Older than most with Invisalign, but review might be relevant to any over 25. Sherman, TX

I gave a brief summary last time, so let me start at the beginning. As I said, I had braces as a teen. The braces corrected a severe overbite and overjet, and I had four molars extracted before that started, as well as head gear, etc. After the braces, I had a metal retainer behind my lower teeth, with metal bands on two teeth holding it, which was standard at the time (1970s). I had an upper retainer that included a plastic piece on the roof of my mouth and hooks with a rubber band across the top front teeth. I had the lower one removed after a few years, which was also standard then, and I wore the upper for at least 20, probably 25 years, although only four years were required or expected. My lower teeth began to look crowded and crooked over time. My overbite and overjet seemed to gradually return, and one day a few years ago I noticed during the night a tickling sensation as my lowers touched the roof of my mouth, just slightly. But even more concerning was an upper incisor that seemed to be moving north, and had been for many years. That is my problem tooth, and I will refer to it repeatedly.

I said in my summary that there have been multiple problems, but really there is only the one so far (the problem tooth), plus maybe a related problem that I’ll get to. But the one problem has come up again and again, as I will explain in later updates.

So in the fall of 2013, less than a year and a half ago, I moved forward and visited an orthodontist. I wanted Invisalign, and she thought I would be a good candidate. I started in November of that year.

Unlike some others, I had my attachments with the first set of aligners, but none on the front four teeth, top or bottom. I had heard about the attachments, but was not prepared for the saliva that would collect, and the “power ridges” that enable even more saliva to show. I mentioned before that I had a slight lisp at first, and I still do occasionally when I am tired. At first I felt the need to explain myself (I teach college) to students and colleagues, but now I don’t even think of it (more about the transition later).

In my next installment, I’ll tell about the problem tooth being left behind, and what has happened since, with more pics, but for now I’ll post some of the initial pics. I also want to give a few words of advice to anyone thinking about doing this.

Pain: Most of my pain has been caused by abrasion from extra brackets and elastics. The movement of the teeth feels good to me. Really. It means something is happening.

Drinking: I am confused that many say one can only drink water with the aligners in. I drink tea, water, cola (stevia sweetened), and white wine, as well as anything else without sugar except for coffee or red wine. I wear my aligners longer than usual (more on that next time), and still there is no problem. I do clean my teeth and the aligners regularly. My teeth get stained, but no more than usual between dental cleanings. The glue around the attachments does get more stained, so I give those areas extra attention.

Cleaning aligners: I use denture cleaner once a day. Every few days (especially since I wear my aligners extra time) I soak them in the blue mouthwash that is generic for the blue Listerine. It works well and offsets the yellowish tinge that occurs over time.

I will update soon. Much happened since what I have described here, but no one will want to read it all at once. But wish me luck: I will visit an oral surgeon next week to see if the problem tooth (which won't move) is fused to the bone.

Where do I start? I am 56 years old, and began treatment over a year ago at 54. Some may think I am too old to contribute to the discussion, but I think I have some things to offer! I had braces as a teenager, and wore my retainer for 20 years, although back then they said to only wear it for four. It finally broke, and my ortho was retired. I thought the teeth would not shift back by then, but they did. I had an overbite and over jet, plus crooked lower teeth, and an upper canine that seemed to be moving up with a gap between it and the front teeth. I finally met with an orthodontist and went with Invisalign. Many things have gone right, and many others have gone wrong. I want to share both in hopes of helping others. I will post pics. But first, let me say that I teach (college) and although I occasionally lisp and the braces are definitely not really invisible, that's OK. I got over that quickly. But I have an ankylosed tooth that won't move, and I've had to have some wires and elastics added (more details in time), so things have not gone as expected. Also I had a midterm correction, which didn't help. But my lower teeth are now perfect. I may have to get surgery for the one upper tooth that won't move. I will post pics later.