Full Invisalign with Acceledent - Portland, OR

I've wanted to do Invisalign for years, and technology has finally advanced enough to handle my open bite, slight overbite, and slight crossbite. I also went with an Elite Provider who has years of experience. On tray 1 of 39 upper and 38 lower with refinements expected. Keep in mind my price includes Acceledent Aura (extra $900) but having to wear trays for only one week instead of two makes the extra $$ worth it!

I have 18 attachments and currently one rubber band and will eventually have 2. I can't lie: when my trays are in, you can definitely see the top tray (photos attached with attachments and no tray AND tray on over attachments in (they're on for my whole treatment). That said, the ability to take them out when needed instead of traditional braces is so worth it. Day 3 and it's been fine so far: no pain, just a little uncomfortable when taking them out (you have to yank them!). I'm still not used to eating and drinking anything other than water on a schedule, but my goal is to be a model patient. I do my chewies at random times throughout the day, and use my Acceledent at 9:00 every night right after my final brush and floss. It's late, so I'll add more info in week #2

Done with week 1, and just put in my second trays and did my Acceledent right after. Other than feeling tight just like the first trays, I really haven't found these to cause pain at all. I hear my Acceledent is a big reason for this. I love being able to jump trays after just one week!

Here's what I've noticed in my first 8 days:

First, I've been very compliant with my trays in the 20-22 hours recommended (majority of days the full 22 hours). I also wear my rubberband at all times and carry a bag with me in my purse.

Filing: My first set of trays was jagged on the bottom right tray and scratched my tongue. I put anbesol on the sore spot of my tongue and it was fine the next day. My ortho told me to file them with an emery board and it worked great. My new set is smooth all around.

My speech: I had a lisp the first few days, but it has pretty much dissipated. Thank goodness!

Teeth brushing: I've been flossing and brushing EVERY TIME I'm about to put my trays in. At home I use my Sonicare. Since I have 18 attachments, it's definitely hard to tell if my teeth are clean, so I spend some time making sure I've done a good job, then I use mouthwash too. I've had one minor cavity in my life and want no more.

Cleaning: I ran out of my samples of Retainer Brite and another tablet cleaner, so I went to the store and opted for hydrogen peroxide. I think I'll buy more tablets online though bc I like how easy they are to use and carry in my purse. But hydrogen peroxide is cheap!

Speaking of purse: I've ALWAYS carried a rather small purse, but switched it out for a larger one so I can carry my retainer case, rubberbands, mini toothpaste, floss, a mini mouthwash and full size toothbrush (the mini one is so hard to use). Quite an adjustment for me.

Eating and drinking: I've stuck to taking my Invisalign trays out whenever I eat or drink, with the exception of drinking one beer right before I went home to brush my teeth and wash my retainers. This has definitely made me more aware of what I'm eating all day and changed my schedule! While out with friends, I've waited until my first drink or food arrives to take them out (in the bathroom), and then brush my teeth at the restaurant and put them back in after. I'm getting used to it. I am also used to eating in the car on the way to work, but now have to be planful and eat before I leave or wait to get to the office. My goal is to be as model patient as possible...but this is definitely my biggest challenge!!!

I've dissolved a couple bad habits: biting my cheeks and biting my cuticles. Can't do either with my trays in, so it's great!

Lastly, I'm not too secretive about having these in, and even with all my attachments, people really don't seem to bother me about them or notice until I tell them.

So, 8 days in and it's a life adjustment, but I still feel all the little changes are worth it for a better bite and great smile in less than a year. Plus it's mostly bad habits or snacking that I'm breaking anyway. My friends joke that my 39 weeks of trays are essentially like carrying a baby, without all the pain!

No big updates! I'm on tray 4 with Acceledent, so only 4 weeks in! I've noticed I have teeth touching at two points now which is cool because they used to only touch a one. I had my first attachment break, which was no big deal...I noticed it chipped, scheduled an appt for when I got back to town, and had it replaced. So don't worry if one chips. Cosmetically my teeth don't look different yet, so I'll wait to post pics.