It’s been a few weeks since I’ve updated everyone on my Invisalign progress. It has pretty much been the same news – changing out Invisalign aligners every two weeks and going to see Dr. Carter at Carter Orthodontic Solutions every 6-8 weeks for ClinChecks and new sets of aligners.
During my last visit, two more attachments were placed on my bottom front teeth. I had thought that I was done with attachments, but to my dismay there were two more in my future. The last time I had Invisalign attachments, it was painful because of my receding gums. So I was a little worried about this. I joked with the technician that I wish that they gave laughing gas or some kind of drug beforehand so I wouldn’t be so uptight. But I was worried for nothing! It didn’t hurt a bit. I’m just guessing but I’ve noticed less pain in this area since these teeth have straightened up. Maybe it’s the straightening, or maybe it’s because I can keep them cleaner. I don’t know. But I was thrilled that this Invisalign visit was pain-free! And the new attachments are causing my bottom front teeth to become even straighter!
I’m so excited that I’m past the half-way mark. The technician showed me on the computerized 3D model that the space between my two front teeth should start closing up starting with the 15th set of Invisalign trays. That’s two more weeks! You can view the computerized model that she showed me here: Computerized 3D Invisalign Model
The rubber band that I’ve been wearing has seriously corrected my overbite. It can be a bit annoying because I can feel it rub the inside of my cheek. But I’ve been saying all along, “No pain, no gain.” A rubber band rubbing the inside of my cheek versus a serious overbite? I choose the rubber band!
I’ve searched for other Invisalign blogs to show you other people’s progress with Invisalign. It is amazing how quickly your smile can change. I have so enjoyed being able to laugh and smile lately without thinking about my goofy teeth. Here are some other Invisalign success stories:
Straight Teeth Journey
Sharon’s Invisalign Adventure
Thy’s Invisalign Journey
Please let me know if you have questions! I’d be glad to answer them! ~ Melissa
Overbite: Correcting with Invisalign & Rubber Bands
Today I had an Invisalign Clincheck at Carter Orthodontics. I started my 9th set of trays which now include rubber bands. To correct my overbite, I need a rubber band on the left side to pull my lower jaw forward. Dr. Carter said I would only be wearing it for a few months. They added two attachments to my teeth, one on the top and one on the bottom. They are like small hooks for the rubber band to attach to. Placing the attachments on my teeth was a very simple process. It was not as involved as the first set of attachments I received. The Clinic Manager, Cheryl, did have to customize my aligners to fit around the attachments, but that only took a few minutes. Cheryl said that I should change my rubber band each time I remove and insert my aligners to make sure the rubber band strength is maintained.
After wearing the new set of Invisalign aligners with the rubber band for one day, I can definitely feel the movement of my jaw. Nothing a little Advil can’t handle. I get excited when I feel this soreness. I know that sounds crazy, but it means my teeth are moving to where they are supposed to be and my new smile is right around the corner.
Take a look at some photos I took of the rubber band in my mouth. (Click on the photos to enlarge them.) You can’t really see the rubber band when I’m talking. Maybe if I open my mouth real wide in surprise or something. Let me know what you think or if you have questions. ~ Melissa
Invisalign Attachments – Week 3
Invisalign attachments were not exactly what I thought they’d be. First, I didn’t realize how long it would take. My appointment lasted an hour. That is probably because I had quite a few attachments to put on my teeth. With an overbite, asymmetrical bite, space between my front teeth, etc. it takes quite a bit to straighten that out. I also didn’t realize the attachments had to be “filed” down and smoothed. The tool they used looked and sounded like a drill. Some of my gums have receded due to my “age” and when the clinical assistant got close to the gum line, I could feel it! But she was very aware of this and did her best to reduce any pain that I might have felt. She never actually touched the tooth but I could feel it in the nerve a tad. I just kept reminding myself of the beautiful smile I would have at the end of the treatment. Another aspect of Invisalign attachments that I hadn’t anticipated was eating with attachments. Food definitely gets caught around the attachments which makes me definitely want to brush my teeth after I eat. I’ve been quite vigilant about brushing my teeth before I put the aligners back in but now, even more so.
I was really excited about this Invisalign attachment appointment because I knew the attachments would take the teeth straightening to a whole new level. At age 42, I’ve waited quite a while to get my teeth straightened so I’m on the edge of my seat waiting to see a change in my smile. With this blog, I want to be honest about my experience both positive and negative. I want readers to realize the “no pain, no gain” aspect of Invisalign. It is definitely better than metal brackets that you can’t take out and that food really gets stuck in. I love the aspect of being able to take the aligners out. If I’m at a party or work function that involves eating, I just take them out and put them back in when I leave. I actually like wearing them over taking them out because they fill in the space between my front teeth and already make my smile look a lot better.
I was with two friends today and they offered me a snack to eat. I turned it down because my aligners were in and I didn’t want to take them out, eat, brush my teeth, and put them back in just for Cheezits (less snacking, another benefit.) So I told them I was wearing the aligners and I didn’t want to take them out. They were shocked. They had no idea I was wearing them, even with attachments! And they had never heard of Invisalign! I got to educate them on this amazing teeth straightening treatment! They couldn’t believe you could take them out and that you couldn’t see them. That was very encouraging to me.
I don’t go back for another 7 weeks. Next week I change my aligners for the first time. I’ll let you know how that goes. In the meantime, let me know if you have any questions. I’d be happy to answer them!
-Melissa
Invisalign – Week 2
I’m on my second week wearing Invisalign and no one has really noticed. Even my husband forgets I’m wearing them! One friend did notice them and thought they were cool and said she was considering doing Invisalign. Like me, she did not want to look like a 12-year-old with a metal mouth. No offense to 12-year-olds. I am definitely much better at putting the Invisalign aligners in and taking them out. I even discreetly took them out at a restaurant tonight because someone was in the bathroom and wouldn’t come out. Nobody knew the difference. And it has definitely helped me cut down on snacking because I know I’ll have to brush my teeth and clean my aligners before I put them back in. Sometimes M&Ms just aren’t worth it. ;0) I go back to Carter Orthodontics on the 16th to get my attachments. (Little bumps of tooth colored acrylic called attachments may be bondedglued to the front or back side of specific teeth to give your aligners more grip on your teeth for moving them updown, changing their tilt, or spinning them straight.) That will be interesting learning how to take the aligners out and put them back in with the attachments on my teeth. I’ll post a video about that too. Feel free to ask questions or make comments about your own Invisalign experience. – Melissa
Learning to Insert and Remove Invisalign Aligners
Now I get to try to insert and remove the Invisalign aligners myself! It took a bit but I figured it out!