Invisalign Here I Come...

[NicB.]

Hi Everyone,

So after a few months of dentist appointments, impressions, etc, etc, I finally got my first set of aligners in today. I had to get six attachments on the top and four attachments on the bottom, as well as some spacing between teeth widened.

The attachments felt pretty strange and I'm not really a big fan of them, but I'll live. I have to wear 14 trays on the top and 20 trays on the bottom, so I guess I'm looking at 40 weeks or 9-10 months.

I put my first set in tonight, definitely feel some pressure, but not too bad so far. I have a slight lisp when I say "S"-type words. I've been talking to myself to try and get used to it. The downside is that I work with people a lot, so want to try to get over that.

I'm hopeful that the treatments will be successful. It really stinks in the short run, but trying to keep the longer-term gain in mind...will keep everyone posted.

NicB.

[John37]

Great! The time will go by faster than you think. But maybe don't try talking too much unless you have to because that can rub your tongue and make it sore until you are used to it. Some people have a problem, some don't. I found my lisp was worst when I tried to speak too loud or too fast when I first got my aligners.

Also, did they give you a plastic hook to help take them off? They are especially helpful if you have attachments and you are just starting out. A lot of times they wait until the second set of aligners to put the attachments on, just so you get used to them for 2 weeks first.

[NicB.]

No, they didn't provide me with a little plastic hook to take them off. I took them out for the first time this morning and it was not easy. It hurt a little taking them out, but I guess I should expect that. They don't feel too terrible when they are in, some pressure, but not "pain" per se. I thought I might have to pop a few aspirin based upon what I've read, but so far don't think I need it.

A few things I am curious about...

1. On the lower aligner, the lower front edge seems to have a little rim on it that brushes against the inside of my mouth. It isn't cutting it, but wondering if I could get the dentist to "smooth" it over. I suppose I'll probably just get used and my mouth will adjust.

2. Can I chew gum? The instruction booklet said not to, but is that really the case? Any other suggestions if one needs to freshen the breath?

3. How does everyone manage socially? I'm 27 and work as a consultant, so happy hours, lunches, etc. are frequent. I'm mostly nervous about having to brush before I put the aligners back into my mouth. For example, what if I am at a formal dinner one night? Do I just leave them out for several hours and pick back up later, or do I try to take them with me, brush, then put them back in? Also, should I not drink alcoholic beverages? What about white wine or gin/vodka tonics? Relatively "clear" liquid, so won't stain that bad right?

So anyway, I'm adjusting. I'm a very outgoing person, but I have a feeling this might make me slightly more introverted for a little while. I'm trying to keep perspective and realize that this is a good thing I am doing here.

Thanks for the help!

[John37]

A few things I am curious about...

1. On the lower aligner, the lower front edge seems to have a little rim on it that brushes against the inside of my mouth. It isn't cutting it, but wondering if I could get the dentist to "smooth" it over. I suppose I'll probably just get used and my mouth will adjust.

2. Can I chew gum? The instruction booklet said not to, but is that really the case? Any other suggestions if one needs to freshen the breath?

3. How does everyone manage socially? I'm 27 and work as a consultant, so happy hours, lunches, etc. are frequent. I'm mostly nervous about having to brush before I put the aligners back into my mouth. For example, what if I am at a formal dinner one night? Do I just leave them out for several hours and pick back up later, or do I try to take them with me, brush, then put them back in? Also, should I not drink alcoholic beverages? What about white wine or gin/vodka tonics? Relatively "clear" liquid, so won't stain that bad right?

So anyway, I'm adjusting. I'm a very outgoing person, but I have a feeling this might make me slightly more introverted for a little while. I'm trying to keep perspective and realize that this is a good thing I am doing here.

Thanks for the help!

It rim shouldn't be a problem. If it irritates, your mouth will usually get used to it. You will form a callous in your mouth. Don't worry, you can't feel it, the skin will just get a little thicker to handle the rubbing, but not thick enough to even notice.

I never tried chewing gum, but I imagine it would just stick to the trays.

I never had a problem putting the trays back in without brushing as long as I rinsed my mouth well with water and had water to sip on after. I've had mine out for a few hours more than I was supposed to occasionally, and I don't think it was a problem. Although, I did have some teeth not move as expected, I don't think it was from having the trays out too long.

You could ask you ortho if it's ok, maybe he will want you to wear each tray longer if you have them out a lot. Another option is to just tell people you wear them and not worry about popping them in and out in front of other people. It's sometimes too stressful trying to keep it a secret, and people don't really care that much anyway. It may actually be a good point of conversation.

[Wobblydeb]

1. On the lower aligner, the lower front edge seems to have a little rim on it that brushes against the inside of my mouth. It isn't cutting it, but wondering if I could get the dentist to "smooth" it over. I suppose I'll probably just get used and my mouth will adjust.

2. Can I chew gum? The instruction booklet said not to, but is that really the case? Any other suggestions if one needs to freshen the breath?

3. How does everyone manage socially? I'm 27 and work as a consultant, so happy hours, lunches, etc. are frequent. I'm mostly nervous about having to brush before I put the aligners back into my mouth. For example, what if I am at a formal dinner one night? Do I just leave them out for several hours and pick back up later, or do I try to take them with me, brush, then put them back in? Also, should I not drink alcoholic beverages? What about white wine or gin/vodka tonics? Relatively "clear" liquid, so won't stain that bad right?

1. Mine have tiny rims but they don't hurt, and my mouth hasn't developed a callous or anything. However number 5 had a tiny bit of plastic sticking out, and my tongue was in agony by the end of the first day. I smoothed it off with a nail file which solved the problem

2. I tried eating a bit of muffin once with my trays in, and even that got all mangled up and pulled them off my teeth, so I'm think you aren't going to manage to chew gum My breath has probably been better than normal, what with cleaning my teeth before I put the trays back in, and then only drinking water once they are in. There's no bacteria really to start making your breath smell...

3. I carry a small cleaning kit with me (tray container, travel toothbrush and mini toothpaste). If I'm out for dinner, I take them out to eat then just visit the bathroom afterwards and do a quick clean and put them back in. Alcohol is probably the hardest to accommodate because you can be drinking for several hours - especially at this time of year! The problem isn't staining, but your teeth ending up sat in a bath of alcohol without your saliva to keep them clean. I've ended up leaving them in for drinking sessions, swooshing occasionally with water and then making sure I clean them thoroughly once I am home.