POSTED UNDER Invisalign Reviews
My Invisalign Journey! :) - Tampa, FL
UPDATED FROM aglandry
6 months post
Trays 12 of 21
$2,700
ALAS! A positive and happy review for you.
After months of disappointment it seems as if overnight I can see big changes in my teeth. I noticed that I was focused on certain teeth and too concerned with looking at them from the same angle each time. As well my last visit with my ortho also boosted my spirits a bit.
SO during my last visit I asked the dental assistant if I could see my final bottom tray because I was on tray 11 and I only have 18 trays for the bottom. I was surprised to see that they are nearly perfect and couldn't even imagine my teeth looking like that. Both the dental assistant and my ortho warned me that a majority of invisalign patients go through refinements for a variety of reasons and that yes that would be the case for me even though they were extremely confident that I would have much straighter teeth. So I saw a tiny light at the end of this extremely tiny tunnel.
I was probably at my ortho for a good hour or more just to get on the same page as them. I told them that I was not happy with the fit issue I've been having since the beginning and so my ortho took a look at my charts and my ClinCheck and told me that my back teeth are not significantly moving during my treatment and that my teeth are so crowded in front along with my crazy overbite that my separating and movement will happen when my teeth move outwards to then create movement for them to straighten out. So yeah that made sense. To top that all off. The dental assistant told me that if they truly believed and thought I was wasting my time (and money) on a treatment that would not result in significant improvement they would've redone my impressions a long time ago because apparently they know and are completely aware of my dissatisfaction. They even went as far as to say that in the end if I wasn't happy with the improvements that they would put in metal braces to tweak the imperfections.
Pics to come after I switch trays this Thursday!
After months of disappointment it seems as if overnight I can see big changes in my teeth. I noticed that I was focused on certain teeth and too concerned with looking at them from the same angle each time. As well my last visit with my ortho also boosted my spirits a bit.
SO during my last visit I asked the dental assistant if I could see my final bottom tray because I was on tray 11 and I only have 18 trays for the bottom. I was surprised to see that they are nearly perfect and couldn't even imagine my teeth looking like that. Both the dental assistant and my ortho warned me that a majority of invisalign patients go through refinements for a variety of reasons and that yes that would be the case for me even though they were extremely confident that I would have much straighter teeth. So I saw a tiny light at the end of this extremely tiny tunnel.
I was probably at my ortho for a good hour or more just to get on the same page as them. I told them that I was not happy with the fit issue I've been having since the beginning and so my ortho took a look at my charts and my ClinCheck and told me that my back teeth are not significantly moving during my treatment and that my teeth are so crowded in front along with my crazy overbite that my separating and movement will happen when my teeth move outwards to then create movement for them to straighten out. So yeah that made sense. To top that all off. The dental assistant told me that if they truly believed and thought I was wasting my time (and money) on a treatment that would not result in significant improvement they would've redone my impressions a long time ago because apparently they know and are completely aware of my dissatisfaction. They even went as far as to say that in the end if I wasn't happy with the improvements that they would put in metal braces to tweak the imperfections.
Pics to come after I switch trays this Thursday!
aglandry's provider
Replies (3)
T
February 14, 2014
I think latentsmile has a good point. I didn't really think about that you have no room in the front of your mouth. Have you felt any difference in the back while flossing?
A
February 14, 2014
I have. Flossing has become so easy overall sometimes I ask myself why floss? Anything that gets stuck easily comes out.
And it worries me about the back because for the first 7 trays they were shaving the aligners in the back. I ask myself had they not shaved them would've I have seen improvement quicker? It also doesn't help how she reacted it's discouraging.
T
February 14, 2014
I empathize. Just try to remember that your dentist is a human being. Most people react very defensively if they feel their qualifications or choices are being questioned in any way. It's automatic, and very difficult to counteract. Your questions threaten her identity as a competent dentist (and I totally understand why you are asking those questions--it's discouraging to go through the trouble and not see results,) but questioning her abilities puts her on the defensive. If you are feeling movement in the back teeth, I would try to extend your patience a while longer. Nine trays is not that many, especially with 21 to go through. The doctor chooses how to move the teeth, so your doctor may just have chosen to start from the back. And those teeth take forever to move. Seriously. Most of us have very little movement that needs to happen in the back. So comparing from case to case is just so hard.
Please hang in there…and try to prepare yourself for needing more trays than the 21 that are listed. Most people do get real results with Invisalign. If, after twelve trays, you still fee uncomfortable with what's going on, you can try to have a conversation with your doctor about what your options will be if your teeth fail to move. And do try to frame it in a way that doesn't make her to blame--like that your teeth fail to conform to the treatment plan or whatever. If that makes sense?
Please hang in there…and try to prepare yourself for needing more trays than the 21 that are listed. Most people do get real results with Invisalign. If, after twelve trays, you still fee uncomfortable with what's going on, you can try to have a conversation with your doctor about what your options will be if your teeth fail to move. And do try to frame it in a way that doesn't make her to blame--like that your teeth fail to conform to the treatment plan or whatever. If that makes sense?
I
February 14, 2014
As a non specialist, I can already see that 21 aligners might not be enough... I hope I'm wrong. So if you need/decide to extend your treatment, run to another orthodontist and don't look back. Sending you the Clincheck is just a MUST and if she does not take your concerns seriously, run even faster to a person that will take care of you and your teeth. Trust yourself.
T
March 20, 2014
It's been nearly a month and you were not best pleased last time….how are things going now?
A
March 20, 2014
Well. Still thoroughly disappointed. I haven't seen my ortho in 6 weeks however my next appointment is tomorrow. There's still minimal movement. My main issues with certain teeth are in relatively the same spot as in the beginning of treatment. I'm at a loss honestly. I was so happy and dedicated to this treatment for the first 4 to 5 months and although I'm upset I haven't neglected my responsibility with the upkeep. I'll post following my appointment tomorrow
T
UPDATED FROM aglandry
4 months post
Trays 9/21!
Wow.. It's been a long time since my last post. I am mid way through trays 9 and can say I see some TINY improvement. After my last post I went in to see my ortho and I expressed my concerns and doubts. She didn't take it well at all. Although I didn't say I was a part of this forum she knew I was doing some kind of research and felt I was "psyching" myself out. We went back and forth about my progress and she flat out told me to stop going online for answers to my questions. I was again pressed her about sending me my ClinCheck and she again told me she didn't know how. She told me if I wasn't improving then I wouldn't be able to put my next set of trays on. Anyways I cut down on my constant researching.
I'll be posting pics right after this. 9 trays out of 21 I'm almost half way done and you'd think you'd see more of a difference but NOPE.
Thanks
I'll be posting pics right after this. 9 trays out of 21 I'm almost half way done and you'd think you'd see more of a difference but NOPE.
Thanks
Replies (1)