POSTED UNDER Invisalign REVIEWS
Starting invisalign at age 60! Better late than never!! - Newbury Park, CA
ORIGINAL POST
Well after turning 60 I finally did it and...
Newself1August 30, 2015
$4,750
Well after turning 60 I finally did it and considered Invisalign! For years my dentist would tell me I should consider getting braces and I always laughed and said if I wanted to do that I would’ve years ago! When I was young my Mother was very ill and it wasn’t even an option since my parents couldn’t afford it. Later on I could’ve but I married young, had children and they were the ones getting braces! I just thought I would have to live with crooked crowded teeth. Over the last couple years my teeth started to have many problems mainly from the pockets of my crooked teeth. My dentist then retired and a new younger dentist took over his practice and he was more equipped with newer equipment and such. I would see the Invisalign pamphlets in the office and one day he mentioned I should consider Invisalign which would help alleviate some of the issues with my teeth. It was the first time I ever really considered it since I would never have done metal braces. So I set up a consultation with my current dentist. I never even considered getting a consultation elsewhere since I really like my dentist and I trust his expertise. At first he told me he thought it would take around 18 months and possible extractions on the bottom since my teeth are crowded and I have a very narrow arch; but he wanted to hear back from Invisalign to see what plan they came up with. He quoted me $4,750 after a 10% discount for paying cash up front. I then decided to go ahead. I’m finally going to do this after all these years! I want to think about teeth whitening later along with bonding my front chipped tooth when I am done. So impressions were taken of my teeth and sent off. He told me it would take around 26 days for my trays to come in. After 28 days…the waiting seemed forever…I got a call that they were in! The plan was 35 trays, 17 to 20 months and no extractions! I was very happy with this till I heard I had to have 20 attachments and 7 IPR’s! 18 attachments would go on when I was fitted with Tray 2, and 3 of those are on my front teeth…so disappointing! Later down the line I will receive 2 more attachments. Oh well, I was disappointed but then again it’s all good considering the end result and that’s what I need to focus on; but I tell you, it’s hard starting out when you know how far you have to go!
TRAY #1
Impression: Not as bad as I thought it would be considering what I read here in some cases. I mean there was some tightness and I think the biggest thing is the irritation of the trays rubbing against my tongue! I did have to go in about 3 days later since I developed a blood blister on the back on my tongue where it hurt like heck to swallow! My dentist filed down that edge for me which really helped and told me to gargle with warm salt water. I have also learned to put wax on those edges that really bother me if I can’t file them well enough. I definitely have to get used to these things! Especially since I love my coffee in the morning and in the evening and sipping is a thing of the past! If I want it I have to gulp it! I used to get up, pour my coffee, sip for about an half hour, then fix my breakfast…Now I have to get up, pour my coffee, make my breakfast, take my trays out and gobble down everything within a half hour to get them back in! I have tried to stay on schedule to keep them in for 22 hours and I think I’m doing a good job, maybe just short by a half hour at times. The hardest part is when we eat out. Depending where we are I either take them out in the car or in the restroom if we have to wait for our food. It’s not the easiest to go in the restroom afterwards to floss and brush but I want my teeth clean before putting them back in. I use one of those small GUM floss brushes to floss discretely at the table which allows me to just go in to brush…might I add…quickly! My mouth does get dry but I always carry water with me. My lips have also been dry so I rub on a little Aquapour which makes a huge difference. I had already been using 24 Hr Color Stay lipstick and have had no problems with it coming off on the aligners.
TRAY #2
Today I went in for my second trays and to have attachments put on. Putting the attachments on wasn’t bad at all. I had 10 put on the top and 8 on the bottom. Boy I hate the feel of them though. My dentist even polished them after and they still feel bad. I agree with what others have said, I like the feel of my trays back in! I also had the first 2 of 7 IPR’s done on my bottom front teeth. That wasn’t bad either but it does kind of feel strange now that I have space between those teeth! I have had discomfort but I must say not as bad as I thought. I had asked my dentist about AcceleDent and he had never heard of it but he did take the time to research and to call Invisalign to inquire about it in which they stated they didn’t warrant their product with the use of it so his conclusion was to stick with the regular plan. I was disappointed of course but I guess I’m in for the long haul! I also asked if things move along well would we be able to shorten my time from 2 weeks to maybe 10 days…the answer was No, need to stick with the plan…2 weeks with each set of aligners. Oh well, no speeding up things here. The hard part now was to get these things out easily. I did read on these boards…a Godsend I must add…of suggestions on how to take them out easier which really helped in my case. For the top I now grab the back inside edge of the aligner and slowly pull all the way around till it comes off. The same for the bottom, however I have to grab from the back outside edge instead because I can’t get my fingers in to pull on the inside since my arch is so narrow. This works like a charm and I’m able to get them out quite quickly and easily. I have a routine when I take them out in the morning- I let them sit in a half hydrogen peroxide and half water solution to soak, then brush with toothpaste and put them back in. I have an air flosser I use when I’m at home but I do use regular floss when I do my teeth at night. I also soak them every few days in with a Polident tablet just to keep them clean from any staining since I have to keep them in for 2 weeks and this seems to work. My teeth have been sensitive when eating but not terrible. So far so good! I’m 5 days into this tray so I have a long ways to go. My dentist sent me home with all 3 sets of trays so I go back in 6 weeks. But it only took 2 days for 1 attachment to break off entirely and another partially. So they got me in the next day…the office is just down the street which is so convenient…and he fixed those two. Hopefully nothing more happens because in a week he is getting married and going on his honeymoon so if any others come off I am to remain in my current tray and cannot go forward, so hopefully they stay put! I ordered some Chewies from Ebay and used one for the first few days to seat these trays after putting them in. I guess they’re doing what they’re supposed to. The sides of my teeth feel good while chewing on it but the front teeth are really sensitive! I asked my dentist for a copy of my ClinCheck and there was no way to do that but he did let me take a video of it on my phone. I will update my progress when I change to Tray 3.
TRAY #1
Impression: Not as bad as I thought it would be considering what I read here in some cases. I mean there was some tightness and I think the biggest thing is the irritation of the trays rubbing against my tongue! I did have to go in about 3 days later since I developed a blood blister on the back on my tongue where it hurt like heck to swallow! My dentist filed down that edge for me which really helped and told me to gargle with warm salt water. I have also learned to put wax on those edges that really bother me if I can’t file them well enough. I definitely have to get used to these things! Especially since I love my coffee in the morning and in the evening and sipping is a thing of the past! If I want it I have to gulp it! I used to get up, pour my coffee, sip for about an half hour, then fix my breakfast…Now I have to get up, pour my coffee, make my breakfast, take my trays out and gobble down everything within a half hour to get them back in! I have tried to stay on schedule to keep them in for 22 hours and I think I’m doing a good job, maybe just short by a half hour at times. The hardest part is when we eat out. Depending where we are I either take them out in the car or in the restroom if we have to wait for our food. It’s not the easiest to go in the restroom afterwards to floss and brush but I want my teeth clean before putting them back in. I use one of those small GUM floss brushes to floss discretely at the table which allows me to just go in to brush…might I add…quickly! My mouth does get dry but I always carry water with me. My lips have also been dry so I rub on a little Aquapour which makes a huge difference. I had already been using 24 Hr Color Stay lipstick and have had no problems with it coming off on the aligners.
TRAY #2
Today I went in for my second trays and to have attachments put on. Putting the attachments on wasn’t bad at all. I had 10 put on the top and 8 on the bottom. Boy I hate the feel of them though. My dentist even polished them after and they still feel bad. I agree with what others have said, I like the feel of my trays back in! I also had the first 2 of 7 IPR’s done on my bottom front teeth. That wasn’t bad either but it does kind of feel strange now that I have space between those teeth! I have had discomfort but I must say not as bad as I thought. I had asked my dentist about AcceleDent and he had never heard of it but he did take the time to research and to call Invisalign to inquire about it in which they stated they didn’t warrant their product with the use of it so his conclusion was to stick with the regular plan. I was disappointed of course but I guess I’m in for the long haul! I also asked if things move along well would we be able to shorten my time from 2 weeks to maybe 10 days…the answer was No, need to stick with the plan…2 weeks with each set of aligners. Oh well, no speeding up things here. The hard part now was to get these things out easily. I did read on these boards…a Godsend I must add…of suggestions on how to take them out easier which really helped in my case. For the top I now grab the back inside edge of the aligner and slowly pull all the way around till it comes off. The same for the bottom, however I have to grab from the back outside edge instead because I can’t get my fingers in to pull on the inside since my arch is so narrow. This works like a charm and I’m able to get them out quite quickly and easily. I have a routine when I take them out in the morning- I let them sit in a half hydrogen peroxide and half water solution to soak, then brush with toothpaste and put them back in. I have an air flosser I use when I’m at home but I do use regular floss when I do my teeth at night. I also soak them every few days in with a Polident tablet just to keep them clean from any staining since I have to keep them in for 2 weeks and this seems to work. My teeth have been sensitive when eating but not terrible. So far so good! I’m 5 days into this tray so I have a long ways to go. My dentist sent me home with all 3 sets of trays so I go back in 6 weeks. But it only took 2 days for 1 attachment to break off entirely and another partially. So they got me in the next day…the office is just down the street which is so convenient…and he fixed those two. Hopefully nothing more happens because in a week he is getting married and going on his honeymoon so if any others come off I am to remain in my current tray and cannot go forward, so hopefully they stay put! I ordered some Chewies from Ebay and used one for the first few days to seat these trays after putting them in. I guess they’re doing what they’re supposed to. The sides of my teeth feel good while chewing on it but the front teeth are really sensitive! I asked my dentist for a copy of my ClinCheck and there was no way to do that but he did let me take a video of it on my phone. I will update my progress when I change to Tray 3.
Replies (17)
August 31, 2015
I also began at 60 back in June. I am also using Acceledent and change trays every 4 days. My teeth have moved a lot but I really didn't see big visible changes until tray 15. I wish you luck in your journey and don't forget to post updates.
August 31, 2015
Wow every 4 days! How I wish!!! Thank you and best of luck to you too! I will post my journey.
September 1, 2015
Thanks for posting this. Your coffee comments made me laugh as I'm exactly the same. Takes me ages to drink a hot drink an I normally drink the throughout the day. However, I'm just a little behind you - still on tray 1 and im making a drink, leaving to cool before I take aligners out, then eating/ drinking as quickly as possible so I can put them back in.
My dentist gave me some tablets to make a solution for cleaning called Retainer Brite which you can also buy.
Interested to see your attachment pics. I'm due to have 13 at the end of next week. The retainers aren't noticeable now but I worry they will be with the attachments. Is yours more noticeable with the attachments do you think?
My dentist gave me some tablets to make a solution for cleaning called Retainer Brite which you can also buy.
Interested to see your attachment pics. I'm due to have 13 at the end of next week. The retainers aren't noticeable now but I worry they will be with the attachments. Is yours more noticeable with the attachments do you think?
September 2, 2015
Oh my gosh...that's exactly like me! I won't give up the coffee so better to gulp it down than give it up lol! I did try drinking it with a straw but only while making a meal so I knew I'd be taking them out soon...and I did chase it down with water!
I haven't tried Retainer Bright but I have been using a generic of Polident which seems to keep them nice and clean.
I will post soon my attachment pics which don't look too bad...at least that's what my family says...but they feel horrible...like I have food stuck all over them! So I can't wait to put my trays back in so I don't feel it. It wasn't bad having them put on so you shouldn't worry. You are lucky having only 13. I have 18 right now and 2 more going on later.
It will be interesting to follow our journey together. Will you be posting some pics soon? How many trays will you be needing?...I have 35 and with needing to keep them in for 2 weeks...a long journey for sure!
I haven't tried Retainer Bright but I have been using a generic of Polident which seems to keep them nice and clean.
I will post soon my attachment pics which don't look too bad...at least that's what my family says...but they feel horrible...like I have food stuck all over them! So I can't wait to put my trays back in so I don't feel it. It wasn't bad having them put on so you shouldn't worry. You are lucky having only 13. I have 18 right now and 2 more going on later.
It will be interesting to follow our journey together. Will you be posting some pics soon? How many trays will you be needing?...I have 35 and with needing to keep them in for 2 weeks...a long journey for sure!
September 2, 2015
I have 29 and he is almost certain I will need refinements. My boyfriend took some good pics. I just need to get them off him and I also asked dentist to send me some so I'll post as soon as I get with my story. I had fixed braces at 21 and 6 teeth out then due to overcrowding but they have been edging back.
My dentist told me not to have anything but water with aligners in. Not even carbonated water or gin and tonic through a straw. Not because of staining but because any acid is then sitting in the aligner against your teeth and cause damage.
It is a long journey. Full time retainer for 3 months after too
My dentist told me not to have anything but water with aligners in. Not even carbonated water or gin and tonic through a straw. Not because of staining but because any acid is then sitting in the aligner against your teeth and cause damage.
It is a long journey. Full time retainer for 3 months after too
September 3, 2015
So you will be finished before me. I most likely will need refinements too since my dentist told me expect to be done in 17 to 20 months. That's okay though cause when you finally get to that point what's a few more months right?
My dentist also told me no coffee! I wouldn't do it unless I was going to be taking them out really soon. So far I just tried drinking through a straw before a meal in which I took them out about 15 mins later and I was following up with water. I also did that with a wine cooler! I know it's a no no but like I said I took them out soon after and put them right in to soak with a polident tablet! I will need a retainer afterwards too. I will look forward to seeing your photos when you get them posted.
My dentist also told me no coffee! I wouldn't do it unless I was going to be taking them out really soon. So far I just tried drinking through a straw before a meal in which I took them out about 15 mins later and I was following up with water. I also did that with a wine cooler! I know it's a no no but like I said I took them out soon after and put them right in to soak with a polident tablet! I will need a retainer afterwards too. I will look forward to seeing your photos when you get them posted.
September 1, 2015
Thank you so much for such a great update!! I love to see everyone's journey and how it goes for them and its nice to know im not in this alone lol I also just started my phase 1a yesterday and after wearing them all day at work it tore my tongue up raw. As soon as i got home i filed them some myself and applied wax where it was rubbing. Feeling somewhat better now but will see after it heals how it feels. I also drink black coffee, but I keep them in when I do at work as I sip on it. I take a drink of water afterwords and swish though. I hope this isnt to bad ?? probably is ... dang it!!
September 2, 2015
Hi, It will be great following our journey together! Have you had any staining with leaving your trays in while drinking coffee? I am tempted but afraid of them staining especially since I have to have them in for 2 weeks. Do you use any cleaner like Polident? That's what I am using but don't know how clean they would keep them if I drank with them in. Maybe someone can chime in on that?
If you still have a problem with your trays cutting up your mouth my dentist told me to rinse my mouth with warm salt water. I also filed them and used wax but I rinsed with salt water that evening and everything felt so much better by morning! It's a learning curve for sure! It's nice to have someone to follow along with me! Let's keep in touch during our journey together!
If you still have a problem with your trays cutting up your mouth my dentist told me to rinse my mouth with warm salt water. I also filed them and used wax but I rinsed with salt water that evening and everything felt so much better by morning! It's a learning curve for sure! It's nice to have someone to follow along with me! Let's keep in touch during our journey together!
September 4, 2015
Ill defiantly keep in touch! I haven't got any attachments put in yet. I get them on my next visit in 5 weeks. I did notice just now after rereading your post that you are doing invisalign as I am doing clear correct...I wasn't even aware there was a different form of these until I got on this site? But i do feel they are very similar and still like to see how are journey goes together :) Im hoping these work just as good? Been doing a lot of research!! I put mine in the polident as soon as I get up...I have them off for about an hour in the morning as I get ready while they soak and I eat... Then I go to work and they are on all day except maybe 15 minutes or so when I eat my meals. I read somewhere on here that a lady cleaned hers with 1 tablespoon bleach and cool water and let them soak in that..made them chrystal clear! I have done this twice and it seems to really work! I'm hoping this isn't bad, but I don't see why not? I have to wear mine for 3 weeks and then change out. I wish it was only 2. I have 16 sets i need to wear so im figuring a year if all goes well :) Im still drinking my coffe with them on, and havnt noticed any staining. I drink it black so im not concerned about sugar or anything like that getting trapped in them while they are on. I know I shouldn't, but honestly I swish with a drink of water every time I take a drink, rinse them off constantly, and I brush and floss after every meal. I also use my Jet water pick at-least 3 times a day..I couldn't imagine not using it with this. It is a great thing to have! I even put half water and half mouthwash in it when I use it before bed :) The filling helped sooooo much with mine, I also purchased a nail buffer/shiner block and it helps smooth out all the edges, a life saver indeed :)
September 4, 2015
(I really wish you could edit your spelling mistakes after you hit send LOL)
September 5, 2015
Yes, let's definitely keep in touch! I didn't realize either that you were using Clear Correct...I didn't know the difference either lol! Wow that's great that the bleach and water keeps them so clear, I haven't heard of that one. I noticed today that one of my attachments is super small...didn't notice it like that before so don't know if it's been that way or not. My dentist is getting married today and is going on his honeymoon so I can't find out what to do. He told me if any of them come off while he's gone not to go on to the next tray...eek! I mean it's still there just not very big like the others and it's a tooth that has two of them on it. I'm supposed to go onto the next tray on Monday and since it's not entirely gone...I hope it will be okay to continue! Maybe someone else could chime in??
I know it's a no no but it sounds like you're keeping your teeth really clean often enough even while drinking the coffee. I know it's so hard not drink the darn coffee!!! I have an air flosser that I use with mouthwash that I really like that helps like your water pick. Do you think the nail buffer/shiner block works better than an emery board? I use an emery board but it seems like I have to really file a lot to get it to where it doesn't bother me. Let me know when you get your attachments on and keep in touch!
I know it's a no no but it sounds like you're keeping your teeth really clean often enough even while drinking the coffee. I know it's so hard not drink the darn coffee!!! I have an air flosser that I use with mouthwash that I really like that helps like your water pick. Do you think the nail buffer/shiner block works better than an emery board? I use an emery board but it seems like I have to really file a lot to get it to where it doesn't bother me. Let me know when you get your attachments on and keep in touch!
September 2, 2015
Here is retainer brite details little you tube clip https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=j8OCTv6GEE4
UPDATED FROM Newself1
1 month post
Tray #3 Update
Newself1September 17, 2015
I’m 9 days into my 3rd set of trays. When I started my 3rd set they definitely were tight! Within an hour though, they had already loosened up a bit. I had filed the areas I knew I would have trouble with beforehand and that made a huge difference in the comfort factor. They still rub from time to time but in a much milder way. I have gotten used to removing them and that has gotten much easier now. What I’m still having trouble with is removing them to eat and getting them back in in the allotted time, especially when eating out. I still need to work on that but it will come in time.
Then you have the unforeseen dilemmas…like the other morning when I woke up with a migraine headache! Unfortunately something I have suffered with for years…thank goodness for headache meds! I had to get up, remove my trays and take my meds right away but on an empty stomach, I needed to get down some crackers so that I wouldn’t get sick to my stomach which I was on the verge of. Then I needed to try to brush my teeth and get them back in…no fun when you’re not feeling well! About a half hour later I ended up feeling sick to my stomach anyway. Now this was a test! I had to remove my trays super quick just in the nick of time! Unfortunately I didn’t put them back in just in case I needed to run to the bathroom again and I ended up lying down and falling asleep and not waking up for about 3 hours! Over my allotted time for the whole day! I tried to make up for it the rest of the day but that was just impossible. I have tried to keep to the allotted time but I don’t break my back doing it; I think I come close. I feel that a ½ an hour to an hour less than my 22 hours isn’t going to be a problem especially since my dentist is making me keep each set of trays in for 2 weeks. So far my trays have started feeling really loose at least a week and definitely by 10 days into each set. It’s funny though I actually don’t like the feel of them when they are this way and they start to really bother me. I like the feel of them being much snugger on my teeth.
Of course it hasn’t been long enough yet to really notice any movement but I do feel a difference in the way my teeth line up when I take my trays out to eat. I will be keeping you updated on my journey since unfortunately I’ve got a long ways to go!
Then you have the unforeseen dilemmas…like the other morning when I woke up with a migraine headache! Unfortunately something I have suffered with for years…thank goodness for headache meds! I had to get up, remove my trays and take my meds right away but on an empty stomach, I needed to get down some crackers so that I wouldn’t get sick to my stomach which I was on the verge of. Then I needed to try to brush my teeth and get them back in…no fun when you’re not feeling well! About a half hour later I ended up feeling sick to my stomach anyway. Now this was a test! I had to remove my trays super quick just in the nick of time! Unfortunately I didn’t put them back in just in case I needed to run to the bathroom again and I ended up lying down and falling asleep and not waking up for about 3 hours! Over my allotted time for the whole day! I tried to make up for it the rest of the day but that was just impossible. I have tried to keep to the allotted time but I don’t break my back doing it; I think I come close. I feel that a ½ an hour to an hour less than my 22 hours isn’t going to be a problem especially since my dentist is making me keep each set of trays in for 2 weeks. So far my trays have started feeling really loose at least a week and definitely by 10 days into each set. It’s funny though I actually don’t like the feel of them when they are this way and they start to really bother me. I like the feel of them being much snugger on my teeth.
Of course it hasn’t been long enough yet to really notice any movement but I do feel a difference in the way my teeth line up when I take my trays out to eat. I will be keeping you updated on my journey since unfortunately I’ve got a long ways to go!
Replies (0)
UPDATED FROM Newself1
2 months post
Tray #5 Update - Week 9
Newself1October 11, 2015
I'm midway through Tray 5 and I've been doing really well. Of course I have the discomfort after changing to a new tray but I seem to adjust rather quickly. If anything, my front teeth are a bit sore when I take my trays out to eat.
I saw my dentist for a teeth cleaning and he was really happy and said my gums look really healthy. He sent me home with Trays 5, 6, 7 and 8. He also filed them all for me since there's a spot that always bothers me that I would have to file. I also had another IPR done on the bottom.
The time seems like it is going rather quickly but I have a long ways to go...30 more trays! I do see a slight difference in my front bottom teeth looking a tad bit straighter. I couldn't help it and took my trays out to compare from the 1st to the 8th and I definitely can see a difference! Slowly but surely!
I saw my dentist for a teeth cleaning and he was really happy and said my gums look really healthy. He sent me home with Trays 5, 6, 7 and 8. He also filed them all for me since there's a spot that always bothers me that I would have to file. I also had another IPR done on the bottom.
The time seems like it is going rather quickly but I have a long ways to go...30 more trays! I do see a slight difference in my front bottom teeth looking a tad bit straighter. I couldn't help it and took my trays out to compare from the 1st to the 8th and I definitely can see a difference! Slowly but surely!
Replies (4)
October 11, 2015
Sounds like you're doing well. I started tray 4 2 days ago. My teeth are feeling really tender! I definitely think I can see a little movement too
October 30, 2015
Sorry for the late reply but I was out of town. That's fantastic! I definitely feel your pain! We have a long ways to go...ouch!
Too bad your dentist will not let you use Acceladent. Thanks to it I got to change my trays every week and just finished my treatment in one year and two weeks. I had a very crooked front tooth and crowding at the bottom.
I was given Chewies as many as I needed in the dentist office. They are very essential, I would say, in seating your trays. The bag mine came in said 'tray seaters'. I also read someplace that chewing on them for a longer time is very good for the process. I never did it because I had the Acceladent vibrator 20 minutes every night.
I found a Colgate product called Wisps very helpful, especially on trips when I did not have a bathroom at my disposal but with a Wisp and a bottle of water I could give my teeth a provisional brush until I would get to a sink. It saved many hours, where otherwise I could not have worn my trays.
I hate it when I read that Invisalign users 'wolf down' their meals (or words to that effect). I never did that so regularly did not reach my 22 hours a day. But I had more peace of mind and I don't think my treatment suffered horribly from it.
My teeth were very sensitive the first weeks. I would not dare to bite in a slice of apple. But it really got so much better after the first months.
Try to find my other postings: Zvezda is my name. Stella, really. I wish you a smooth journey and I agree very much that yhe Real Self/Invisalign user group is the best help!