Satisfied with Invisalign - Washington DC

Great question. I always had the fixed retainers as part of my original plan. I actually had braces as a child, and was told I no longer needed to wear my retainers (the big old fashioned plastic and metal ones) when I turned 22. Of course, this turned out to be untrue (orthodontists now know that your teeth have muscle memory and will move forever, so you MUST have some form of retention or they will go back, as mine did). When I noticed my teeth moving, I tried to wear my retainers, but I happen to be one of those extremely weird people who physically removes my retainers while I'm sleeping--I have no knowledge that I'm doing it until I wake up and realize they're under my pillow, on the floor, etc. Therefore, my main concern was that I did NOT want the removable retainers because I can (and will) take them out in my sleep, and I know I won't wear them during the day because I am a teacher and talk all day long and don't want them impeding my speech. I made sure to tell my ortho this up front and only agreed to do the treatment if he promised to put the permanent retainers in. Although, as I said, I still wear a plastic retainer once a week, which is manageable. They are so like invisalign trays that I don't take them out (they're just a bit thicker because they need to last longer). I hope this helps, let me know if you have any further questions.

Both the orthodontists I saw before commencing treatment included fixed retainers as part of the treatment plan - it seems to be almost the norm now. I think a plastic one for night time will also be required. ams111 - when I started my aligners I bought a little rechargeable water jet flosser which I find great. I am really hopeless at flossing and having to do it several times a day was rather daunting! I have a problem with very fast calculus buildup (something to do with excess minerals in the saliva apparently) and I find it helps a lot. I thought this might be a good option for those areas you're having trouble with around your retainers?

Hey Renee, thanks for your post, and thanks for the compliment on my teeth :) The time didn't start flying for me until about two months in, so be patient and before you know it life will take over and you'll have little time to think about the invisalign. Right now it's just something new so it's at the forefront of your mind, but it'll become common place after awhile. I did not get my buttons until a few months in, I forget exactly when, but it should be listed somewhere in my review. I had them from that time until the very end, though. Hope this helps! Good luck with your treatment!

Thank you, and you're right. I've noticed the time has started moving again and I will be changing to my 3rd aligner this Sunday (I had to wear the first one for a month because I was taking anti-inflammatories for my knee and it prevented my teeth from moving...) I know what you mean about those threaders, but like you said, small price. Your teeth look great! Enjoy!

Hello Sam, I don't actually live in DC. I live about 45 minutes to an hour outside of it in NOVA. Where are you located? My guy might be too far for you.