Just Starting the Invisalign Journey. From Vampire Fangs to a Great Smile -Melbourne, AU

I originally set out at 52 to correct my smile with composite veneers. After a consultation and some very serious dental hygiene issues, my teeth were at least healthy. I had a break and then thought to myself, why have a procedure that was going to grind away all of that healthy tooth in order to get a great smile?. I decided then, to investigate invisalign.

First tip, don't limit your options, most providers offer free initial consultation, so go to a few. I went to 3, the cost ranged from $7800 - 10,000 AUD. Second tip, go to either an orthodontist or a platinum elite provider. I had already spend a lot, getting my teeth up to scratch. At the consultation at the orthodontist, he suggested that I had 7 cavities that need to be filled before he would go ahead with invisalign. I was very confused as the dentist had not indicated to me that I had further fillings needed. Additionally another 7 filling would have added to the cost of invsalign. I sought a second opinion at a local dentist - no fillings necessary, so I went to Freedom dental. They were great, after explaining my circumstances they did another exam and found that I did not have cavities and suggested that the ortho may have been being cautious.

They also have a very reasonable payment plan available. So after my initial consult, I have had my work up appt, where they took X rays and 3D scans of my mouth, jaw and teeth. No yukky impressions! My clin-check was 5 days later and wow was I emotional. The video look so good I could not believe the difference. I didnt want a perfect Hollywood smile, but I am excited about the end result.

So I am waiting for my first sets of aligners to come in. Super excited to begin the process. Will keep this updated.

Thanks to everyone for your advice!

Received a phone call this morning! My aligners have arrived. So here we go. Had a couple of goes getting them on and off, a little awkward but I am managing quite well. First impressions, not too bad, a little pressure, a couple of spots that rub on my inner lip. Feels a little strange, a slight lisp. I got this!

Traveling well so far. Getting them in and out is easy enough. I admit that there is a bit of pain, more like pressure sensitivity especially when you take the aligners out. I am finding it much more comfortable with the aligners in. Brushing, flossing etc is a bit arduous, when you are out and you have only had a coffee. But it is doable. It might be my imagination, or the aligners themselves, but my teeth look bigger and straighter when the aligners are in (maybe it's magnification lol) either way, I am chuffed. Hope everyone else is doing OK