POSTED UNDER Invisalign REVIEWS
Invisalign Journey
ORIGINAL POST
Growing up my teeth were not too bad, although...
WORTH IT$6,100
Growing up my teeth were not too bad, although they definitely could have been better. The older I get - the more crowded (and noticeable) they become. I finally decided a month ago to just do the one thing that bothered me the most, and fix it. Especially because I spend my days talking to people. Of course, it just happens to come in 2 days before Thanksgiving! After reading just about everything I could find about Invisalign - this may be problematic for eating. But I guess no food overload for me. There is always an upside.
I will try my best to post regular updates as I would love to see my progress. Let's roll!
I will try my best to post regular updates as I would love to see my progress. Let's roll!
Replies (2)
November 25, 2015
Good luck on tray one! Even though the first few days are rough, it eases up soon enough. I'm one week in and the time makes a difference. Stick to the yummy soft sides tomorrow and ibuprofen :) Also remember that next Thanksgiving it will be a whole new game for you, and this is all going to be worth it! Looking forward to hearing about your progress.
UPDATED FROM kristyjammer
7 days post
Week One Complete
Captains Log Day 7.
I had all these expectations for how this journey would proceed. Most of it has been a pretty positive experience thus far. *But it's only been a week you say! Tsk tsk!* The first few days of this voyage was not as bad as I was expecting. However, I think it is important to note... I have yet to get attachments. So I am pretty certain things are going to get ugly, or better yet, more painful than I have actually dealt with thus far. That being said, I only had to take ibuprofen twice in a week, and my teeth were only about a '5' (on a scale of 1-10), as far as pain, those two times. Maybe I just have a high tolerance for pain. The only other annoying thing is some irritation along my gum lines - but still manageable. It is finally starting to heal.
Since it is only one week in, I have to say all of this is not so bad. I was pretty certain the first few days that I was a complete idiot for doing this because my mouth really felt full of plastic ridiculousness! But I am SORT OF getting used to it. Notice my capitals... if I wasn't so determined to have straight teeth I think I would have given in based on how huge my mouth felt inside, my silly lisp, and the constant spittle bubbling up on my front teeth when I talk. Seriously, does that ever go away?
I have been pretty diligent in keeping them in 21-22 hours. Except for Thanksgiving day and that is whole other sad little story for another time (but totally hilarious!!). Let's just say this girl needs to learn to pace herself better... I am definitely not as young as I once was.
I have 2 more weeks on my first tray, and 3 weeks on my second tray before I get my attachments on January 5th, and move to the 2 week circulation. I am not certain the reason for going 3 weeks for my first two trays - so if anyone is reading this and has any insight - some feedback is greatly appreciated. I think I remember reading somewhere it is to make bigger movements on the teeth before getting attachments put on.
No weight loss thus far. No major changes in how my teeth look (thus no picture to post but I have taken one for my own documentation). But I definitely am noticing it is a BIT easier to floss. I also used my trays to whiten my teeth last night. I figured I would get some last whitening in before attachments. I have to say it really helped brighten my trays again - so bonus there. Only using a mild soap to wash them any other time.
On a final note... I am really tired of brushing my teeth. I almost don't want to eat because I know the hassle that is about to ensue as soon as I am finished.
Well...until next update my Invisalign mates. Good luck out there. The waters can be hard to manage at times on this journey... but I have to believe it will be worth getting to the destination.
I had all these expectations for how this journey would proceed. Most of it has been a pretty positive experience thus far. *But it's only been a week you say! Tsk tsk!* The first few days of this voyage was not as bad as I was expecting. However, I think it is important to note... I have yet to get attachments. So I am pretty certain things are going to get ugly, or better yet, more painful than I have actually dealt with thus far. That being said, I only had to take ibuprofen twice in a week, and my teeth were only about a '5' (on a scale of 1-10), as far as pain, those two times. Maybe I just have a high tolerance for pain. The only other annoying thing is some irritation along my gum lines - but still manageable. It is finally starting to heal.
Since it is only one week in, I have to say all of this is not so bad. I was pretty certain the first few days that I was a complete idiot for doing this because my mouth really felt full of plastic ridiculousness! But I am SORT OF getting used to it. Notice my capitals... if I wasn't so determined to have straight teeth I think I would have given in based on how huge my mouth felt inside, my silly lisp, and the constant spittle bubbling up on my front teeth when I talk. Seriously, does that ever go away?
I have been pretty diligent in keeping them in 21-22 hours. Except for Thanksgiving day and that is whole other sad little story for another time (but totally hilarious!!). Let's just say this girl needs to learn to pace herself better... I am definitely not as young as I once was.
I have 2 more weeks on my first tray, and 3 weeks on my second tray before I get my attachments on January 5th, and move to the 2 week circulation. I am not certain the reason for going 3 weeks for my first two trays - so if anyone is reading this and has any insight - some feedback is greatly appreciated. I think I remember reading somewhere it is to make bigger movements on the teeth before getting attachments put on.
No weight loss thus far. No major changes in how my teeth look (thus no picture to post but I have taken one for my own documentation). But I definitely am noticing it is a BIT easier to floss. I also used my trays to whiten my teeth last night. I figured I would get some last whitening in before attachments. I have to say it really helped brighten my trays again - so bonus there. Only using a mild soap to wash them any other time.
On a final note... I am really tired of brushing my teeth. I almost don't want to eat because I know the hassle that is about to ensue as soon as I am finished.
Well...until next update my Invisalign mates. Good luck out there. The waters can be hard to manage at times on this journey... but I have to believe it will be worth getting to the destination.
Replies (7)
December 3, 2015
Less pain, less lisp and less spit are definitely in your future. And you'll get used to the attachments just like you get used to everything else. Just keep on truckin!
December 2, 2015
Thanks so much! It looks like we started our treatments within a week of each other so this should be very fun to see each other's transformation. I have yet to say anything to anyone at work about my Invisalign to see if they notice... Nobody yet. 4 days counting. Even though I totally think they notice and just are being nice - lol!!! The games this plastic plays with your head.
December 3, 2015
I was planning on saying nothing if I could help it, but now I bring it up because people really aren't noticing. I like seeing their shock. It is nice to find the people on here who are starting right when you are, isn't it?
December 3, 2015
That's awesome. I'm going to wait a little longer and be all "I've had them in for weeks!"
December 2, 2015
Don't worry about the attachments - I had them put on on Monday and was really scared - but it was all fine. Didn't take too long. I took some ibuprofen half an hour before and I didn't have any pain. They don't even notice that much even though there are two on one of my front teeth (mind you I probably do need glasses at my age!). New trays were a bit stiff and are a bit harder to get off - but they do come off - so all is good. And yes, I have now got used to having plastic in my mouth as well. I sort of prefer it in rather than out.......... weird
December 3, 2015
That really helped ease my mind truly. I will make sure to bring my ibuprofen to work that day so I can take it before I leave for my appointment in the afternoon. Thanks for the feedback. Did you have to change the way you take the trays out with the attachments. I've read (way too much) posts about attachments coming off when trying to get the trays off.
December 3, 2015
I wasn't going to say anything either........... but I have had to mention it to a couple of people because they think it strange that I keep running off to the loo (to brush my teeth!) But most people don't even notice they are there
UPDATED FROM kristyjammer
21 days post
Week Three Complete
Captains Log. Day 21.
I am now on to Tray 2. Finally. 3 weeks is far too long on one tray I must say. Just. Nasty. I changed my tray a day early (or night whatever). I was not about to be in hell all day to change in the morning. They were really tight last night when I put them in, but they were fine all day long. My front teeth were a little sore when I got home tonight, but completely manageable pain. Again, I don't have my attachments yet, so it may be a different story come January 5th. After that, I am on a 2 week rotation.
My only thoughts at this point is I thought it was going to be WAY worse. It seems the seas are not so stormy yet. Gone is the spittle when I talk, and now I have dry mouth to the point my lips pull up above the Invisi's. Not cool. Only one person noticed yesterday that my speech was a little off. Weird. I wasn't drinking (ha ha)! I am still excited about this journey, and can't wait to have picture perfect teeth. But for now... I will settle for the slight differences, and whiter teeth from all that brushing. For holy mother's sake! The brushing and flossing is out of control. I wish I had more to say about the differences between the trays... but so far really good. Until next time.
I am now on to Tray 2. Finally. 3 weeks is far too long on one tray I must say. Just. Nasty. I changed my tray a day early (or night whatever). I was not about to be in hell all day to change in the morning. They were really tight last night when I put them in, but they were fine all day long. My front teeth were a little sore when I got home tonight, but completely manageable pain. Again, I don't have my attachments yet, so it may be a different story come January 5th. After that, I am on a 2 week rotation.
My only thoughts at this point is I thought it was going to be WAY worse. It seems the seas are not so stormy yet. Gone is the spittle when I talk, and now I have dry mouth to the point my lips pull up above the Invisi's. Not cool. Only one person noticed yesterday that my speech was a little off. Weird. I wasn't drinking (ha ha)! I am still excited about this journey, and can't wait to have picture perfect teeth. But for now... I will settle for the slight differences, and whiter teeth from all that brushing. For holy mother's sake! The brushing and flossing is out of control. I wish I had more to say about the differences between the trays... but so far really good. Until next time.
Replies (1)
December 16, 2015
I've found Biotene mouthwash, the frequent application of lip balm without lanolin (which actually dries out your lips), and a constant source of water keeps my mouth from drying out too much. I'm a real hater of dry lips/skin so this is one of my pet peeves anyway. When I'm in the kitchen I also dab some olive oil on my lips. Also relax about attachments. Even though I started with them on from day one and can't compare other people seem to take the change in stride. Like any tray there's some kind of new thing to adjust to. You'll get the hang of it. Just might take changing the way you remove them.
Thanks for sharing your story. I can feel your excitement as you begin your journey. I'm not sure if you've seen this post from our community forum, but it seems to be helpful for other members: 18 Things I Wish I Knew Before Invisalign.