Nothing Worse Than a Brace - Yup , Crooked Teeth ( Honest Uk Review) - United Kingdom, GB

Firstly thanks for taking the time to read my honest approach to invisalign so far ...


Intro:
I have always wanted a brace but have never been able to afford them up until now at the grand age of 27 . Invisalign appealed to me because of its see-through design and the fact that I have one in particular tooth near the front which is growing at angle angle. It's always made me a little self conscious from a side angle so a brace was always on my list to do.

Consultation/ run up to getting the brace:
This was free ( always a bonus) . In this , the whole invisalign process was explained. Moulds were taken on both the top and bottom set and sent away to get the brace made up. This was slightly uncomfortable due to the force used to get the imprints but bearable.
Once the Orthodonist gets the brace back , you then go back to get them fitted .

Fitting/ first set:
I had quite a lot of nubs put on my teeth ( well these are what I call them but they are actually called fixtures) . These helps put more pressure on the teeth to move down or in the proposed direction required. These can be quite unsightly but are there to do their job so I wasn't really that bothered. I was then shown how to put my brace in and take them out. This proved quite difficult at first as they are pretty tight . I initially worried that this would be a struggle when I left the Orthodonist but it does get easier. The other addition to my braces were the Elastics . These help to treat my overbite . There small groves on either side of my bottom and top set which help hook the Elastics in place . Hooking from the bottom to the top set. I was given a bag do stuff needed which included my first 5 sets of trays , 2 cases to hold the brace when out of my mouth , a couple bags of Elastics, and some wax to ease of any rubbing . I was given further advise on what I can / can't do and sent on my path to teeth perfection :)

First set and experiences:
My first set were really tight and uncomfortable. Talking was an issue as my tongue rebelled against the foreign object in my mouth lol ! It become sore and bled but this was only on the first day. I also had a lisp for around 5 days and held my mouth funny too as it felt odd. This is all normal though and all wore off very soon. Although I looked forward to a well deserved nights sleep the first day I got them to give my poor mouth a rest . I also got quite a few ulcers but again all the norm . After all it is just the body reacting to that foreign object you've put on your mouth lol .

Eating (my favourite subject):
I am a grazer and a massive foodie so this had a big impact on my eating habits. It's not a massive hardship like most people have made out on here . You just have to adjust. I now have a few sittings through the day instead of constantly eating . If you are trying to lose weight I can see how this product would be a benefit to you as you cannot snack. So more the reason to choose invisalign. It makes you really ask yourself do I need to eat that cake ... I mean 'really' need to eat that cake lol .. Not just a craving you need to fufill . I'd say the only thing I've found is that I miss getting to sit and really enjoy the food I'm eating as I clock watch but I think that's because I have become a bit OCD with keeping my teeth in for the required time lol.

Elastics ( yes this gets it's own subject header lol)
This so far had been the burden of invasilgn for me . The bands have been pinging out on one side at any given opportunity. This has been so frustrating !! This has occurred where the hook has become too flexible. I have consulted the orthodontist and he said he wants to see me straight away to sort this which I am please about . It happens when I'm speaking , yawning , or laughing . I was laughing at work with my colleagues one time when the band actually shot out of my mouth to my horror and to my colleagues amusement where they then laughed even harder. Lucky I have a sense of humour :) I'll be pleased when this is no longer and issue :)

Cleaning:
I brush every time after eating and more thoroughly in the morning and evening . I also floss ( I'd say this is a must ) . I brush the braces also with a little toothpaste and cool water . I'm looking to get some retainer Brite which is meant to be really good for cleaning up the brace . My Orthodonist said he can tell when someone is wearing their brace like they are meant to by the wear . Now I'm on my second set I really understand what he means by that . The brace does to get a slight hue of white/ yellow but hopefully the Brite cleaner will sort this.

Second set / outlook so far:
Im now finding it a lot easier to take the brace in and out which is great . My teeth still ache but not as much as before. You weirdly miss that aching sensation. I don't know how to explain it but when you get this product you'll know what I mean by this lol . It actually feels like it's working more when they ache. My teeth have had some sensitivity but nothing unbearable . So far so good :)

Conclusion /advice
Please don't be off invisalign by some of the reviews . Of course everyone's experience is different but some expectations so early in this treatment are unrealistic . A few pointers;
- be positive
- don't be unrealistic so early (your teeth have taken years to get to the position they are in now , in comparison a few years treatment is not long!! ( things will not change in a few months)
- don't give up - be strict with yourself and stick to the rules
- what you put in , is what results you'll get back . ( okay, the majority is you , a small bit of science/product and a small part is how good your Orthodonist is :) )

I've been really strict so far and am sticking to those 22 hours I was advised to wear mine by the Orthodonist. Mine seems with a perfectionist so I'm looking forward to the results . I know its early days yet but it's best to be positive :) I hope this has been informative and hope to update you soon. I have been informed that it will take 33 sets to get my desired look so fingers crossed !!! :)

Thanks to the lovely community manager enquiring about my brace , I have just noticed I was meant to change to my 3rd tray Wednesday just gone (I'm hopeless ) .
Love the clean new feel of a fresh tray lol !! And new tray = both bands are now able to be back on again !! Yay !! I will be keeping a closer eye on my diary in future. April 2nd will be my 4th set.