Hello all in Braceland,
After reading all your stories, and feeling so totally inspired and part of a new community, I finally got my camera battery charged and hit the mirror for some photos, to illustrate my story!!
My smile-story goes like this: I am the child of crooked toothed parents, and small-mouthed ancestors!!!! At age 16 my ortho and naive parents (ok, I was child #1 and they were still learning I guess!!) gave me the CHOICE of whether or not to get braces or not!! So this was back in the early 80's when braces were a lot less attractive and mainstream than they are now, and being a self-concious 16-year old, I opted no!! Although, truth be told, if I had been pushed or told I HAD to get them, I would not actually have put up much resistance!!
Anyway, years went by during which time I regretted my stupid teenage brain, as I was now well beyond the reach of my parents' medical coverage, and facing the reality of paying for this myself!! Furthermore, as all adults with braces know, you have to think about performing in an adult world (work, meetings, presentations, etc) with train tracks in your mouth, which for me was far harder to get my head around, than it would have been as a teenager.
Aside from the obvious crooked teeth and crowding, my bite is off on the right hand side (although strangely this is the aesthetically better looking side of my mouth), and I have a "tall" bottom incisor which occasionally hits the tooth above it. Finally, my top front teeth stick out a bit too far over the bottom ones (is this what you call an overbite??). The main reasons that I really wanted braces were to straighten out the front teeth, and to improve my long term oral care (it is very difficult to maintain good oral hygiene in a crowded mouth), and when I got a filling in my front tooth that clinched it. Btw, my wisdom teeth were impacted and extracted when I was 22.
One day, after having mentioned the thoughts at the back of my mind about braces, my dentist told me about a product called Invisalign. This was the answer I was looking for. The ball then started rolling and a momentum was set up without me really feeling the reality of what I was doing!! One day, the trays arrived, and to be honest, I wasn't even mentally ready, and I'd just bought a new sofa with the spare money that month. Also we were going on vacation in a few weeks, so I set a date for fitting the trays the day after we got back from vacation.
That day came so quickly, and next thing I was sitting in the chair getting these buttons on my teeth (knew nothing about that beforehand), and practising getting the trays on and off in front of my dentist. (Luckily I had no need for extractions. I also have a molar crown, but that was not an issue.)
It was only that night when I hit the internet, and started doing some research on what I had just got myself into!!! This lack of prior research, is ironically completely opposite to what I am normally like!! Hell, I compare everything about cornflakes before choosing the best one on the shelf!!! Yet, I just jumped into this blind!!! I supposed it may be largely because I had mostly disregarded the idea of ever getting metal or ceramic braces anyway (and I had never heard of linguals up until I found this website) so there were not too many options left over to dissect, in my mind.
So anyway, back to that first night when I started doing research, and found this web forum, I realised there were so many questions that I should have been asking. However, the good thing is that when I ask myself some of those questions now, I get to the answers which basically endorse what I am already doing anyway. So I feel good about my choices thus far with regards to Invisalign, doing it through my dentist (as opposed to an ortho), the pricetag, etc. The biggest bonus is the length of time it should talke .. i.e. under a year!! I have 21 trays top and bottom, and if all goes well, that should take a mere 42 weeks. My payment plan is over 2 years, so that really helps, plus we have partial medical coverage that picks up 60%, so it should not hurt the pocket too much, compared to what it could have.
Tomorrow I will have been wearing the trays for 4 weeks. I am getting the 3rd trays on Thursday. I have not found it unbearable at all - just a tight feeling for the first few days and thereafter some occasionally itchy teeth feelings. Only one person at work noticed, and that is because we were sitting close together with our heads over a drawing, so he was closer at that moment than most work colleagues ever get!!!Even my husband and best friend did not notice when I got them on day 1!! Ironcially, my 2-year old did notice!!
So, I got to the end of story and thought I could do a simple cut and paste for pics into the body of this text. It appears not.
If anyone can tell me how I should do this, I will add my pics in!!!
Looking forward to joining in on the discussion boards!!
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Tulip - back nearly a year later!!!!
Moderator: bbsadmin
Tulip - back nearly a year later!!!!
Last edited by tulip on Sat Apr 19, 2008 7:36 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Thanks Linda21! As you were typing your reply, at the same time I was figuring out how to get the photos uploaded.
I think it's working......
See the "buttons" on my eye teeth and tooth immediately behind those (top and bottom). Also, scroll down for a pic of the trays in for those folks who are curious just to see what level of "invisibility" to expect.
MOUTH CLOSED
BOTTOM ARCH
TOP ARCH
INVISALIGN TRAYS IN
I think it's working......
See the "buttons" on my eye teeth and tooth immediately behind those (top and bottom). Also, scroll down for a pic of the trays in for those folks who are curious just to see what level of "invisibility" to expect.
MOUTH CLOSED
BOTTOM ARCH
TOP ARCH
INVISALIGN TRAYS IN
Yep, I believe the buttons help the trays to stay in place snugly, but I also believe they are intentionally placed on certain teeth to focus movement in a particular way. Not all invisalign patients seem to have buttons, and those that do have buttons have varying amounts of them, and on varying teeth - it seems to depend on the individual case.
Had my first appointmenttoday since getting the aligners. This time my dentist explained some of the philosophy of how invisalign works, compared to regular braces. She explained that it just works on a series of very small adjustments for each tray, just creating small pressure points for movement. She said I should start to see some real change around tray #8 (16 weeks), when the front teeth should start to un-overlap.
So today, I asked her whether she was planning any shaving of my teeth during my treatment, and she said "yes, right now!". The plan for today was to shave some teeth on the left hand at the top. Four teeth (3 spaces) were shaved down to create about a 0.2mm gap between them. This is one of the ways invisalign finds/creates space in your mouth. I have to say, I was hoping not to have to have this done at all, but anyway, I guess it's part of the procedure, and better than pulling teeth for space. I trust my dentist completely, and if this is what needs doing, then so be it.
So she set to work with the file and the drill. I did not enjoy the file at all. It did not hurt in the slightest, but mentally, I kept imagining the file slipping and ripping into my gum. Luckily this did not happen, but it felt really wierd having someone rasping your teeth.
The dentist said that she really likes working with the tools provided by invisalign, especially the ones she was using today, and that she even uses them for her other orthodontic patients with regular braces.
I still have to have more shaving done on other teeth at a later stage when there is less overlapping - dentist said you get a better resulting tooth shape than you do when they are still too crowded. She was supposed to do some more shaving on the bottom front teeth today, but felt there should be more room first.
So, instead of the 4-week (2-tray) wait between visits, I am seeing her again in 10 days time, to see what the room looks like on those bottom teeth.
I must say, so far I really trust her control and involvement in the process.
So today, I asked her whether she was planning any shaving of my teeth during my treatment, and she said "yes, right now!". The plan for today was to shave some teeth on the left hand at the top. Four teeth (3 spaces) were shaved down to create about a 0.2mm gap between them. This is one of the ways invisalign finds/creates space in your mouth. I have to say, I was hoping not to have to have this done at all, but anyway, I guess it's part of the procedure, and better than pulling teeth for space. I trust my dentist completely, and if this is what needs doing, then so be it.
So she set to work with the file and the drill. I did not enjoy the file at all. It did not hurt in the slightest, but mentally, I kept imagining the file slipping and ripping into my gum. Luckily this did not happen, but it felt really wierd having someone rasping your teeth.
The dentist said that she really likes working with the tools provided by invisalign, especially the ones she was using today, and that she even uses them for her other orthodontic patients with regular braces.
I still have to have more shaving done on other teeth at a later stage when there is less overlapping - dentist said you get a better resulting tooth shape than you do when they are still too crowded. She was supposed to do some more shaving on the bottom front teeth today, but felt there should be more room first.
So, instead of the 4-week (2-tray) wait between visits, I am seeing her again in 10 days time, to see what the room looks like on those bottom teeth.
I must say, so far I really trust her control and involvement in the process.
Howdy Linda, Lisa & B.A
First of all, I did try the KK's cure, and swished my mouth with salt water (memories of being dunked by a wave in the ocean!!! )....
Secondly, I got out my metal nail file and smoothed the edges of the trays.....
....result =magic!!! today all is well again in the tongue department! No discomfort at all.
Front incisors are very sensitive though, and hurts to put the trays in (once they are in it's fine). Also the teeth on the top left are rather tender too and I guess this is where the movement is focussed for this tray now that there is some space from yesterdays shaving.
When you take the trays out, the teeth revert back to their previous position within about a minute!! No jokes! I can tell becuase right after removing the trays, my one front incisor touches the bottom tooth, but after less than a minute there is no more contact anymore!!
First of all, I did try the KK's cure, and swished my mouth with salt water (memories of being dunked by a wave in the ocean!!! )....
Secondly, I got out my metal nail file and smoothed the edges of the trays.....
....result =magic!!! today all is well again in the tongue department! No discomfort at all.
Front incisors are very sensitive though, and hurts to put the trays in (once they are in it's fine). Also the teeth on the top left are rather tender too and I guess this is where the movement is focussed for this tray now that there is some space from yesterdays shaving.
When you take the trays out, the teeth revert back to their previous position within about a minute!! No jokes! I can tell becuase right after removing the trays, my one front incisor touches the bottom tooth, but after less than a minute there is no more contact anymore!!
Hello Tulip! 
I've really enjoyed reading your story so far.
I've experienced the itching sensation as well- quite a bit not long after the braces went on but not so much now. And I get random teeth aching for seemlingly no reason- the joys of orthodontia!!
Keep smiling, the invisilign looks great, I couldn't see much of a difference in your pics- they really are invisible!
Jennifer
I've really enjoyed reading your story so far.
I've experienced the itching sensation as well- quite a bit not long after the braces went on but not so much now. And I get random teeth aching for seemlingly no reason- the joys of orthodontia!!
Keep smiling, the invisilign looks great, I couldn't see much of a difference in your pics- they really are invisible!
Jennifer
Banded 22 June 2006.
Debanded 24 July 2007.
Loving it!
Debanded 24 July 2007.
Loving it!
Well, it's been 2 weeks since my last appointment, and today I went in to my dentist's (ortho) office for my next session.
I knew I was to have some more shaving done to some teeth that could not be shaved last time, and sure enough, that is what happened. I had to "spaces" shaved, i.e. 4 teeth. These were on the bottom between the central incisors, and between the bottom right canine and its neighbouring incisor. Goose bumps aplenty..... who said it's not like fingernails on a blackboard ... I can't think of a better analogy in fact!!! And I'm not even blackboard-phobic!!!
Anyway, it that took all of 5 minutes at the most, while she shaved and measured and shaved and measured, and shaved .... Not that much was having to come off mind you, it's just that the tools are so fine. In fact the one sanding strip kept breaking off - I guess it is that thin. Anyway, although all that shaving sounds extreme, there is hardly any visible difference. No doubt I will feel the extra space when I floss at bedtime!
I also asked my dentist about the unsatisfactory bite issues that certain Invisalign patients on this board have reported at the end of their treatment. She said there is "no way" she would let that happen. In her view the bite is the primary focus of orthodontics, and the aesthetics is secondary. Furthermore, there is the built-in option of 3 additional trays at the end of treatment if things need to be tweaked some more. Her understanding of the process is really very reassuring and she really inspires my full confidence. (Gosh, sounds like I have dentist-worship syndrome!!! )
The only downfall I have encountered so far with Invisalign, is the effect on my fingernails, particularly when the trays are new and tight. I am not a nail queen, let's be clear on this, nevertheless my normally robust nails have chips taken out of them on a regular basis!! Ah well, we all pay the price for our vanity somehow!!!
I knew I was to have some more shaving done to some teeth that could not be shaved last time, and sure enough, that is what happened. I had to "spaces" shaved, i.e. 4 teeth. These were on the bottom between the central incisors, and between the bottom right canine and its neighbouring incisor. Goose bumps aplenty..... who said it's not like fingernails on a blackboard ... I can't think of a better analogy in fact!!! And I'm not even blackboard-phobic!!!
Anyway, it that took all of 5 minutes at the most, while she shaved and measured and shaved and measured, and shaved .... Not that much was having to come off mind you, it's just that the tools are so fine. In fact the one sanding strip kept breaking off - I guess it is that thin. Anyway, although all that shaving sounds extreme, there is hardly any visible difference. No doubt I will feel the extra space when I floss at bedtime!
I also asked my dentist about the unsatisfactory bite issues that certain Invisalign patients on this board have reported at the end of their treatment. She said there is "no way" she would let that happen. In her view the bite is the primary focus of orthodontics, and the aesthetics is secondary. Furthermore, there is the built-in option of 3 additional trays at the end of treatment if things need to be tweaked some more. Her understanding of the process is really very reassuring and she really inspires my full confidence. (Gosh, sounds like I have dentist-worship syndrome!!! )
The only downfall I have encountered so far with Invisalign, is the effect on my fingernails, particularly when the trays are new and tight. I am not a nail queen, let's be clear on this, nevertheless my normally robust nails have chips taken out of them on a regular basis!! Ah well, we all pay the price for our vanity somehow!!!
Hi Tulip, I am glad your shaving went well! Your photos are great, this Invisalign is really invisible! I am sure it is not easy to put the trays on and take them off but you seem to handle it well, hopefully your nails will also survive 
It is also great you have a great ortho who you can trust, I think it is the basis of the good treatment!
Awaiting your progress pics later on!
It is also great you have a great ortho who you can trust, I think it is the basis of the good treatment!
Awaiting your progress pics later on!
Upper and lower Evolution linguals
B-day: 30. 06. 2006
Treatment time app. 2 years
Time for the next installment:
It's been 2 weeks since my last appointment, and today was the new tray change-over day.
Along with that, another IPR session was required on one space. I sat in that chair with clenched muscles while I had a front tooth (top left next to central tooth) shaved. Did not enjoy it.
Not being able to see what goes on im my mouth whilst in that chair, it was only when I got home that I realised how much had been taken off this time. I was a little shocked that so much tooth appeared to be gone.
Now that seom time has passes, and I've analysed the space and thought about it some more, I have a feeling it maybe looks worse than it actually is. That tooth did not touch much of the adjacent front tooth anyway, due to the fact that they are both crooked, and now that it certainly does not touch anymore, the gap probably looks exaggerated. I'm hoping that's the case. Because that tooth is at an angle, I can't even see it straight on anyway, so that may be adding to the impression that there is a big gap there now.
However, now it's too late to do anything about this anyway, so I'm just hoping and trusting that it's all going to be fine in the end. My dentist said those 2 crooked front teeth should start to move into position very soon, especially since there is some space now.
My next appointment is 4 weeks away. At that time I'm also due for my regular checkup and cleaning. I laughed and said they won't need as many units of time with all the brushing I've been doing since getting braces!! At which moment, my dentist actually confirmed that my teeth looked very clean. So I was pleased all that brushing and flossing is being noticed!!
It's almost time for some more photos I think. I can tell that my arch has widened, as I can see back teeth when I smile now, that I could never see before. I also noticed a teeny-weeny gap between my front 2 teeth (top middle) the other day, and my dentist confirmed it was there today too. I will take some pics at the end of this 2 week period, to see if those front teeth have done anything. I do feel pressure on them again with this new tray.
It's been 2 weeks since my last appointment, and today was the new tray change-over day.
Along with that, another IPR session was required on one space. I sat in that chair with clenched muscles while I had a front tooth (top left next to central tooth) shaved. Did not enjoy it.
Not being able to see what goes on im my mouth whilst in that chair, it was only when I got home that I realised how much had been taken off this time. I was a little shocked that so much tooth appeared to be gone.
Now that seom time has passes, and I've analysed the space and thought about it some more, I have a feeling it maybe looks worse than it actually is. That tooth did not touch much of the adjacent front tooth anyway, due to the fact that they are both crooked, and now that it certainly does not touch anymore, the gap probably looks exaggerated. I'm hoping that's the case. Because that tooth is at an angle, I can't even see it straight on anyway, so that may be adding to the impression that there is a big gap there now.
However, now it's too late to do anything about this anyway, so I'm just hoping and trusting that it's all going to be fine in the end. My dentist said those 2 crooked front teeth should start to move into position very soon, especially since there is some space now.
My next appointment is 4 weeks away. At that time I'm also due for my regular checkup and cleaning. I laughed and said they won't need as many units of time with all the brushing I've been doing since getting braces!! At which moment, my dentist actually confirmed that my teeth looked very clean. So I was pleased all that brushing and flossing is being noticed!!
It's almost time for some more photos I think. I can tell that my arch has widened, as I can see back teeth when I smile now, that I could never see before. I also noticed a teeny-weeny gap between my front 2 teeth (top middle) the other day, and my dentist confirmed it was there today too. I will take some pics at the end of this 2 week period, to see if those front teeth have done anything. I do feel pressure on them again with this new tray.