I Got My Invisalign Braces Today and They Make My Teeth Look Better Already!
Posted: Friday, April 10, 2009
by LeahG Artist
Cartoon & Illustration Services
Invisalign use clear plastic aligners to position and straighten teeth.
They are removable and mostly invisible!
I have today received my first set of Invisalign aligners, top and bottom.
I wear a new set of aligners every two weeks, each one slightly different to the rest, adjusting my teeth gradually with tiny movements.
I need to wear aligners on the top for 14months and the bottom for 6months. I can handle this knowing that I will have a Hollywood smile afterwards!
Despite what I've read about Invisaligns, they do not hurt at all (so far) and I can talk properly, no slurring or spitting! I actually like how they feel. Not too tight, just 'firm'.
I'm anticipating becoming super healthy and slimmer while wearing these Invisalign braces as I can only eat and drink (other than water) when I take the Invisalign braces out. Which I need to limit and only do at meal times for maximum results.
Another mega bonus which I never expected at all, is that not only can you not see these Invisalign braces unless you are right in my face but they do make my teeth look better. You can't see the gaps so easily which is great and the cement applied to a few of my teeth helps even the appearance so my teeth look level. So already I'm smiling broadly and loving the look!
Who'd have thought I'd say that about wearing braces. I wouldn't be seen without them now and it's only been a day!
Meanwhile, in case you are wondering what the Invisalign cost, mine are £3,000 and this includes all visits, fittings, adjustments, retainers and whitening. I was quoted by someone else £4,000 so it is worth shopping around, but ultimately choose a dentist you feel will give you the best results for your teeth! I'm lucky, my own dentist happens to be that person!
I found these forums (link below) immensely helpful when making my decision.
Invisalign Fourms for help, advice and Invisalign reviews
reviews
Leah left the retail and health management world a few years ago to become a freelance writer and artist. She now enjoys creating funky vibrant cartoons and illsutrations for websites, promotional materials and as gifts. Leah would love to illustrate her own children's books in the future. Presently she is creating cartoon and cartoon mascots for business clients.
Visit LeahG's Cartoon and Illustration Services website here for updates and latest art work.
Congrats, CB! You've done a great service for yourself that will last a lifetime with proper maintenance. A little tip, save your last set of aligners and use them as whitening trays. That'll save you a few £.Thanks Avis, yep, the whitening is included in the fee! I am so happy already.
I genuinely do look better with them in than with them out. It is a very special bonus!
Did you have braces?Yes CB, I had braces. They were needed for 3-6 months on my upper arch but for marketing purposes, I wore them about 2 years. I could have opted for Invisalign but because of the position I held, I went with ceramic for the kids and adults. My wearing them sold many cases for both groups. The day of a deband (braces removal) party for the patients, I demanded for mine to be removed or upon returning from the weekend, they could remove whatever was left. I was going to eat corn on the cob, caramel, bite into apples etc...whatever to get them off. The doctor and an assistant removed them.
My wearing them and giving them the whole truth about discomfort etc built trust and sales skyrocketed. Also, they looked great because I didn't need much correction and adults thought they'd look great in them, too. Well, for severe cases, they looked zig-zag until correction begins.
It was a fun experience for the most part but I wanted out. I use clear aligners as retainers and have a set for whitening.
Another tip for you if you have natural nails. Remove them in the morning before showering, shampooing and shaving. They can be a bit difficult to lift from the back and peel forward if your nails are soft from being in water too long.
I'm looking at the time and it may be too late for you to get this tip since you're in the UK. Hope not!
Again, I'm proud of ya, CB. I think every adult should get them if they want and are able!I have very short soft nails so I can't rely on them to get the aligners out at all. But so far I can get them out quite quickly, it does hurt my finger tips though.
Well done on your experience and I agree a real life account does help patients decide what route to follow. I did a lot of research before deciding on Invisalign.
Very informative & well written article. Hey CB it seems you have forgotten my articles completely. No comments of your in my articles. Why was that? Anyway God bless you for sharing nice infos...
I am in the process of getting implants and am excited because I think a great smile does wonders for the old self esteem. Way to go and good luck.Linda DHi Linda how did the implants work out?
I should post an update about my treatment which finished 13months after this post above. My teeth now look absolutely fine, like there was never ever anything wrong with them. I still wear retainers at night to make sure they don't move back to their old positions and I have a fixed retainer for the top front four teeth which to be honest I'll never be able to stop messing with and checking it's still on!
The last two months of treatment were the worst simply because I was getting fed-up by then and the improvement was already remarkeable but I persevered :)
I did experience discomfort with some retainers having sharp edges which would then cut into my gum, tongue and lips depending on the fit. But nothing that was unbearable and overall the treatment worked like magic. I got my smile back!!
So 10/10 to Invisalign and similar treaments..as I know there are a few similar options now.
