Wow! I can't believe that I am already 7 weeks into my treatment. That seems pretty crazy. My excitement level has obviously been taken down a notch as you can see that I have neglected writing for over a month now.
I really have had no aha moments just yet. I was hoping that my eating on the run habit would be stopped and although, it has slowed I still find time to eat on the road. I mean, lately I live on the road and I have to eat sometime. I am just really okay about brushing my teeth in the car and in random places now. I literally will find myself pulling out a toothbrush anytime. I think that sometimes that can be a bad time, especially in my professional life!
I do have one observation about just general life with Invisalign. I find that when its almost time to change trays, the one I am wearing is really loose. So loose almost that I can lift it off my back teeth with my tongue. And, I get really excited when its time for a new tray. It's almost like you have proof that they are working because you can feel how tight they are. I don't know if I can see the difference in my smile just yet. Again, I think because my teeth are in pretty good shape for the most part, that it will be more difficult for me to see the overall change as quickly as others. I can feel the difference in my bite and in the way my teeth feel.
I promise to post new pictures soon, but today is Friday and well- I'm just too lazy to do it! Enjoy the weekend my friends.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
One week down
Week one without aligners
Notice just how shifted my bottom bite appears.
Week one with aligners
(I promise these are the same teeth, just different lighting)
Okay. So, Tuesday made one week that I have been wearing this aligners and I must say, WOW! Just wow.
First off, I am loving this new diet. I have completely eliminated unnecessary calories because to be honest, its not worth taking the trays out. I paid to keep these bad boys in. So my day sort of goes like this:
*Wake up
*Shower
*Get baby up and dressed
*Take aligners out, put them to soak in water (with some hydrogen peroxide)
*Eat quickly and possibly have a glass of tea while feeding baby
*Brush, floss
*Brush, rinse aligners and pop them back in
*20 mins total, try to get it at 10 mins if baby isn't ready for food
*Head off to work
*Get to work, fill up jub-o-water
*Warm up lunch (soup or steamer meal or something just as quick)
*Grab diet soda
*Grab lunch, pop out aligners
*Eat, drink soda quickly
*Brush, floss
*Brush, rinse aligners and pop them back in
*Back to work
*Home for the day
*Get dinner ready
*Pop aligners out, eat quickly with or without soda
*Brush, floss
*Brush, rinse aligners and pop them back in
*Sleep
So, that's the long drawn out day that is my dental responsibilities. Of course, occasionally I might indulge in a soda out of those time frames which means I just need to brush as soon as I can. I kind of really enjoy the simplicity of it. It keeps me from eating fast food! I've learned to preoccupy myself with the novelty of the apparatus in my mouth to help curb any mid afternoon office snacking.
Now, down to the nitty gritty. No pain, just a little annoyance now and again. It's amazing that I never noticed just how bad my center line was off. Now, that is all I can focus on when I look in the mirror. I kind of feel like I have more spaces between some teeth. I don't know if that was just the IPR or if my teeth are actually being shifted that way to straighten them out. I guess I will find out at my next appointment. I did break one attachment, but the majority of it is still there. Hopefully this does not effect things a great deal. I am including some pictures. I hate to do that because now I can see are the flaws, but I know they help to drive home the results. I did get a good picture of my teeth at the start. I will have to wait to get that from the dentist when it's all over.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Aligners In
After a very productive morning into town, I was pleasantly surprised to get a call from my dentist as soon as I arrived back to work. My aligners were in! YEY!! Heading back, I grabbed one last meal on the go before changing my eating habits for the next year.
Well, I was aware from the ClinCheck that the attachments would go in right away but it was still a little surprising. The process was nothing special, painless and took very little time. Two of them did need to be redone in the process because they came off, so I immediately (well as soon as I was able to speak again) asked what were the chances of the them coming off later. I guess there is always a chance, but with so many she said I could just wait till the next appointment to come and fix it. Then, I needed a little filing done so as I waited I noticed that my case had "Invisalign Teen" on it. This really sort of confused me so again, I asked for clarification.
They told me that for the most part they send all their cases as Teen so that they can have the following added features: the Compliance Indicator feature and the possibility of additional refinements during the process as opposed to at the end. I am a little anxious, but I assume that this really will have no big change in the outcome. I did do some research as well to be sure that there were not other really big differences that would lead to a much different experience. All seems pretty standard. We'll see.
Well, its and almost 2 hours in to my first set of and so far not really any pain, just a little pressure. I find myself extremely distracted with the edges and the feel of it in my mouth. I have a slight lisp right now, but hopefully that will go away soon. It's so weird to not just got grab a chocolate in the office candy bowl. It's not worth the snack! Guess that should help with my diet. I promise to try and post pictures soon. I'm thinking that tonight I might file the rough edge a little some.
I am really amazed at just how invisible they are. I thought for sure you would be able to see some. You really have to be up close and personal to notice, even with 17 attachments!!! ( I knew I had missed a few last time)
The story continues. I will post more about the joys of removing and replacing them!
Well, I was aware from the ClinCheck that the attachments would go in right away but it was still a little surprising. The process was nothing special, painless and took very little time. Two of them did need to be redone in the process because they came off, so I immediately (well as soon as I was able to speak again) asked what were the chances of the them coming off later. I guess there is always a chance, but with so many she said I could just wait till the next appointment to come and fix it. Then, I needed a little filing done so as I waited I noticed that my case had "Invisalign Teen" on it. This really sort of confused me so again, I asked for clarification.
They told me that for the most part they send all their cases as Teen so that they can have the following added features: the Compliance Indicator feature and the possibility of additional refinements during the process as opposed to at the end. I am a little anxious, but I assume that this really will have no big change in the outcome. I did do some research as well to be sure that there were not other really big differences that would lead to a much different experience. All seems pretty standard. We'll see.
Well, its and almost 2 hours in to my first set of and so far not really any pain, just a little pressure. I find myself extremely distracted with the edges and the feel of it in my mouth. I have a slight lisp right now, but hopefully that will go away soon. It's so weird to not just got grab a chocolate in the office candy bowl. It's not worth the snack! Guess that should help with my diet. I promise to try and post pictures soon. I'm thinking that tonight I might file the rough edge a little some.
I am really amazed at just how invisible they are. I thought for sure you would be able to see some. You really have to be up close and personal to notice, even with 17 attachments!!! ( I knew I had missed a few last time)
The story continues. I will post more about the joys of removing and replacing them!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Case Accepted
Well, last Friday I finally (it was a long 3 weeks) had the chance to take a look at my ClinCheck.
Overall, I am really pleased with the results but unfortunately I need like a million attachments. Sure that's a slight exaggeration but I didn't even count. Thinking back, I think it is around 15! Yikes! I was not expecting that. I didn't get the chance to post any pictures because I forgot my camera. (Side note: I never forget my camera but of course this day I did) And, the ortho assistant didn't really know, or want to deal with, messing with the ClinCheck enough to freeze the before and afters and saving and blah, blah, etc. etc. So, I guess I will just have to take pictures of my smile instead....
I am really anxious to get this started. I am already trying to navigate the issues of brushing, flossing, meals, tea and wine. Thankfully, there are enough of us head over heels into the Invisalign process that I can do a quick scan at random blogs to gather thoughts on those things.
They are expecting my trays to be in in about two weeks, which I thought was pretty soon. It looks like my attachments are going to be put on from the beginning, which everyone including myself, thought that was odd considering most cases call to have them put on after a week or two. I'm not really sure what this says about my teeth. As of right now, my proposed treatment includes 20 aligners. I was hoping to get some whitening done before but it looks like I will have to wait till the end of the process.
I am indulging myself for these next couple of weeks, before I end my casual affair with soda and beef jerky.
Letter to the pearly whites:
Oh my dearest dental darlings, I am writing to say that it's time to put a little structure in your lives. I have been disappointed in recent years by your lax attitude. Through my most awkward teenage years however, you did keep me from becoming 'brace face' and for that I am thankful. But the time has come to address your recent wanderings, specifically you Canines.
This time will be short, but I hope to infuse a little discipline back into your roots. You will be delighting no more in soda and the occasional snack. Our meal times will be strict and our hygiene will be even stricter. It is time to get back to religious flossing and thorough brushing after each meal.
I understand that you may get upset, possibly even sore. I ask that you have some restraint and choose not to give me too much pain. We will both be thrilled at the end of this tooth camp.
Overall, I am really pleased with the results but unfortunately I need like a million attachments. Sure that's a slight exaggeration but I didn't even count. Thinking back, I think it is around 15! Yikes! I was not expecting that. I didn't get the chance to post any pictures because I forgot my camera. (Side note: I never forget my camera but of course this day I did) And, the ortho assistant didn't really know, or want to deal with, messing with the ClinCheck enough to freeze the before and afters and saving and blah, blah, etc. etc. So, I guess I will just have to take pictures of my smile instead....
I am really anxious to get this started. I am already trying to navigate the issues of brushing, flossing, meals, tea and wine. Thankfully, there are enough of us head over heels into the Invisalign process that I can do a quick scan at random blogs to gather thoughts on those things.
They are expecting my trays to be in in about two weeks, which I thought was pretty soon. It looks like my attachments are going to be put on from the beginning, which everyone including myself, thought that was odd considering most cases call to have them put on after a week or two. I'm not really sure what this says about my teeth. As of right now, my proposed treatment includes 20 aligners. I was hoping to get some whitening done before but it looks like I will have to wait till the end of the process.
I am indulging myself for these next couple of weeks, before I end my casual affair with soda and beef jerky.
Letter to the pearly whites:
Oh my dearest dental darlings, I am writing to say that it's time to put a little structure in your lives. I have been disappointed in recent years by your lax attitude. Through my most awkward teenage years however, you did keep me from becoming 'brace face' and for that I am thankful. But the time has come to address your recent wanderings, specifically you Canines.
This time will be short, but I hope to infuse a little discipline back into your roots. You will be delighting no more in soda and the occasional snack. Our meal times will be strict and our hygiene will be even stricter. It is time to get back to religious flossing and thorough brushing after each meal.
I understand that you may get upset, possibly even sore. I ask that you have some restraint and choose not to give me too much pain. We will both be thrilled at the end of this tooth camp.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
One Step Closer
Good News! I got the call day before yesterday that my case was back and I can go in next Friday to check out the ClinCheck. One step closer, the next step is confirming and then more waiting for trays.
I will try to post pictures of my preview soon!
I will try to post pictures of my preview soon!
Monday, March 8, 2010
Still Waiting
Business must be good for Invisalign, I mean just look at how many of us out there have blogs about it! I haven't even confirmed my treatment yet, heck I'm waiting to see what my case will look like but I'm still pretty excited.
It will be 2 weeks Wednesday that I went get my impressions made. I haven't heard back that we needed a new set, so hopefully it's just any day now. And then I guess the next part is waiting for the trays. Till then I guess I'll keep checking on all of you guys! I'll start posting pictures as it gets closer, but I must say I'm a little apprehensive about that. Does anyone really want to see my teeth? Well we'll see.
P.S. Can I just say that I am lookin forward to new diet! Not that I do lots of snacking or drink lots of soda to begin with, but even the little bit of change should help. Also, drinking through a straw? I like to drink tea so I wonder if this would help or should I just set aside my tea after dinner and breakfast to make things easier?
It will be 2 weeks Wednesday that I went get my impressions made. I haven't heard back that we needed a new set, so hopefully it's just any day now. And then I guess the next part is waiting for the trays. Till then I guess I'll keep checking on all of you guys! I'll start posting pictures as it gets closer, but I must say I'm a little apprehensive about that. Does anyone really want to see my teeth? Well we'll see.
P.S. Can I just say that I am lookin forward to new diet! Not that I do lots of snacking or drink lots of soda to begin with, but even the little bit of change should help. Also, drinking through a straw? I like to drink tea so I wonder if this would help or should I just set aside my tea after dinner and breakfast to make things easier?
Thursday, March 4, 2010
The Story Begins
Well, I am thrilled to say that I am finally on the road to the smile I have always wanted. It feels like this is something that I have wanted for a really long time. Most folks might say that my smile is fine, some say it's even pretty. But, if you dare to ask me, what you will get is an incredibly detailed explanation of each tooth and how it can be adjusted. An obsession? Sure, it is possible. I mean, can you guess what my most frequent reoccurring dream is? Yes, my teeth falling out. Or, my teeth crumbling. Sure, I know someone who translates dreams might interpret is as something else. But, if anything it makes me extra conscious of my teeth.
That leads me to where we are today. Here I sit, a professional woman, still months short of 30, about to get braces. A new mother on top of that. But, I opted for Invisalign. That sort of brought me to this place. I know in my decision making, I was intrigued by real stories of Invisalign clients. So, I thought I'd share my story at this spot. Maybe my experience can help another smile obsessed individual make a choice.
I actually did my first initial consult a few months back but couldn't commit to the first initial fees through the holidays. The consultation was really great, and I can honestly say that I don't believe that my dentist was just trying to sell me on the Invisalign deal because I was felt like I was very thorough in my questions. As it turns out, traditional braces at his office are the same price as Invisalign anyway. With the Invisalign, I was tempted with the 'free' whitening however. Yes, of course I know it is not really free. I mean, geez I am paying $5400 for the treatment. (*a little upset because I missed the 10% but I am still negotiating). I was also sold very easily because he did inform me that this price would also include any modifications that needed to be done once the process was complete. For me, that will probably include a permanent retainer because of my canine rotations (less than 20 degrees). If I am not satisfied with the complete work of the Invisalign system, this would also include traditional braces that might be needed to finish the process. Again, it's a pretty pricey but its very inclusive which keeps me from getting hit with additional fees later.
I would recommend my dentist to anyone and I really feel comfortable there,so that was another selling point for me. The staff is great and they really try to make the entire dental experience very comfortable.
Months after the consultation, I called to get the ball rolling and last week I went for impressions. Now, I'm just waiting for them to call me to say Invisalign sent everything back. I'm really anxious to see what this 'ClinCheck' looks like and to really see if they can satisfy even the most obsessive clients.
I'm sort of hoping that I'm presented with something that will look a million times better and that people will actually be able to see. Vain? Perhaps. But, man if I'm spending this money I want people to be able to see the difference. The last thing I want to do is look back and say "wow, was that ever a waste of money." And actually, it is more that that. Those darn rotated canines really drive me nuts and I know they will continue to rotate and I don't want to be presented with some sort dental health problem when I'm a grandmother because of them.
As the teeth turn.....
That leads me to where we are today. Here I sit, a professional woman, still months short of 30, about to get braces. A new mother on top of that. But, I opted for Invisalign. That sort of brought me to this place. I know in my decision making, I was intrigued by real stories of Invisalign clients. So, I thought I'd share my story at this spot. Maybe my experience can help another smile obsessed individual make a choice.
I actually did my first initial consult a few months back but couldn't commit to the first initial fees through the holidays. The consultation was really great, and I can honestly say that I don't believe that my dentist was just trying to sell me on the Invisalign deal because I was felt like I was very thorough in my questions. As it turns out, traditional braces at his office are the same price as Invisalign anyway. With the Invisalign, I was tempted with the 'free' whitening however. Yes, of course I know it is not really free. I mean, geez I am paying $5400 for the treatment. (*a little upset because I missed the 10% but I am still negotiating). I was also sold very easily because he did inform me that this price would also include any modifications that needed to be done once the process was complete. For me, that will probably include a permanent retainer because of my canine rotations (less than 20 degrees). If I am not satisfied with the complete work of the Invisalign system, this would also include traditional braces that might be needed to finish the process. Again, it's a pretty pricey but its very inclusive which keeps me from getting hit with additional fees later.
I would recommend my dentist to anyone and I really feel comfortable there,so that was another selling point for me. The staff is great and they really try to make the entire dental experience very comfortable.
Months after the consultation, I called to get the ball rolling and last week I went for impressions. Now, I'm just waiting for them to call me to say Invisalign sent everything back. I'm really anxious to see what this 'ClinCheck' looks like and to really see if they can satisfy even the most obsessive clients.
I'm sort of hoping that I'm presented with something that will look a million times better and that people will actually be able to see. Vain? Perhaps. But, man if I'm spending this money I want people to be able to see the difference. The last thing I want to do is look back and say "wow, was that ever a waste of money." And actually, it is more that that. Those darn rotated canines really drive me nuts and I know they will continue to rotate and I don't want to be presented with some sort dental health problem when I'm a grandmother because of them.
As the teeth turn.....
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