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POSTED UNDER Invisalign Reviews

Before getting invisalign, there are some things to think about (month 1) - Richmond, VA

UPDATED FROM Turbo86
1 year post

Refinements

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T
Turbo86
$5,800
So I finished my original 44 trays and went on to 16 refinement trays. Refinements were not what I wanted so I am now on an additional 19 refinement trays or as they've been called "overkill." My advice during the Invisalign process is don't let anyone tell you when you are done, you tell yourself. If something doesn't seem right, your bite is off, still have a tooth sitting a little high etc; Don't feel like you are complaining or causing anyone to work any harder. I paid almost $6k for my Invisalign so I'm going to get what I paid for!

My original problem was my canine on my left side being crowded and my bottom teeth were also crowded. The teeth were expanded and aligned back into place in both the top and bottom of my mouth. At the end of my 44 trays my canine was still protruding a bit further than all other teeth on that side although it had vertically aligned with them. My bottom teeth were also spaced incorrectly where I couldn't even get floss between them. The 16 refinements fixed the bottom, but at my appointment they sanded off all the buttons on my top teeth. I didn't pay it any mind although a little voice in my head kept saying why would they do that if I still have this issue. This was because they had no intention of fixing my upper tooth issue which is why I'm on my 2nd refinement. They argued with me that my upper teeth were fine and that "I'd get used to them after they settled".....BULL! Again, you pay for it, get the results you want. I'll do my final update at the end of these 19 refinements, I'm sure no matter the result I'll be over it and ready to be done, but don't let that deter you from your goal. Cheers to your journey and completion!

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Midlothian Family Denstistry

Turbo86

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Replies (2)

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T
May 30, 2018
P.S. For anyone wondering...the refinements are no extra fee.
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S
August 5, 2018
Your teeth look great to me. But you're right, you paid for it, and you have to live with the results, so it's best to make sure your treatment is deemed "complete" on your terms.
UPDATED FROM Turbo86
1 year post

Tray 40 of 44

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Turbo86

Replies (1)

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S
December 27, 2017
Impressive
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T
May 30, 2018
Thanks!!
UPDATED FROM Turbo86
1 year post

Tray 35 of 44

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T
Turbo86
My teeth are looking pretty good. I'm still getting used to the upper adjustments and my bite without the trays on. My teeth seem to align a certain way with the trays in and a bit different without them. I'm thinking that once my treatment is complete I'll get used to my normal bite, but I'll bring it up in my next visit either way.
I often imagine how trained I've become to this process that it will be weird not having trays in anymore. Then, I remember all the snacks I've missed the past year and I get excited for the final trays! I've become accustomed to the weekly tray changes, but I do notice I can't go too long without putting them back in or they'll be pretty tight. Other than that, no real issues. Updated pics added!

Replies (2)

G
September 25, 2017
Looks good. You have very nice teeth. I think your smile is going to be very attractive... I mean, it already is to be honest. Don't get too excited about your final trays. From what my orthodontist said, I'm going to have to wear retainers 24 hours a day for the first year (or something long like that) and then after that, move to 8 hours a day or something. So, when we're done, we're not really done. I'm on tray 13. I wish I were further along myself!
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T
November 10, 2017
Thanks! I hope that's not the case with the retainers, after all this I'd love a break to sport a normal smile without plastic and buttons. Good luck on your journey!!
J
October 1, 2017
Your teeth are looking amazing! I have a similar issue up top with mine, however my canine tooth was blocked out by a retained baby canine - so looked like a vampire tooth :( I just started my Invisalign journey and am on tray 2, week 3! The snacking is definitely so much harder, I don't want to take my trays out in for fear of messing up the 22 hr wear time! Did you receive elastic bands? I have one attached to my canine to bring it down faster.
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T
November 10, 2017
Thanks! I didn't receive any bands, but my canine is moving pretty quickly. It is probably the last tooth to get aligned in this process. Good luck on your journey! I remember week 3 like it was yesterday, if you didn't read my first post, soup is your best friend!
J
November 10, 2017
Totally agree! Soup really is the best haha My canine is still somewhat blocked out, however it’s due to the fact that the teeth on either side aren’t in the right place yet and there isn’t enough room. I’m now basically on week 8, and I’ve seen such great improvements!
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T
November 10, 2017
I have a similar issue, one of my side teeth grew in at 180 degrees, taking room away from my canine. I've had crowding since middle school, as they move I think I look for reasons to smile now. Believe me your end results are going to be amazing! I hope you keep your old trays, it's cool to compare how much your teeth moved.
J
November 10, 2017
Keeping all my old trays and taking heaps of photos to compare, I love seeing the improvements - I can’t wait for it to be done and to have perfect teeth. I’ve just been allowed to change trays every 10 days, originally it was 2 weeks. The 4 days difference feels great hahaha! That’s crazy to think your tooth grew in 180°!! You’d never know looking at your smile now.