My story

[lollyg888]

Before I started my treatment, every orthodontist I went to said that they'd either have to pull some of my perfectly HEALTHY teeth or shave down some of my perfectly HEALTHY teeth to make room for Invisaslign/braces. I was angered at that. My teeth may not be straight, but they're healthy. After all, if we haven't got our health, what have we got? Also, if G-d intended our teeth to be shaved or pulled, wouldn't he have just left them out or made them more narrow?LOL

So, I decided on a "physiological" dentist in Pikesville. In May I was fitted with an ALF appliance to create space in my mouth (I had minor crowding-- mostly in my front three teeth). I loved it! I could see changes occurring almost immediately. It was almost an instant gratification. After creating the space necessary in my mouth with the ALF appliance (similar to spacers), I'm now on my 5th day of Invisalign. I have to say I'm really nervous after reading what you all write about bite problems and so forth. However, my dentist practices by considering the body as a whole (that's what "physiological" dentistry is, apparently). In fact, he didn't want to shave or remove any of my teeth specifically because he was worried that I'd have bite problems. He seems to be concerned about my bite in general and there are dozens of stacks of Invisalign patient boxes in the storeroom. I hope I've found the guy who's the exception to the rule. (On a side note, I learned of this dentist through a regular restaurant customer I used to wait on in HIGH SCHOOL. That was about 12 years ago now. She swore by him for her TMJ problems. She liked him so much that she travelled to Pikesville, MD from Pennsylvania just for his treatments!)

In any case, I am eager to have pretty, straight teeth. I would like to get them bleached. Obviously I can't get them done while I have buttons on. Has anyone bleached AFTER they've completed Invisalign? If so, did you have any problems with uneven or spotted areas as a result of the bonding material leftover from the buttons?

Also, with regular braces there's bonding material on the tooth too, right? I'm under the impression that there would have to be in order for the braces to adhere to the tooth. If that's the case, then has anyone had any problems bleaching due to residual bonding material after having regular braces?

Anyone who would like to hear more about my experiences with the ALF appliance, please just ask. I'm happy to give anything I can:)

Thanks guys!!!

[diehard]

i was quite happy to have 4 teeth removed healthy or not they are part of the reason why i have a crowed mouth and there should be a big improvement because there is such a big space to fill.