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POSTED UNDER Invisalign REVIEWS

Satisfied with Invisalign - Washington DC

ORIGINAL POST

I had braces when I was younger, and was told I...

ams111April 20, 2012
WORTH IT$6,500

I had braces when I was younger, and was told I needn't wear my retainers after the age of 22. Unfortunately this is not the case--my teeth have shifted since then. My front tooth is coming forward like it was before braces, and my bottom teeth have some crowded. I decided to get invisalign because I only have a few minor adjustments; my case isn't very complex so my orthodontist says I'm a good candidate. I have 23 trays for my uppers and lowers, which should take approximately a year. I will have several "buttons" on my upper and lower teeth, and also have some of my teeth shaved down.

Replies (0)

UPDATED FROM ams111
1 day post

I've had invisalign for two days. I have to...

ams111April 20, 2012
I've had invisalign for two days. I have to say, I was totally surprised at how snug they are on my teeth. I pictured them being loose like whitening trays, but they are actually hard to get off. You can't tell I'm wearing them unless you look REALLY closely at my teeth, and I have no problems talking in them (after years of big plastic retainers). Probably if you've never had braces or retainers, it will take some getting used to. Brushing your teeth five times a day is also kind of a pain. I have put toothbrushes and toothpaste in all my bags, and some of those disposable ones with toothpaste already on them in the car, just in case. As far as pain goes...they were a little sore last night and this morning, but nothing too crazy. If you've had metal braces digging into your cheeks and lips, you will appreciate these. They are fitted perfectly so that the plastic doesn't rub against your gums or cheeks. I was extremely worried that I would not be able to keep the aligners in my mouth at night--I would take my retainers out in my sleep every night I tried to wear them before, so I was concerned invisalign wouldn't work for me because I'd keep taking them out. Last night I didn't; I woke up and they were still in my mouth. I'm not sure if it's because they are too tight to get out or maybe they just aren't as intrusive as retainers so they didn't bother me as much. Anyway, that's all for now, I'll update in a week or so to let you know how it's going.

Replies (9)

Megan P
April 21, 2012

What a bummer that you were told you didn't have to continue with your retainers. :-/

Good for you for deciding to do something about it if it was bothering you though! It looks like your aligners fit your teeth very well judging from your photos, so I bet most people have no idea you even have them.

How are you doing with taking them on & off to eat?

ams111
April 21, 2012
You know, they were really hard to get out of my mouth at first, but after a day I think I'm a pro. I just have to remember to put them back in when I'm done because I tend to eat little bits at a time while doing other things, and before I know it I've had them out for an hour! I eat about 5 times a day, though, so it's a lot of brushing.
Megan P
April 23, 2012

My goodness, that would make for a lot of brushing! I'm glad you are doing it though. I'm sure you will absolutely love the results when you are all done! :)

Pink star
April 26, 2012
Omg my teeth looks do much like years I didn't get my trays but will in about 6 weeks ! I really hate my front tooth sticking out :( and the crowding of the bottom teeth, how long did yours take to become straight or less crooked ?
ams111
April 26, 2012
I've only had invisalign for a week...but they say it will take about a year. It's really annoying that it is going to take that long to fix about five teeth, when I see other people on here with much more severe problems taking the same or even less time. It's all about opening up space in your mouth to relieve crowding. That's what the time depends on I think.
Pink star
April 27, 2012
Ohh okay same here he said a year as well but I have an ugly overbite -.- so I hope he does not tell me after a year another few months, I really want atleast the front tooth to go back I can't even smile
CupcakeCat
May 3, 2012
Did it take a while for the aligners to come in? I heard it takes around a month.
ams111
May 25, 2012
Yes, it took about four weeks
leannjones
October 17, 2015
I've had my Invisalign for 5 days and out of them days I've woke up twice and found I've taken the Invisalign out in my sleep. On one occasion after frantically hunting for them I found the dog licking them on the bed. Second occasion under my pillow. Is there anything you can suggest to stop yourself doing this. I don't remember doing it at all. Luckily I woke up on each occasion at 3.00 am an realised so prob not gone to long without them.
UPDATED FROM ams111
1 month post

So, I'm on aligner number three...that is five...

ams111May 24, 2012
So, I'm on aligner number three...that is five weeks with invisalign! I am happy to report that I have NEVER taken the aligners out in my sleep. They are so light and unobtrusive that I often forget I even have them in my mouth. Only the first day or so do I have soreness, and even that is very benign. So far I think my teeth are simply spacing out, as the gap in my front teeth is getting slightly bigger. My next appointment is in about a month, when I will get my buttons placed on my teeth. So far nobody has ever noticed I am wearing the invisalign, but I worry that will change when I get the buttons put on (I'll be sure to let you know). One big thing--you HAVE to floss. I neglected the floss for a few days and my gums were bleeding worse than I have ever seen when I did floss. Also, the aligners get gross really easily. Even though I brush, rinse with mouthwash every time I eat, there always seems to be some funky white stuff on the back teeth. It's annoying to get off because you can't always tell if it's inside or outside of the aligner, and it can really get into the nooks and crannies. Other than that, I am completely happy with my experience so far. It also cuts down on me snacking throughout the day, an added health benefit :)

Replies (1)

Megan P
May 25, 2012

Good to hear an update from you! Yeah, you are probably right that it will probably be more noticeable that you have something on your teeth once the buttons go on, but it seems you have to get relatively close to a person to be able to see them, so its not like every person on the street will notice. Glad you are continuing to take such good care of your teeth - it'll pay off!!

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