How long before you can see a difference?

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#1 Post by **jean lynn** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 7:29 pm

Just wondering about how many weeks into treatment before any of you could see a noticeable difference? Especially with gaps starting to close? I have a gap on the bottom where they removed a tooth, but was curious how long it took others to really see a change in the mirror? Thanks, Jean

#2 Post by **John37** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 12:08 am

For me when I started I think it was about 3-4 trays that I could really see a difference. My upper premolars were moving out and I noticed in the mirror that I could see them behind my canines and I couldn't before. At the start, on my lower arch, only the molars were moving first, but I noticed when flossing that the gaps increased with each tray, so I knew they were actually moving the way they were supposed to.

I've taken pictures during each set of aligners so I can compare. The pictures don't show as much movement as I notice by looking in the mirror. Pictures just don't capture the 3 dimension aspect.

I would say that from one tray to the next I don't notice much, but I definitely notice a difference two trays later. I have been seeing a hygienist for teeth cleanings every 10 weeks and she always notices the difference from the previous time.

#3 Post by **PaulInc** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 4:11 am

I noticed my clincheck video had the same number of jumps/frames as my treatment, so i expect each frame of the video will coincide with an aligner. Ask for your clincheck next time you visit??

#4 Post by **swedishsmile** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 5:05 am

I downloaded a program called FrameShots. It allows you to open an .avi video file and you can view frame-by-frame. Yes, one frame is equal to one tray.

I also used a program called AviEdit but is expires after 30 days.

#5 Post by **Wobblydeb** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 6:17 am

I'm about to move into tray 4 and am noticing a difference now. I didn't think anything was happening at first, but the lower incisor that sticks forward is definitely not as prominent. The upper incisor that was hiding behind the central incisor is coming forward too...

My IPR gaps don't seem to be closing yet (checking my clincheck video tells me this should be starting to happen) but I'm trying not to worry about it because the trays definitely fit okay.

Thu Sep 11, 2008 2:26 pm

I started noticing a difference as far as flossing after my tray. My teeth are moving the thickness of a piece of paper so it makes sense that I saw a difference in flossing.

#7 Post by **John37** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 6:51 pm

swedishsmile wrote:I downloaded a program called FrameShots. It allows you to open an .avi video file and you can view frame-by-frame. Yes, one frame is equal to one tray.

I also used a program called AviEdit but is expires after 30 days.

Yes, each frame corresponds to a different aligner. I use some video editing software also, so I can stop on any frame.

#8 Post by **Sofie** » Fri Sep 12, 2008 7:48 am

I just put in trays 3 of 11 last night and was wondering the exact same thing. My ortho gave me three trays the other day so when I look at tray 5 I can see that the shape has changed since the first one. My jaw is very narrow, hence the crowding, and the fifth tray is considerably wider. That will be just about half way through for me so I'm hoping I see a change by them.

The reason I decided to get Invisalign after years and years of being embarrassed by my smile and absolutely hating pictures is because of crowding and one ugly crooked front tooth. My fifth tray shows no visible movement of that tooth so I got kind of bummed when looking at it. But I do realize that I will have 12 more weeks to go after that so it has to take time to move teeth that have been in the same position for over 3 decades!!!

#9 Post by **HeatherS** » Sun Sep 14, 2008 6:10 pm

I just moved onto tray 7 and am just starting to notice an improvement. I have a total of 17 aligners on top (13 on bottom) so I'm a little over a 3rd of the way done. I have all my trays at home so I'm able to compare them and I can see that once I get to tray 10 there will be a really big difference in the way my teeth look. By tray 13 my "fangs" will be completely gone.

#10 Post by **pie** » Sat Sep 20, 2008 9:45 pm

John37 wrote:
swedishsmile wrote:I downloaded a program called FrameShots. It allows you to open an .avi video file and you can view frame-by-frame. Yes, one frame is equal to one tray.

I also used a program called AviEdit but is expires after 30 days.
Yes, each frame corresponds to a different aligner. I use some video editing software also, so I can stop on any frame.

Quicktime Player also lets you go frame by frame and it's free
http://www.apple.com/quicktime/player/

#11 Post by **jean lynn** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 1:43 pm

I am just so anxious to see a difference as I am sure we all are. I have a very conservative ortho. I have not seen my clincheck. He only gives me 2 sets of aligners at a time and then wants to see me.He is a perfectionist. I am not. After years of icky teeth I just want them better and a few places helped. I can't wait to see a difference in the mirror. Good luck all to a speedy new smile. Jean

Mon Sep 22, 2008 8:22 am

Hi Jean,

My ortho is the same way - I don't receive more than 2 aligners at a time, for she wanted to see me. Reason being, we ended up doing a lot of IPR because of my ridiculous crowding.

Well...I am nearing the end and I'm on tray 29 of 32/35. I cannot even begin to explain how happy I've been w/ the results. Yesterday I compared my tray #1 w/ the one I am wearing and it is such a difference that I almost cried. I really must have looked like a monster!!!!

Anyway, I can't wait to share with everyone the pictures when we're done. Should be the first week or two of November, so I will get to enjoy Turkey Day without worrying about removing and putting back in my aligners.

The time flies by, hardly anyone has noticed and it's been one of the best decisions I've made:)

Stick with it everyone!!

Mon Sep 22, 2008 1:13 pm

I'm not sure if I'll need refinements - the only thing she's talked of is doing some filing at the end so that all the teeth are straight, but also....'even', I guess would be the word, because my canines are a little pointy.

I can't wait to show pictures; it was really an extreme / borderline case.

#14 Post by **jean lynn** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 5:00 pm

Favorite, Congratulations to you. I can't wait to see your new smile. Also till I am where you are. Once we start this program we can't wait to see our new smiles. Jean

#15 Post by **jean lynn** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 5:00 pm

Favorite, Congratulations to you. I can't wait to see your new smile. Also till I am where you are. Once we start this program we can't wait to see our new smiles. Jean