Feeling Hopeful. XD - Liverpool, GB

I couldn't have the normal metal braces when I was younger because I suffered with jaw problems, clicking and locking. This needed to be corrected first before having a traditional brace fitted. Unfortunately, after having x-rays and check ups, they couldn't find the reason why my jaw would lock. So I just put up with it and never had a brace fitted.

I'm now 28 and I have 31 teeth (all my wisdom) I'm missing an upper left molar. My teeth, as you can imagine, are VERY over crowded and I have a huge over bite and my two front (upper) teeth are turned, making an outer V shape. This is a problem when smiling. I hate to smile showing my teeth. I always smile with my lips closed because my front teeth are very noticeable. I've had a few comments from people about this and questions as to why I haven't had braces.

I'm getting married next year and I've decided now is the time to do this, I've put up with my crooked teeth long enough! I certainly don't want to have to hide my smile on my big day!
I decided (after much research) that invisalign was the way to go.

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I'm on week one of my first aligner. I've been told I'll need 34 for a total of 15 months. I'm getting married in 12 months, but my teeth will be straight enough on the 12th month, so I'll be confident enough to take them out on my wedding day, which is great.

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Attachments: I needed 14 (I think) attachments put on my teeth and I found them to be very annoying at first! My lips got scratched, it was hard to chew my food because the attachments would rub so much against my lips and cheeks. That's subsided now, thankfully. I think it was about my 4th day when the I no longer noticed any scratching.

Aligners: The first few days of wearing them, I could notice the sharp edges and my tongue and cheeks hurt from being scratched by this. I had to file them down, a little bit at a time until it felt just right. I really shouldn't have to do this though but I don't have another appointment 'til 14 weeks time!! I may have to mention something when I pick up my next set of aligners in 3 weeks time.( I get two at a time, every 4 weeks.)

I have a slight lisp/slurred speech, but this is very slight and only noticeable on certain words. I think I tend to notice it more than other people. I also get a very slight whistle sound on certain words too, which is somewhat annoying haha.

As for teeth pain, I haven't experienced any, none too significant anyway. I find it more comfortable with the aligners in than out though, which I guess is a good thing since I have to wear them 22hrs a day.

Cleaning is easy for me. I rinse in the morning and then I let them soak in warm water with 1 cleaning tablet (for dentures) and then I gently brush before putting them back in. I repeat again at night. During the day I clean with toothpaste and because of this, I haven't experienced any odors.

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So here's to being hopeful. So far so good, but it is only the first week. I'll see how things progress!