POSTED UNDER Invisalign REVIEWS
Invisalign Treatment Journey
ORIGINAL POST
Invisalign Treatment Journey
CityGrlSeptember 13, 2019
I'm just starting my Invisalign journey. RealSelf has been very helpful in making my choices so I thought I would share as well.
I'm a middle-aged woman and though that might seem like an odd time to get aligners that's just what I'm doing. Over the years my teeth have shifted inward so that the top of the tooth is being exposed.
First I went for a consult at SmileDirect. The consultant was very young and didn't seem to know much about dentistry at all and gave some vague answers to my questions.
Then I went to Dr. Kakosian. The offices are in the Chrysler building--super clean and modern. They did the scan on my teeth and showed me the changes that could be made. I felt comfortable enough that I signed up.
I got my first aligners in the next visit. It feels weird and is a bit difficult to speak. I had to get used to taking them on and off.
This week I got "attachments" put on and new aligners. This was done by an assistant. Some of the substance is not only in front of the teeth but I feel like I'm biting into it. Also the aligner has a scratchy part on it that is rubbing on my tongue. I called up and the receptionist told me I can file it with a nail file. I will give it a shot. The attachments are whiter than my teeth and look a bit odd, but the worst thing is that I keep biting the inside of my mouth, especially when I take out the aligners to eat. I have to chew very carefully to avoid this.
So far this has been more obtrusive than I thought it would be.
I'm a middle-aged woman and though that might seem like an odd time to get aligners that's just what I'm doing. Over the years my teeth have shifted inward so that the top of the tooth is being exposed.
First I went for a consult at SmileDirect. The consultant was very young and didn't seem to know much about dentistry at all and gave some vague answers to my questions.
Then I went to Dr. Kakosian. The offices are in the Chrysler building--super clean and modern. They did the scan on my teeth and showed me the changes that could be made. I felt comfortable enough that I signed up.
I got my first aligners in the next visit. It feels weird and is a bit difficult to speak. I had to get used to taking them on and off.
This week I got "attachments" put on and new aligners. This was done by an assistant. Some of the substance is not only in front of the teeth but I feel like I'm biting into it. Also the aligner has a scratchy part on it that is rubbing on my tongue. I called up and the receptionist told me I can file it with a nail file. I will give it a shot. The attachments are whiter than my teeth and look a bit odd, but the worst thing is that I keep biting the inside of my mouth, especially when I take out the aligners to eat. I have to chew very carefully to avoid this.
So far this has been more obtrusive than I thought it would be.
Replies (4)
September 14, 2019
I bought a cordless nail tool to file the rough spots. Considering how much we're paying for this I'm kind of annoyed that Invisalign thinks this is acceptable.
September 30, 2019
I agree, the process is way more obtrusive than I initially thought. I wish I would have found this site first. I too keep biting the inside of my jaw. So annoying since I don't eat much in the first place. I am on tray 10 out of 29 and am trying to hold out hope that it is worth it.
UPDATED FROM CityGrl
Not enough improvement
CityGrlMay 10, 2021
I do see improvement and I'm glad for that...but for having "attachments" those little corn nub things glued to my teeth for almost ONE YEAR? The dentist said I would have some gaps when they are straightened (I understand as the top of tooth much smaller than bottom. I'm not even CLOSE to having a gap. Again I'm happy for some improvement, but for the time and money invested it was not worth it.
Replies (0)
UPDATED FROM CityGrl
Not the improvement I had anticipated
CityGrlMay 10, 2021
After almost ONE YEAR of having "attachments" (Corn niblets glued to my teeth which look awful) I had expected better results. I do see improvement and I'm happy for that, but for the time, effort and money involved I expected better. The doctor said I may have gaps when they are straighter (I understand as the bottom of tooth wider than the top) I was not even CLOSE to having gaps. They are better but still pretty crooked for almost one year of effort. Dr. said I need another round but I refused.
Replies (3)
May 28, 2021
It’s better than you think, I’m about to embark on the same thing. The orthodontist said it would take 2.5 years, I’m 56 years old and when I was younger my teeth were much straighter. As you age and you have gum recession and bone loss the crowded teeth become a problem and are harder to correct. I wish I had done it sooner but we didn’t have this great technology. I say do it while you’re halfway there, you’ll be glad you did when you’re older. :)
June 4, 2021
Did you upper arch expended a little ? I am thinking of having it too but I have a crossbite and need upper arch to expand .. your teeth btw look better after .
July 24, 2023
I'll 62 and decided to do something about my teeth shifting. I got invisilign through my dentist. My ins. Paid $1000. I have my first retainers and all in between. I see a huge difference. I think I'm only wearing them for about 5-6 months. I also have those white, rough doo dads. I even tried bleaching to match. Still not matching. Wear them diligently. As you age so do the muscles and ligaments in your mouth. Good luck!
I'm so glad you decided to share your journey with the community!