Wellness

[Abrowneyegirl]

I said I would provide an update......

So yes I went ahead and did it, I decided fixing my bit was worth it.

My appointment was Wed morning, I had the attachments put on and picked up my first 4 trays.

I have to admit I was expecting it to be awful and it is, at this point it is WORSE than I expected.

The attachments have shredded the insides of my cheeks when the trays are out and when the trays are in my teeth hurt so bad.

I can talk in them just fine. No one notices I have them, unless I tell them. I did not tell people I was doing it.

Getting them in/out to eat is a HUGE pain literally and very time consuming.  I have a 'kit' of tools and hooks (that I have to carry everywhere) that Ihave to use to pry the trays off my teeth or wedge them back on.

It is going to be a VERY long 12-18 months.

All I can think about is:

-all the other things I could have spent this money on 

- at the end of all this I will NO cosmetic improvement, my teeth are already straight, so other than the bite improvement I will have nothing to show for all this aggravation. 

It is like spending thousands of dollars on sub-flooring or insulation- necessary but not pretty.

Everyone says I will be glad I did it in the end and I am SO hoping I will be!!

[GCR18]

This is one of three things were you have to keep the prize in mind.  Follow all instructions, so you don't have to wear them longer than necessary.  My friends daughter had to wear hers and extra year because she didn't follow instructions.  

[CinNC]

I have a similar product and am about 2 months away from finishing.  It WILL get better. My dentist told me to take Advil if they hurt for the first day or so. I also noticed that it is worse when I have more salt in my diet - dentist thought that was strange but I do notice it. 

The only thing I would have changed is that I would have gone to a specialist for them rather than my regular dentist. 

[Abrowneyegirl]

@CinNC  It is interesting that you were told to take Advil, I was provided with studies that show anti-inflammatory meds have been shown to slow the process.

I rarely take pain meds anyway, I just handle it.

Keeping the trays in is not a problem for me as I DREAD trying to get them in and out.  When they are out I eat like a horse to avoid the process as long as possible.

[shaggygirl]

Not being entirely sure what Invisalign is I just googled it. Came across an article entitled 18 Things I Wish I Knew Before Invisalign. Geez, all I can say is Good Luck with it all, I hope it's 100% worth it when you are done. The article tells some ways to help deal with the pain, one had to do with a wax and another had to do with having your dentist file down sharp edges but also mentioned something you can get on Amazon that's supposed to make taking the tray out much easier.

[IMW]

My dil did this and was just thrilled with results. Her smile is spectacular. - Yes it took a long time and was costly, but it is a great investment in yourself and permanent.

Good Luck!

[Big Sister]

I had to wear braces when I was in my 40s and I found that the WAX was my best friend.  Check it out, you may find it helpful to ease the pain, especially on the inside of your cheeks.   You would place the small bit of wax on any sharp areas of the braces or the Invisalign.

[Sweetbay magnolia]

I've done it.  9 attachments.  PIA!  My bite was improved but is not perfect (what is?).  Cosmetic work to attempt a fix for some underlying hereditary issues would be another $1200, and no guarantee that it will not fail.

My process took 2 & 1/2 years.  I was under the care of an orthodontist (still am).  Looking forward to another $400 expense for "permanent" retainers.

 Those regular visits for adjustments were dreaded.  The filing of the teeth to remove the attachments, the many molds made to address progress - not fun.

Good luck to you.  I'm not displeased that I had it done, but I am glad to have it over.  $6 grand . . .

[Mom2Dogs]

@Abrowneyegirl....many years ago, as an adult, I had traditional metal braces, my teeth were crooked and I wanted them straightened, ha!   It was painful, but did get better over time.  Each time the braces were adjusted there was pain and the inside of my mouth was raw for a while.  I was given 'wax' to put on my metal braces in the spots where they were rubbing my mouth.

I don't know anything about Invisalign but hopefully you have something to put on the sore areas of your mouth.  I am sure you will be happy with the outcome, it will just take time.

[jewel3]

My Invisalign was just about the best thing I ever did for my looks and comfort. I still wear my retainer nightly without fail. Ask your dentist or orthodontist to smooth the attachments. I used to smooth mine with a fine fingernail file. Also check your trays and get them smoothed before taking them home. You should not suffer from rough attachments. The office will smooth. Good luck!