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POSTED UNDER Invisalign REVIEWS

Fixed Braces at 21. Teeth Moved Back a Little So Invisalign Started. Leamington Spa, GB

ORIGINAL POST

I had very crooked teeth when I was younger and...

straighterteethplanned
$5,400
I had very crooked teeth when I was younger and didn't start wearing a brace till I was 21. I had 2 teeth out to make room, all my wisdom teeth which were severely impacted, started with a removable brace, then moved to fixed. Wore fixed retainers for a few years but they kept coming off. A vast improvement to my smile and confidence but over the years there has been a little movement back. Although everyone thinks my smile is nice and don't see a problem, I really notice it and was bothered that one of my two front teeth was slightly behind the other and the tooth next to it was at an angle.
Heard about Invisalign from a girl at work and couldn't even see hers so did some research into various options. I would have gone for lingual braces (incognito) which are on the back of the teeth but it was so much more expensive.

I drink tea/coffee all day and snack a lot too and like going out to eat so my biggest concerns pre treatment was not eating.

Got my first set of aligners 28 August. I'm to have 29 on the top and 26 on the bottom. The plan is to even out my bottom teeth which are a little overcrowded and straighten my top teeth and give me a wider smile too.
i was really suprised when I got first set that it didn't hurt. But by next day my teeth were very tender. This didn't last though more than first couple of days. Felt very strange to have something covering my teeth and I do run my tongue along it. I'm determined to stick to the 22 hours a day as much as possible so I've had to change my eating habits radically. In the morning I Mae a cup of tea and leave it too cool a little before drinking with breakfast. I have a coffee and snack about 10.30, lunch next then nothing until dinner. Lost 3lbs in first 2 weeks.

straighterteethplanned's provider

Viren Vithlani, BDS

Viren Vithlani, BDS

Specialist Registered Dentist

Replies (3)

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September 14, 2015

Thanks for sharing your story. The first few trays are the most challenging, but it sounds like you're getting the hang of things. Let us know how we can help support you! I recommend updating with photos of your smile so you can see the progress over time.

September 17, 2015
Do you leave your Invisalign in when you drink coffee and tea or remove them? I'm a coffee/ tea person too and also trying to wear them 22 hours a day, kinda hard if I have to take them out. I'm down to 2 meals a day and have also lost 3 lbs!
September 17, 2015
I take them out when I drink anything but water so I've really cut my intake. Apart from potential tooth damage my dentist said hot drinks could affect the aligner shape and as I'm paying all this money I definitely don't want that. I have one tea in the morning with breakfast, a mid morning coffee and I'll now sometimes have a hot drink with lunch or dinner. Complete change for me as I would normally have a hot drink on its own and spend ages drinking it. I definitely don't think I could cope with only 2 meals a day though!
2 months post

Aligner 2 and attachments

straighterteethplanned
A belated post on getting my attachments. I've got 15 on 13 teeth. It didn't hurt putting them on but the device that kept my mouth open was uncomfortable and it took a long time. I was quite shocked when I saw the attachments on my canine teeth, especially the left one as it sticks out a lot and I felt it was really noticeable. Also felt really weird for a few days without the aligners on. Feels like you have something stuck to your teeth that needs to come off. I can see why people say they prefer their aligners on.

When my aligners are off the attachment on my left canine really sticks into my lip. When they are on I do get a lot of rbbing on inside of my top lip when I talk. The middle of the aligner seems to catch but by the time I'm writing this I am getting used to that. Haven't had any pain though to the point where I feel like I need painkillers.

Still in my little routine of breakfast, mid morning coffee and snack, and lunch which usually total about 65 mins incl teeth brushing. I then have rest of time for dinner but I've been trying to make that a bit less so I have a bit of time to play around with during the two weeks for going out etc.
I do think my two front teeth have moved a little already even though it's only two weeks unless that's wishful thinking!

Replies (2)

October 16, 2015
Your attachments are in the exact same place as mine - teeth 3, 4, 5, in each quadrant.
I'm a bit ahead of you in that I'm on tray 9. Please continue to post pictures as I'd like to see you progress.
October 16, 2015
Will do. How is yours going?mi couldn't see if you have a review with pics?
2 months post

Aligners 3-4 and spacing

straighterteethplanned
Aligner 3 went on a little tighter but by the next morning was feeling much more comfortable. Had expected pain. The only pain was really where it cuts into my top lip, especially when I talk.

Went to dentist for a check and to get get Aligners 4-6. Also had spacing. I didn't really know what this was or what to expect and find this site brilliant for that. Basically had 0.2mm filed off sides of 3 bottom teeth (may have been 4). Weird experience. It didn't hurt but keeping my mouth open was the hard part. I think I'm clenching my jaw a lot and he's given me exercises to do, which I am doing but not for the full 5 mins twice a day.

Aligner 4 has felt much tighter. I could feel the pressure on two of my top tweeth straightaway and for the first 2 days my teeth felt quite tender but not painful. The worst thing now is the aching jaw. I don't know if that is caused by teeth moving or because I can't stop clenching. Felt really fed up with it last night and was so relieved to take it out to eat. I'd be interested to know if anyone else gets jaw ache.

I've left the picture with aligner I as you can't see my teeth as well but it shows what wearing an aligner is like and how all the spit collects in it!

Replies (3)

October 21, 2015
I had extractions for braces as well and am looking to broaden my smile. Do you notice a difference in this area? I am wondering if invisalign is the way to go for me to achieve this or if I will need jaw surgery.
October 21, 2015
Hi Amanda, it's only 7 weeks so early to tell re broadening but I'm expecting to! I had two extractions either side of top canine and all my wisdom teeth out. Jaw surgery sounds quite drastic. Best to visit an orthodontist and see what they recommend for your case. I'm certainly glad I'm having it done
October 22, 2015
Thank you for your response! I have been told many times there is no way to regain my broad smile again with invisalign and that the only way to pull teeth forward where they should be is with jaw surgery. I was very excited to read your post and am feeling hopeful again! I will keep following your posts!