Tray #1 - Kingwood, TX

I finally received my first tray of Invisalign. Let me say I was super excited to start the process. However, that feeling faded 8 hours into wearing the first set of trays.
(FYI: I have 21 trays for 18 months. My dental insurance paid half of the total cost. I had my attachments put on the same day I received the first tray. I am wearing my trays 2 weeks at a time. I am scheduled to see the dentist every 3 months. I'm a 33 year old female. My teeth are crowded at the bottom and some overlapping/ crooked teeth on top.)

When the first set of trays were put on it was no issues, no pressure, no pain, no scrapping nothing. By 6pm my teeth were throbbing and in serious pain, the trays were scraping against my lips, poking my jaws, it was just awful.

I was told to file the trays with a nail file this provided some relief but not much. I took some pain pills and laid down for the night.

Day 2 wasn't any better. I became more comfortable putting and taking out the trays, but the pain was still there. I believe the poking and scrapping cause more pain than the pressure from the trays. After a couple of hours I took them out it was just too uncomfortable. Once out I found I had two mouth sores, which I have never had in my life. I rinsed with salt water. And begin googling. I found that my experience was common. It was recommended that I get brace wax. I went to the nearest CVS purchased the wax and everything has been better. Not the ideal situation but much better.

The pressure from the trays are not as intense but they are not the most comfortable. I definitely can tell there is something in my mouth. The wax is feels weird but it eases all discomfort.

My main concern with the trays is that I have to do too much repairing/doctoring on the trays. For $4,000 these trays should be very smooth and fit my teeth like my limbs fit my body. I should not have to spend time filing, buffing, adding wax to get a comfortable fit.

I will update on Tray 2

Today I said hello to tray number 2. I must say I am so happy and relieved to have tray number 2 in my mouth. Tray 1 had me rethinking my decision to go with Invisalign. I was so close to calling my orthodontist and requesting ceramic braces. I did not have one full day of peace/comfort with tray 1. The tray poked, scraped, hurt constantly. Any and everything that could have possible gone wrong with that tray went wrong. I went through 2 packets of brace wax and I still was not happy. I had so much wax on my trays that it got inside the teeth section and I was afraid I would get a cavitiy.

Not to mention one day while at work I smelled an awful stinch like no other. Come to find out it was my breath. And when I tell you I floss, rinse, and brush every time I remove my Invisalign, you wouldn't believe my mouth could produce that smell. Needless to say I grabbed my Kate Spade and took the rest of the day off. Soon as I hit my kitchen I mixed up a formula of bleach, vinager, and water. I let the trays soak for about 10 minutes and I brush them with toothpastes. Afterwards I let them soak again. Yes, I had way too much going on with tray one.

So here I am with tray 2. There is minor pressure and tightness nothing serious to require medications to intervene. I have not had to file, buff, or apply any brace wax. I pray that this last for the next two weeks.

After having a great day I finally had time to think clearly. I believe the problem with tray 1 was the back of the tray, by my rear molars, were cut. The dental assistant cut them due to the trays not fitting properly. But I think the cut may have thrown the balance off. Tray number 2 didn't fit properly but as the day has gone on the tray has adjusted and snapped on to my teeth. I refused to cut the tray due to all the truama I experienced with tray #1. At this point I do believe I may have developed PTSD from tray 1.

But like my size 2 jeans I will let tray go and move forward with my journey.

Also, I did calculation I have 21 trays and I change trays every two weeks. That's approx 9 -10 months. I wonder why I am paying for 18 months of treatment. I will be sure to ask at my next office visit.