressing over the lower lip area (looks like I'm hiding gum in my lip). The dressing is applied over my lower teeth. It's actually still on. I have a follow up appt scheduled on 4/24. I have to use the Peridex rinse each morning after breakfast and at bedtime. They area is still slightly tender at times but it's not constant.