POSTED UNDER Invisalign REVIEWS
31, Former Braces-wearer, Looking to Fix Severe Crowding and Overjet - Indianapolis, IN
ORIGINAL POST
Just starting my Invisalign journey after having...
$5,000
Just starting my Invisalign journey after having my braces off for about 15 years. My retainer never fit very well back then, so I quickly abandoned it. MAJOR REGRET!
I'm getting married Sept. 2016 and the only thing I'm dreading is the pictures - you know, the ones where I'm really happy but I don't look like I am because I'm not smiling all the way because of my teeth. I wouldn't say my decision to get Invisalign was impulsive, as I've been thinking about it/researching it for years, but I started seeing a new dentist and when they asked if I was interested in Invisalign, I immediately said yes. They took my impressions that day, and that's how my journey started.
I did have to go in on 5/9/16 (five weeks after the initial impressions) to redo the bottom set, but they told me that I should have everything back in two weeks - so, one more week to go! I'm excited and nervous to start, but overall I'm glad I've taken the first step finally. Will update!
I'm getting married Sept. 2016 and the only thing I'm dreading is the pictures - you know, the ones where I'm really happy but I don't look like I am because I'm not smiling all the way because of my teeth. I wouldn't say my decision to get Invisalign was impulsive, as I've been thinking about it/researching it for years, but I started seeing a new dentist and when they asked if I was interested in Invisalign, I immediately said yes. They took my impressions that day, and that's how my journey started.
I did have to go in on 5/9/16 (five weeks after the initial impressions) to redo the bottom set, but they told me that I should have everything back in two weeks - so, one more week to go! I'm excited and nervous to start, but overall I'm glad I've taken the first step finally. Will update!
Replies (3)
May 17, 2016
Good for you for taking the plunge! My story is similar to yours as I had braces a teen and didn't wear retainer. I am on day 4 of of my first set of aligners.
May 17, 2016
Oops wasn't done....it has been a challenge but I must say it is nice to be able to take them off to eat and get a breather. Though due to the attachments I do want to put them back on right away. I am looking forward to the day when I don't notice them anymore which most people on here say happens at some point. I haven't been in any pain which is good. I feel pressure but I don't mind, it just reminds me that it's working! The sharp edges are a different story! I definitely had to take a nail file to them. Thanks to the wise invisaligners here for that advice! Otherwise I'm sure my toungue and cheeks would be in sorry shape!
UPDATED FROM Lotsacats
1 month post
Trays, Attachments, and a long weekend - I survived!
I got a call from my dentist's office on the Friday before Memorial Day weekend saying that my trays were in, so I stopped in thinking we'd go over the Clincheck and discuss attachments etc., but nope. They went ahead and put the attachments on right away, handed me my first 4 trays, and sent me on my way.
The trays:
Initially, the doctor thought I'd have to wear the trays for close to 18 months, which is fine, but on my tray bag it says out of 21 which is...what, 42 weeks? Less than a year? I didn't notice until after I had left, so I didn't get a chance to ask. Anyway, they were more brittle than I expected them to be, but you really can't see them at all. The trays cut my tongue up terribly the first few days, but have since healed (I'm 4 days out.) I still have a bit of a lisp, but I'm hoping that'll go away with time. I have no problem taking them out or putting them back in.
The attachments:
Thankfully, my attachments are all off to the side, so I think that helps make the trays less noticeable.
Memorial Day weekend:
It wasn't until an hour or two after I'd gotten the attachments and the trays that it dawned on me - I had a long weekend full of partying. I worried that I'd need to take my trays out all the time, but it wound up not being a problem at all. I stuck to clear liquids (including booze) and took them out from time to time to scrub them. I don't have any discoloration at the moment, but I've been using Retainer Brite.
My mouth's been pretty dry, but it's manageable. Two unintended benefits: I drink a ton more water now, and I don't chew on my cuticles (gross, I know) because I simply can't. My nails have already improved drastically.
I'll upload a pic w/ attachments & trays when I get a chance.
The trays:
Initially, the doctor thought I'd have to wear the trays for close to 18 months, which is fine, but on my tray bag it says out of 21 which is...what, 42 weeks? Less than a year? I didn't notice until after I had left, so I didn't get a chance to ask. Anyway, they were more brittle than I expected them to be, but you really can't see them at all. The trays cut my tongue up terribly the first few days, but have since healed (I'm 4 days out.) I still have a bit of a lisp, but I'm hoping that'll go away with time. I have no problem taking them out or putting them back in.
The attachments:
Thankfully, my attachments are all off to the side, so I think that helps make the trays less noticeable.
Memorial Day weekend:
It wasn't until an hour or two after I'd gotten the attachments and the trays that it dawned on me - I had a long weekend full of partying. I worried that I'd need to take my trays out all the time, but it wound up not being a problem at all. I stuck to clear liquids (including booze) and took them out from time to time to scrub them. I don't have any discoloration at the moment, but I've been using Retainer Brite.
My mouth's been pretty dry, but it's manageable. Two unintended benefits: I drink a ton more water now, and I don't chew on my cuticles (gross, I know) because I simply can't. My nails have already improved drastically.
I'll upload a pic w/ attachments & trays when I get a chance.
Replies (2)
June 1, 2016
Same here- It is 42 weeks for 21 tray sets, plus six months of wearing your retainer just like you wear your trays, before you wear your retainer just at night. Refinement trays, if you're not happy with how they looks after Tray Set 21, are a possibility.
June 1, 2016
Welcome to this board from one Hoosier to another. Glad to see you. I am on tray 12 of 13 of 15, but it looks like there will be a few revisions to come. It has definitely been worth the journey and annoyances that I have gone through with it.
Thanks for sharing your story. I hope you find all the support you need in this community.