Metal Mouth Message Board

I recently attended a customer meeting where we had a working lunch. When the pizzas were delivered, one of the customer's team about my age (60) casually took his Invisalign case from his pocket, took out his lower tray and put it away. While I was a bit surprised, it did give me a perspective that often we are overconcerned about what others think. I did go to the restroom to remove my aligners, but let the customer know that I had them. We both agreed it would be great if our kids would take dear old dad to the orthodontist and write a check!!

This particular project team seems to attract ortho patients - there are two with Invisalign and one with fixed braces.

Since I've been in treatment, I've also become more casual about my aligners, removing them sitting in my airline seat and also when I'm with my bicycling group as there are generally no restrooms available when snacking while riding. I'm finding most people are not concerned and the only time there is any real comment is when someone else wants to talk about their dental problems. They also forget within a week!! Bottom line - don't be too concerned about what others think!!

Yeah, I agree. Seems like most people I told aren't too interested. If I say I'm having my teeth straightened, they say they didn't think my teeth were crooked. And if people are worried that they'll seem vain for getting Invisalign, they can just say they are doing it to correct their bite not their appearance.

I like to go to the restroom just so I can wash my hands before putting my fingers in my mouth and eating.

I take mine out with a napkin and clean my hands with antibacterial gel if I can't get to the bathroom. Nobody except my daughter complains! I so tell everyone that my Invisalign are for my bite, when really it's a vanity thing!

I was taking them out at the table discreetly but then I got my attachments and there is way too much spit to do that politely! So I opt for the bathroom but do tend to say where I am going as I order two drinks - water to drink until the food is almost ready and then a diet coke to have with my food. I left clients flummoxed last week when I explained I was going to the bathroom to "battle with my brace" (was 1st day of attachments!). My colleague ended up having to explain I had a brace and they all wanted to see it when I got back to the table because they couldn't believe they had been with me all morning and not noticed it!