POSTED UNDER Invisalign REVIEWS
Invisalign Express - 29 Years Old, Minor Crowding Issues on Top and Bottom. - Pittsburgh, PA
ORIGINAL POST
I went in for an Invisalign consult in December. I...
$3,200
I went in for an Invisalign consult in December. I ended up "chickening" out because I just didn't want to put in the commitment. I went back about 6 weeks ago and finally got my liners in. I had about 10 "bumps" cemented to my teeth. I don't know if it was my ortho or if this is normal, but there is a lot of excess cement around my teeth that is quite annoying when my liners are out. I'm sure it's part of it that I will get used to. I have only had these for one day so far and plan to update. The reason I went for Invisalign is that there was no way I was getting traditional braces at my age, and I had never had them when I was younger. The positioning of my bottom teeth (one tooth sticking out) was causing a bit of a snaggletooth and shifting of my top teeth. I just noticed this getting worse over time, mostly because I grind my teeth at night and the teeth were pushing against one another. I definitely thought the liners would be more invisible, but I did know what to expect based on reviews I read on here. It's unfortunate to me that even when the liners are out, people will be able to see the bumps on my teeth from certain angles. My treatment should only be about 5 months with a possible additional five months. I have slight mouth discomfort, but not a headache. I will say, I do not even want to eat because it's just annoying to take the liners out at work. Also, I like to drink my coffee throughout an hour in the morning, and I can't really do that, because I don't want to waste that time with my liners out. I'm having iced coffee through a straw with my liners in (rebel!). I plan on rinsing and brushing throughout the day. I will post more updates soon.
Replies (1)
May 30, 2014
I'm sure everything will be more easier once you get in a routine. I'm going on the 16th of June to get my molds and start the process. I'm 34 and wore braces 16 years ago and my teeth started moving I noticed a couple years ago but was in denial to get it checked out. My friend wore them and had very good results...she told me that she would soak her aligners in the whitening listerine in a small bowl to clean them so I will try that out unless I am told not to. Best of luck, please keep us posted!
UPDATED FROM fi414
Day of treatment
Day 2
This is the second full day with the trays in. I have not had a headache at all. I have a sore mouth and a dull ache which just makes me want to remove them. I think that's obvious for everyone that there is going to be some discomfort. I haven't had problems with the trays as far as them being physically uncomfortable or hurting my mouth. It's kind of better with them in, because some of my "bumps" are a bit pointy and wearing on my inner cheeks and front inside of my mouth. Overall, it's just a bit of a daily annoyance... an extra added step in your routine. I'm hoping that once I see results I will be more motivated to push through!
Replies (12)

May 30, 2014
Hello and welcome! Some people are more prone to headaches than others, so be happy you're not getting them from the trays! But soreness in the teeth and jaw is pretty-much unavoidable, though it's also worse for some than others. Hopefully yours won't be awful, since your teeth aren't very crowded.
It looks like you have a little overjet in the first picture, but not in the last picture. Do you? And did you get to see your ClinCheck? And you are definitely not alone about drinking through the straw. Your trays will discolor faster, but as long as you clean your teeth immediately, it's a choice you can make :).
The extra cement is something that can be polished off with a pumice polish by your doctor. You didn't mention your doctor so I don't know whether you're with an ortho or your regular dentist, but either should be able to get rid of the extra cement.
I look forward to following your progress!
It looks like you have a little overjet in the first picture, but not in the last picture. Do you? And did you get to see your ClinCheck? And you are definitely not alone about drinking through the straw. Your trays will discolor faster, but as long as you clean your teeth immediately, it's a choice you can make :).
The extra cement is something that can be polished off with a pumice polish by your doctor. You didn't mention your doctor so I don't know whether you're with an ortho or your regular dentist, but either should be able to get rid of the extra cement.
I look forward to following your progress!

June 1, 2014
Thanks for the welcome. I actually do not have an overjet. Maybe it's just the way I'm holding my teeth in that picture. If anything I have a little of the opposite in which my bottom teeth come very close to my top teeth in the front. I think I'm used to the cement at this point being that my trays are in most of the time anyway. I did not get to see my clin check. Is that the digital pictures of my teeth?

June 1, 2014
A lot of people hold their teeth kinda funny when they're taking pictures for the reviews :). That's why I ask instead of assuming :D.
The ClinCheck is the little computerized movie that shows the projected movement of your teeth.
The ClinCheck is the little computerized movie that shows the projected movement of your teeth.

June 1, 2014
I have another question actually. Do you have any idea if they charge extra money for extra trays/refinements at the end? Meaning... I asked how long treatment will be and my ortho said 10 weeks, with "possibly" or "probably" (I can't remember which) additional 10 weeks after that. I already received my treatment bill and I'm hoping it's for everything and there won't be more costs.

June 1, 2014
So there are three different types of Invisalign. Invisalign lite/express is the least expensive and the only one that doesn't include refinements. So if you got that, it's possible they aren't included. Generally, that version includes up to ten aligners. But there is some leeway so your doctor may have given you a reduced price and not included any refinements.
So the short answer is that you need to clarify with your doctor. It is also entirely possible that you got Invisalign full with just a few trays and unlimited refinements. Another reason to clarify :).
So the short answer is that you need to clarify with your doctor. It is also entirely possible that you got Invisalign full with just a few trays and unlimited refinements. Another reason to clarify :).

June 1, 2014
I did get Invisalign express as I just checked my packaging. That would be very disappointing if I have to pay more costs than I was initially told to get the results I want. Hoping for the best! I'll have to call them tomorrow. Thanks!

June 2, 2014
If they'll give you all 10 aligners, it seems like you'll be fine. Your alignment issues are minor. But you can also find out how much extra it will cost if certain teeth are stubborn and you need to pay for an extra aligner or two. I'd just make sure to wear the aligners to the fullest. We have some Invisaligners on here (well, at least two!) who wear their trays 23 hours/day. Some people can't wear them as much as they should (less than 20 hours/day) and go three weeks per tray. Just make sure your teeth are really tracking before switching to the next aligner, since there's not a lot of room for error with express.
Do you know if retainers are included in your treatment plan price?
Do you know if retainers are included in your treatment plan price?

June 3, 2014
I'm not sure about retainers being included. He mentioned retainers when I said I didn't want my teeth shifting back. Good news, I spoke with him and he said there would be no charge if I needed extra trays. Hooray!


June 4, 2014
Try using some hydrogen peroxide to soak your trays when you take them out. If you've none on hand, try brushing your trays with an unscented dish liquid very, very thoroughly and rinsing thoroughly. I'll admit I've used regular Dawn but the Dawn smell doesn't go away so your trays smell like dish liquid, but it may be preferable to the other smell. I found I didn't get the smell in my trays once I started using hydrogen peroxide. Your toothpaste may be too abrasive.

June 11, 2014
If my teeth seemed to have not moved at all and are not loose should I still change my tray? I'm supposed to tomorrow.

June 12, 2014
This is the type of thing you should ask your doctor :). I can't give advice like that, since I'm just a regular schmo like you who's just gone through treatment already. Do remember that not every tray does the same amount of work--especially the first tray. Some doctors choose to make the first tray mostly passive (thought not all.) So your doctor would know that. If your doctor said to switch after two weeks, I'd do that. If the tray doesn't fit or is excessively painful, contact your doctor right away and tell them the symptoms you mentioned here.
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