After finishing up 23 sets of Invisalign trays, I am now in the Invisalign refinement process. Dr. Carter had estimated 20-24 months for the whole process from the beginning. So it will probably be March/April 2012 before the Invisalign process is complete. At my last appointment they removed the attachments from my teeth as well as the rubber band attachment. That small taste of freedom was nice! They also took new impressions of my teeth. Below are photos of the impressions they took along with the “caulk gun” of the material they use for the impressions. I waited about 4 weeks to receive my new Invisalign trays. During that time I wore my last set of aligners. They did fit more loosely than before because the attachments were gone. I still had to wear them full time as well. When my new trays came in, I was fitted with more attachments. This process was much less nerve-wracking than the first time. I knew what to expect and my teeth are not as sensitive as they used to be. I attribute this to straighter teeth. The attachments are not on the same teeth as before. And no more rubber band!
Dr. Carter said he is moving my front teeth up into my gums which involves moving bone and tissue as well. This is one reason for the process taking a little longer for me. The clinic manager, Cheryl, showed me the computerized movement of my teeth from start to finish. I’ve come along way, baby! I have included photos from the very beginning that were taken in Dr. Carter’s office as well as the new ones that were taken when they did the impressions. I am really happy with the progress!
Have you gone through the Invisalign refinement process? I would love to hear from you!
Melissa,
I’m having invisalign treatment right now. My question to you is anytime during them taking the impressions, did they ever have to re-insert the same impression mold to capture any remaining teeth that didn’t on the first take? Another way to put it (to better understand), did they take the mold, find that there wasn’t enough mold material to get the back molars; then just added more mold material, and re-inserted the mold to capture the back molars? Also, meaning that they didn’t just take a whole new impression. I’m just asking because that happened to me, and I’m just concerned that it may effect my treatment. I’m concerned because I feel that my aligners aren’t that flush with the surface of my teeth and gums. Were you aligners flush or were there space in between the aligner and teeth?
Jeff,
Yes that does happen with the impressions and it is perfectly normal. And there is a small space between the aligners and the teeth. From what I’ve read on other blogs, after you complete the process it will take some time before your bite adjusts to not having the aligners on. I think what you are describing is perfectly normal. But if you are still concerned, definitely call or email your orthodontist. I know Dr. Carter gives out his personal cell phone number. Also the clinic manager does so as well. They want you to call when you have questions. And let me know what they say if you do! Thanks, Melissa
Hi Melissa,
It’s great reading your blog. I have started my invisalign Day 1 today and it’s been alright. Guess my mouth is still trying to accept to have a plastic tray in it and i hope the feeling will subside soon. I have got a question for you, how do you brush your teeth with all the attachments on? I have 4 top and 5 bottom, I think I might have brushed one attachment off .. Am I supposed to brush over it? I think I will have to visit the dentist again tomorrow and have it checked out.
Anyways, I found your blog very encouraging and congrats on getting to the refinement stage!! 🙂
Check out my clinicheck if you are interested
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGWxm0Dlvc8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrExz966g_g
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22mKiYEPnIs
I have never brushed off an attachment. They are glued on very well. I can brush as hard as I want to and they won’t come off. I just brush my teeth normally. But if you think it has come off, then you should go to the orthodontist and let them check it. Good luck!
My ortho told me that I might find bits coming off after getting the attachments put on and that will be excess glue and not to worry. Could it be that? I have quite a sizeable sapce 1-1.5 mm between my top front teeth and the aligners (axactly where I don’t want them) but the bottoms are fab. My ortho assures me that they will move up-I’m not so sure. Hope so, it looks weird. Has anyone had this experience?
Yes, this is perfectly normal. I have one tooth on the bottom that has a good amount of space between the aligner and the tooth. It’s just taking that tooth longer to turn. It will eventually get there. – Melissa
In the “after” picture, your back teeth are open. Did those ever close?