23 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
Invisalign provider: Not specified
I hate everything about the invisalign. I speak publicly on a daily basis and opted for the invisalign because I felt it would be less invasive. If I wear the invisalign, I stumble over my words. At least with regular braces, people would understand why my mouth was in such pain. I was not told about the scratchy buttons in advance. Nor was I told about the filing that would take place between my teeth. I was told that I would get used to the trays in a few weeks, but I am at twelve weeks, still in pain and see no relief in sight. My gums (which were as close to perfect as one can get) constantly feel like they are on fire.
I am in so much pain that I cannot eat regularly so I am exhausted all the time. I must take prescription sleep aids to get any sleep and I take pain killers daily. I highly recommend against the invisalign.
Invisalign reviews by RealSelf.com users
Avg cost $4,479
82% say Invisalign was worth it
18% say Invisalign was not worth it
2/6/08
Man, how jacked up were your teeth?
2/6/08
Actually, my teeth were not bad as I had braces when I was younger. Most of my friends tell me that my teeth were perfect before and cannot understand why I put myself through this misery. I would have left them alone if my four front bottom teeth hadn't become so crowded that one tooth turned so that I would occasionally catch my tongue on it. Every night I go to bed telling myself that tomorrow they won't hurt anymore. Unfortunately, it hasn't happened yet.
2/8/08
Why are your attachments "scratchy"? It sounds like your orthodonist may have done a sloppy job putting them on and there is excess glue causing the roughness. Do your liners come up too high and hit your gums? I've read you can file them down or... call your orthodonist about it... he should have some insight as to why your gums are "fire". Goodluck, I hope it gets better. I just went back to my orthodonist last night (week 6)... I'm sore the first day or two of putting in new aligners and after that I'm fine. I had trouble talking for about a day... only thing that I notice now is "th" My boyfriend & orthodonist both said they see my teeth changing already.
2/20/08
I am a person seeking help for my teeth and I was wondering what is the procedure of getting the invisilign and was wondering what are buttons?
2/21/08
I am in my 7th month of invisalign and still use a lot of wax to prevent irritation. I was originally told that I would have 10 trays on the top and 24 trays on the bottom. When the trays actually came in, there were 32 of them on the bottom (that is quite an increase). I spend a lot of time trimming and filing the edges of each retainer before I wear them. I also feel like my gums and lips are "burning" all of the time. I am wondering if there is some sort of chemical leaking from the plastic. Has anyone ever heard of this? I wonder if they treat the plastic with something after they are molded that I may be sensitive to. I am not sure if I would do this again if I knew what I had to go through.
2/23/08
I've had my invisilign braces for 5 days now. No irritation, hardly any pain, just annoyance of not being able to eat, smoke, and drink when I want to. I am hanging in there and really prefer invisilign over regular metal braces. I am 40 and I think regular braces would have "freaked me out". What will the result be? I'm not sure but I am optomistic. I have 14 top trays and 12 bottom trays.. which means I should be through with my treatment this year. Yes I have the attachments. They are noticable but that's part of the treatment. They help the trays stay on and put force on the teeth where it is needed. The attachments match my teeth color but you can still see them. The Ortho said I may have to revamp my treatment 1/2 way through and get more trays made. I am hoping that will not be the case and I wear my trays at least 21 hours a day. 20 hours is the minimum recommendation. I drink flavored water and flavored carbonated water with splenda ... no sugar. I also suck on small sugar free mints to try to ease the hunger pains. I was so used to snacking all day so this is a huge change for me. But I want straight teeth so I am sticking to it. Good luck to anyone who seeks straight teeth. Go for it! You only have one life and hey... it's only a year! What's a year out of your life? Oh, and I have no stinky breath. In fact, my teeth are clean all the time because I brush and floss right after I eat every time so no junk building up on them. Also got a sonic cleaner. Go to violight.com They have a dental bath that will clean your trays in 5 minutes each and kills 99.9% of bacteria and germs. Would not live without it! LUCK TO ALL!!!!
2/25/08
I loved my invisalign - sounds like your ortho man didn't do a very good job. I am still finishing up using a retainer at night, my teeth were in horrible shape - the hardest thing for me was getting the molds made cos of my gag reflex. I have never talked funny or had any difficulty with my retainers. The filing isn't painful, and the liners should only result in some minor soreness the first 2-3 days as your teeth begin to shift. Sounds like you got a bum deal, or have a pretty low pain tolerance. I have never regretted having mine done, and I'm in my 50s.
2/28/08
This is only day 3 of invisalign. I had braces when I was younger, but I had lost my retainer after the braces so the teeth didn't stay completely straight. In particular, my front lower teeth got crowded. So now I have 25 upper and 25 lowers for my prospective treatment. My only irritation (besides the pain, which I expected) is that with the crowding, the lower invisalign hurts to take out and put back in. It makes me dread eating when I'm hungry. Damn crowded teeth. It's gonna be worse when the attachments get put on, but I am still optimistic. The fit is great - no gum problems.
3/2/08
i am only 15 years old but i really want invisalign. iv been reading the comments and researching them for a while now and the only thing in concerned with is the burning, i can handle the uncomfort and some pain but the burning kind of disturbes me, the one person that said they think the chemicals in the plastic are leaking and that could be why its burning scared me so if any one could reply and tell me more about it that would be great. thanks.
3/2/08
Honestly, Mr. Lawbratt, you are a wimp.
With braces so much more pain is involved. Compared to the people with braces you have it easy. For the begining year your whole mouth has to build callouses to get used to the sharp points of braces. Sometimes the wires get to long and stick inside your cheecks like a permanent shot. With rubber bands, expecially the heavy duty ones, some people can only open thier mouth an inch wide. In general braces tear up your mouth and the first couple of days put you in such crazy pain that you cant even touch your own teeth together without wincing. Dude, you are so lucky you can take invisalign off. Braces are nonremovable, which means that anyone with braces are limited to certain foods. At least you can take your stupid invisalign things off to eat! Imagine how humiliating it is to have something stuck in your teeth without your knowing!
Really, your complaints make me sick! You can always just take whatever is causing your pian off, while people with braces are stuck with the pain until they get accomidated to it.
Sir, just ask your orthodontist- this is common sense! Until then, suck it up you little wimp!!!!!
3/2/08
i was wondering where you went, because i live in riverside too and have been looking into invisalign, and apparently i don't want to go to the same place as you. if you say {edited} i feel really bad for you.
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3/2/08
Selena
RealSelf is not a place to attack others who've shared their experiences and opinions. Our community is not open to name calling. Everyone here is entitled to an opinion that may not agree with your own.
Tom, founder, RealSelf.com
3/3/08
I have had mine for 7 or 8 months. The product does what it is supposed to, but the pain I have is all the time. Its obviously worse when I change into new ones, but the pain is all the time. Alot of odd edges etc on the ridges of the tops and bottoms and they never really fit correctly. My ortho says just to keep sticking with it, I actually dread "Popping them in and out", it is truly a unique way to induce pain on ones self. I will give them the credit that they work, but I am tempted to just go to braces, because of the on-going pain factor. I have spaces but it will still be I will need the braces to pull up the gaps from the molars. Some people I know have had no issues, I guess it depends on the amount of work needed.
3/5/08
I just started my Invisalign treatment last Friday. First two days were bad, but after that I can't tell they are even on. I only take them out when I eat. I would say they are in at least 22 hours a day, maybe a bit more. They fit very nice. No rubbing or pain at all. I do not have the buttons yet. I go in after my first month. I am 45 and my lower teeth had some crowding. As I have gotten older, it has gotten worse. Did not want metal braces. There are just too many foods I like to eat that I couldn't if I had gotten the metal braces. My treatment is supposed to be over in Sept. I have to say right now that I am very happy. I already have had a couple of teeth move a bit. At least I can tell they did. I would recommend this product very highly.
3/5/08
Hi Daniel J
Wouldnt normally comment but I noticed you started yout treatment on the exact same day as me. Like you my treatment will be done in september too. Iv got eight buttons and i cant understand why people say they scratch their mouths so much because if you were wearing the aligners how could they??? or do these people eat constantly?
Mine too fit really snug and dont really give me any pain after the first two days. The best bit is no one notices your wearing them whatsoever, Iv been out loads with people I have known for years and they have not noticed.
I love the product but the dry mouth is really starting to annoy me its constant, do you have the same symptom?
Mark 22 uk
3/6/08
Hi Mark
Yes, I get dry mouth. I have been drinking a ton of water. That is really the only thing I can say is a drawback. Good thing is I don't eat as much cause it is sort of a pain to have to brush your teeth after every meal or snack.
No one notices mine either. That's what made me choose Invisalign instead of metal. At 45, couldn't see myself with a mouth full of metal.
No buttons here yet. Doc says she wants to wait a month. Still have few weeks. Will let you know if they bother me. That seems to be a chief complaint.
Take care and good luck with your treatment.
3/6/08
Why wouldn't you delete Selena's comment?
3/6/08
based on your question, should I assume you think it should be deleted? My personal perspective is that it serves as a way to illustrate what the RealSelf community stands for...our guidelines and purpose.
3/8/08
Being someone that had metal braces as a teenager and just had shifting from not wearing my retainers, I love Invisalign so far. Like some others they didn't tell me about the shaving of the teeth (doesn't hurt at all just sands teeth) or the "buttons." I am prone to Canker sores and I haven't had one in the seven months of having my trays.
My only concern is now that I'm fixing to end my treatment, only one tooth hasn't moved up. Well they just told me that it might not. They said "Invisalign is good for shifting teeth back and forth or left and right but not up and down." They gave me two options after wearing my 10th tray another 3 weeks is either to "polish" my front teeth down to match the shorter tooth or to get metal brakets on the bottom. Hello thats why I got Invisalign is to avoid metal braces again. So I don't know I feel like I should have been told the whole up and down movement before I opted for paying another $4000.
Over all their great, but they orthodontist will tell you if they will work for you.
3/8/08
I got mine on the same day. My top tray is fine, and I don't even realize it is there. The bottom is so rough it is cutting up my tongue. I tried to take it out but then the buttons are scraping the inside of my cheek and I have a huge blister there now. It is odd because the top (which needs much more work) is fine while the bottom is a mess. I have 11 buttons and when the trays are not in, they are very scratchy. I am still glad I got them as this is only the third day but was wondering if anyone else had these problems in the beginning.
3/12/08
I have had them on for over 1 year. I have 16 more trays on top and 4 on the bottom. I had many problems with the bottom tray cutting my tonge. I tried to file every new tray that I put in for days and finally talked to the orthodonist about it and that I was ready to just stop. They decided to remold the bottom set and had them remade. What a difference that made. She told me that sometimes the girls in the office don't get a good impression and for that bad trays. I am glad that I pressed the issue and no problems now!
The trick I found is to put my new trays in at night right after dinner and that way I have 12 to 14 hours of them in my mouth before I have to take them out to eat. Works great and I sleep thru most of the discomfort. I do have a speech problem sometimes and it annoys me but that is part of it! I do pop out one of the trays sometimes to just talk better. It bothers me more than anyone else. My top teeth stopped moving and had to have molds done again and more buttons put on my top front teeth.
I am sadd that I must now have 4 extra months but would rather have all my teeth straight. I am glad that I have done all of this and would do it again. My ortho told me the other day that I have gone thru more than most people have and that I have been a great trooper! Good for me!I have found instead of complaining about any of it and looking at the positive that I have a much better attitude with all of it.
I am looking forward to straight teeth for the first time in my life! YEAH!!
3/14/08
Tom, I agree with you. Leave the comment and make clarifications, as you did, to guide users of this forum towards its purpose.
3/14/08
YOU NEED TO SEE YOUR DENTIST! There is no way your should be in that much pain something has to be going wrong. Did you ask your dentisnt how many people he/she has treated with Invisalign? EXPERIENCE is one of the most important considerations you should make when choosing the provider. I am now 6 months into Invisaglin and couldnt be more happier with them.
3/14/08
i want invisalign but im scared and im not sure to get it or not since ive herd it burns and i dont relly want that happening to me. i have braces now and im 13 years old i want invisalign, because its better than wearing a metal retainer for the rest of my life i mean i have the ceramic braces but their still annoying i would like a little bit more details on why they hurt some people but thats all
3/15/08
Hi, Daniel,
I am thinking of getting Invisalign. It appears that you have had a very good experience with it so far. Do you mind emailing me the name of your Orthodontist? By the way, I live in Southern California. Thanks.
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3/16/08
I got Invisalign a week ago and the only annoying thing for me is my lisp. The talking thing I will have to get used to... I am in my 30's now and had traditional braces twice in childhood. I couldn't imagine getting them again! I have not had any burning or too much discomfort. Not as bad as traditonal braces when you got them tightened from what I remember!
3/18/08
Thanks for your positive comments Denise. I too am in my 50's. I wore braces as a kid and do not want to go there again! My bottom teeth are crowded and I have wanted to fix them for years. Your posting is just the push I needed to finally make an appointment!
Was your dentist an orthodontist or just a general dentist specializing in the invisalign?
Thanks again.
3/18/08
i am only 13 and i want to get invisalign but i am nervous about taking them out at lunch and people not seeing them. are they REALLY invisable and do they are they hard or gross to take out?
please answer!
3/22/08
i am a senior in highschool and i am getting invisalign...they should be in next week...i was wondering...do you really have to brush your teeth after everytime you eat? this is going to be a huge problem for lunch at school...
it is also going to be hard for me to not chew gum because i am addicted.
this might sound stupid but...would it work to just pop a peice of gum in my mouth to sort of "clean/ get rid of food on my molars and stuff" instead of brushing my teeth at school and then when i get home brush them.
3/24/08
I just started my invisalign last wedenesday. I love it so far. The trays fit perfectly and there is no irritation. I take them out only to eat and then I brush my teeth and trays immediately after. My attachments got in the way of eating the first day, but I got used to them and now my top teeth do not touch the attachments on the bottom. I have minor soreness throughout the day, but it is not severe. I recommend this product to everyone who qualifies. Its GREAT!
3/26/08
I started my invisalign about 8 weeks ago. I had regular braces when I was in elementary/middle school, and these are far more pleasant!
But, I will say that the first few days I had awful headaches from the pressure. Advil really helped with that. I get a headache each time I start a new set, so I know now to just take the Advil in advance. I really don't enjoy the plastic taste/dry mouth feeling you constantly have from Invisalign, but it's not intolerable.
If you are a person that likes to sip coffee all morning at work, be forewarned that you can't do that with these! That is a major bummer for me. Makes it difficult to snack or drink casually - heck, maybe I'll lose a few lbs :)
I had to have my teeth filed down in places to allow room for my teeth to move, and I hate the gaps I now have. They're not noticeable with Invisalign in, however. I'm told they should close up and if it's not perfect it can be corrected when I have my bonding re-done.
All in all, the experience has been fine for me so far and I would recommend it.
3/28/08
I'm on day 3 of my Invisalign, and I have a ton of wax in my mouth because of the irritation on my tounge. The wax really helps! I have 1 button on the top, my dentist hasnt done the 3 on the bottom yet...I'm a little nervous about them, the buttons are a little annoying....but only when the trays are off....other than that, the soreness is normal...just means they're working already. I drink a LOT of water, and certainly miss snacking-but its only about 9 months, so I'm looking forward to a rewarding end. I think the irritation is completely worth it. I'm all for Invisalign...I'll have to check back here when its all done! :)
3/28/08
I think some people are mistaken on here. there is no way this surgical grade plastic can leak anything.thats rediculous. plastic is not a liquid material. and if your allergic to plastic, which is unlikely because everything we use in our daily lives has plastic in it, then its still not the dentists fault that your mouth is burning you should have told him you were allergic to begin with and he would have said your not a candidate. i am on week six, i love these things, it doesnt hurt when they file your teeth, mine hurt for maybe the first hour i wear them and then its gone. I dont notice any difference in my teeth but other people do. i would never get braces, this is the best thing iever did for myself. 10 trays total for my treatment. how can you beat that? i just wish i could drink/eat whateevr i want all day but its prob better that i dont. anyway im having a good experience with them
4/1/08
Yes the lack of coffee must be the worst drawback :) I know exactly what you mean......
4/3/08
I am on day 2. My tongue is cut up, and I have sore places on the inside of my mouth. I have dry mouth. I talk with a little bit of lisp. The buttons on the bottom irritate the inside of my mouth. Would somebody explain how to smooth these plastic pieces? What does wax do & what kind do you buy & how do you use it?
4/7/08
i just started invisalign one week ago. i work in a dental office and work with invisalign very often. the first few days are going to be a little rough, mainly because the trays are literally moving your teeth, just like braces. your gums will be sore, tongue will get a little scratched up, and a lisp is very common. this doofus who posted above should not need sleep aids and pain killers. pop a few tylenol and youre golden. stop being a puss....
4/9/08
I am in my 7th week of invisalign. I'm not having dry mouth or any pain symptoms but I do want to make patients aware that there may be interproximal reduction (making your tooth a bit more narrow/shaving off the side a bit) so please ask your dentist/orthodontist if this will need to be done with your teeth. Also, I believe that patients should be able to view their personalized treatment plan before treatment begins. Unfortunately, right now, that is kept between the orthodontist at invisalign and your personal dentist/orthodontist. Good luck with your invisalign! Overall, I'm doing alright with mine.
4/9/08
I had braces when I was younger and now have invisalign. I wish I had braces instead. Invisalign is annoying and it scratches my gum and i's uncomfortable. I also noticed my lips are drying out from the plastic..I can't wait to take this crap off my teeth.
4/9/08
The bottom tray have cut my tounge a great deal. I'm very unhappy with the invisalign.
4/11/08
I am thinking about having Invisalign and am concerned about the buttons some of you talk about. When I chatted to my dentist about the treatment, he did not mention these to me. Thanks for your comments.
4/11/08
Hi, Orange!
I'm almost 15 and I'm getting Invisalign. I just wanted to say to you that nobody really cares about whether you have braces or not or whether you can see them. Not when they're under the age of 18, anyway. You really shouldn't worry about what people think, that isn't a good way to go through life.If you think Invisalign are right for YOU, then get them, don't factor others into the equation.
4/12/08
I have had my Invisalign for eight months now, and I am very happy with the movement of my teeth. I have six trays left on top, and am currently in the "constant wearing" phase of my bottom retainer (which looks like a slightly extended aligner).
Though for the first week of wearing my aligners I did have a slight lisp, once my tongue got used to the new appliance my speech returned to normal. I believe taking the Invisalign out when you speak will extend this lisping time, because your tongue will not adapt.
The buttons they bond to your teeth should not scratch you when the aligners are in. Ask your dentist/ortho to examine them for extra "flash" (glue) that could be bothering you or preventing your trays from sitting flush against your teeth.
The key with Invisalign is getting an experienced dentist/ortho. Dental care providers take a course to get certified in Invisalign, but that doesn't mean they are all good providers. Look for an office where lots of the staff has had them. Every person in my dentist's office has had Invisalign. They have so much experience- when you're spending five grand on your teeth, take a lot of care in choosing your dentist.
I had braces for years in high school, and they were far more painful, annoying and ugly. Yes, filing between your teeth will probably be necessary. It's strange and discomfiting but it doesn't hurt. I have not experienced any of the "burning" or "dry mouth" of other posters. Perhaps it depends on how mobile your teeth are to begin with, or your personal body chemistry?
At any rate, Invisalign is a good option if you have orthodontic problems that can be effectively corrected without traditional metal braces. It's expensive, but my treatment has been excellent.
4/14/08
I'm in my seventh month of Invisalign trays and am now pretty convinced that while Invisaligns do a terrific job in straightening teeth, some people are allergic to the plastic.
The upper respitory problems began the first week with a sore throat followed by laryngitis. Since then, I haven't had a day without a cold, flu, or bronchitis. In addition, my mouth develops terrible sores, and I have to use wax to protect them & alleviate the pain. Until I got Invisaligns, I had never been ill. I eat very well, exercise, and keep myself and my mouth squeaky clean. Today, I'm taking them out for good & hope to get a retainer made of a material other than the plastic used in Invisalign.
For those of you who have no allergic reaction, Invisalign does a great job in moving teeth. For me and others like me, I think it would be great if the makers of Invisalign would inform people of the possibility of an allergic reaction and perhaps provide us a test tray before we plunk down five grand.
4/14/08
How exactly do you file the edges before you wear them? The tray I have on now (#4/13)feels like it is cutting into my tongue and the sides of the sublingual area. Any suggestions?
4/17/08
I had braces when I was younger (ages 7-10) but I was too young to care about my retainer. My teeth arent real bad, but the dentist said I could get my straight teeth back with invisalign. I have an appointment to get my teeth molded later this month and to find out how much money I would have to spend. Can someone tell me what the 'buttons' are? They didnt mention anything like that to me...I thought it was just the trays.
4/18/08
My orthodontist says that I would be a good candidate for Invisalign, and she is an experienced provider (If you're not sure about your ortho's Invisalign credibility, Invisalign has a provider look-up for your area, and this will tell you if they have treated a lot of patients ). My orthodontist has lot of plaques from the Invisalign people (Top 100 Providers, etc.). I'm twelve and have the option between real braces or Invisalign, and both cost the same amount (a little over 6 grand) Please tell me your opinions. Thx!
4/27/08
I'm on my 3rd day. I'm uncomfortable, but it's tolerable. The thing that bothers me the most is that I can't bite down all the way. This is causing my jaw to feel fatigued. I'm not used to having my teeth opened apart all the time. It would feel alot better to me if I could close down again. I guess I'll get used to it, but for now, it's the worst thing for me. Getting them off is cumbersome, but I am getting better each time I do it. It's great for me that I can't snack...I need to lose a few lbs! :)
5/2/08
please explain why you are filing your invisalign that is why you pay you paid all that money to your doctor. he is suppose tofile it for you. i only had pain with two of my trays and my doctor asked me to come in right away and he filed it for me. also whenyou go to pick up your new trays they are suppose the clean out the ones you have in your mouth and give them back to you. sound like you need a new doctor. ps when a doctor does not do there job find another.
hope this helps
5/3/08
I am 54 yrs old. I have had my invisalign for 8 months. Believe me I've had every problem (My two front teeth have straightened considerably, so hang in there) In the beginning, my orthodondist told me to buy a fingernail file (the metal kind) and an exacto knife. Just use the file to smooth over rough edges. I used the exacto knife to trim near the gums as they were rubbing causing irritation. There should NEVER be any gum pain, so if there is tell your dr. right away. I also had attachments (buttons) as my trays would "pop" up. After the attachments, that stopped. I also have rubberbands to pull the top front teeth back, so to have these, they have to cut slits into each side of tray, top and bottom trays. These slits also have to be filed. Another tip is that when you change your trays (as they will be very tight and uncomfortable for a couple of days) I use Orabase by COLGATE, it is an oral anesthetic. Just use a q-tip to smooth over your gums. This is over-the-counter. I also find it helpful to change your trays at bedtime. So as you can see, I have done a lot of adjusting. None of which I was told during the sales pitch. But after you wear a couple of trays, you will know what to do to make them more comfortable. I still have 8 more months to go, and may still have to have different molds made in a few months. I was told about this possibility up front. Because I have always wanted braces, and have waited this long to have them, I guess I'm willing to do whatever to have a good outcome. Just communicate with your dr. On the bright side (braces vs invisalign) you can take them out and have a break once in a while. I'm upset that I didn't know all of the work that it takes up front, but I would have gotten them anyway. It just depends on how bad you want it, I guess.
5/3/08
the burning is not normal. If you use a whitener in your trays, that could be it. Consult the dr.
5/5/08
I am really concidering on getting invisaline the only concern i have is the price. Can someone please tell me the price range.
5/5/08
Hello-
I am in the process of getting Invisalign. I was told I have to have a procedure called a frenectomy (where they remove a piece of the muscle or gum between my 2 front teeth).
I was told this is to prevent the gap from coming back when I am done w my Invisalign treatment.
This worries me a little, as I never heard of anyone having this done before.
I trust my Ortho and the Periodontist who advised me on this procedure- but I'm looking for feedback from anyone who might have had this done.
thanks,
Adrienne
5/6/08
I will be starting my treatment in a few weeks so I am still somewhat ignorant about the whole process. Does everyone have to get these buttons? What is their purpose?
5/6/08
Okay, I just talked to a co-worker who has the Invisalign currently. She says the buttons are for the trays to "click" onto when inserting the trays. She has four and they usually put them on the "worst" teeth. That means I'll have at least four. The buttons irritated her the first week or so but didn't scratch up her cheeks or tongue.
My other concern is the filing of the teeth to make room for the teeth to rotate. If the tooth is filed, doesn't that scrape away enamel as well?
5/7/08
Adrienne,
My daughter had a frenectomy when she was 6 years old. She had a gap between her front 2 teeth caused by thickness in the gum. Even at 6, it was a piece of cake. She had almost no discomfort after the procedure. (That said, her lack of pain and fast healing also might have been due to her age). She is now 12, and her permanent teeth are in. No gap. She will be starting traditional braces this year, and I'm so glad we had this procedure back when she was young. BTW, I'm on this site, because I am in Invisalign. I'm on tray 5, and so far so good.
5/13/08
Do you have to wear a retainer after invisalign?
5/14/08
How do you file the trays down? The bottom one is the only one that bothers me. The top tray is fine but the bottom one rubs against the bottom of my tongue and the back of my mouth. Do you just use a regular nile filier to file it down? If that doesn't work I'll call my orthodontist.
5/16/08
I too am prone to Canker sores so I am so glad to hear that you haven't had any since the invisalign! I couldn't imagine having metal braces rubbing up against them.
5/19/08
This doesn't have to do with the Invisalign but I used to get very severe canker sores until a friend of mine turned me on to Trader Joe's Super Antioxidant supplements. I have one a day and haven't had a canker sore in over a year. If I forget for a while I'll get one and when I take the antioxidant, it stops hurting by the next day. Gone within two more days.
5/22/08
I am so glad i got invisalign. I'm on day one and count. Whoo! I only have 19 trays for both top and bottom. I'm super nervous but still feel this is a much better option than having a metal mouth. To everyone out there thanks for the informative post. You rock.
5/24/08
Hey I know how you feel. After the first 3 days its gotten better and better the pain went away and I've gotten completly use to my invisalign. I'm on to week two and Its def worth it.
10/26/08
Hi everyone! I'm currently in my 3rd month of Invisalign treatment. I am in my 50's and wish that this type of braces was available a long time ago. So far, so good. I wear trays (top and bottom) for two weeks, then change to a new set. They are tight for a day or two, then feel fine. I see my dentist once a month and she examines my progress, takes the old sets and gives me two new sets. The only thing that is annoying is that you have to take out the trays every time you want a cup of coffee or a snack, which is often :), but it's okay because I really want straight teeth.... I have six of those little button brackets, which were a bit annoying when they were first installed, (scratched my inner lip a little when eating), but that went away after a week or so. My one snaggle tooth is coming down nicely and the other teeth look a little straighter too. My dentist hasn't mentioned any shaving - hopefully I won't need it. Good luck to all of you! Hopefully, this will work for all of us!
10/28/08
I'm considering invisalign. The shaving people speak about... is that just between crowded teeth? They don't file the tops of your teeth to make them all the same height, do they?
10/29/08
The shaving is between crowded teeth, not on tops. My top teeth are crowded, but my dentist said that she was taking a different approach and would not shave teeth, so maybe you won't need it either. Ask lots of questions at the consultation... Good Luck!
11/12/08
Am almost halfway through my treatment and so far am satisifed. Can really see the correction of the crowding on my bottom teeth. My only concern is my overjet as I am not noticing any changes there yet. Before I got my buttons I was concerned mostly by what people are saying here. For me only the initial placement was unpleasant and no problems since. Has anyone had sucess with overjet correction?
12/5/08
Michaela,
Do not do it. I am with this so call primium provider; got this doctor from invisalign's web site. I am having this treatment over an year, and I do not see result. What worse? My socall provider had me extracted one tooth.
12/16/08
Tomorrow will mark my first week with Invisalign and so far I have very minor complaints. The first couple of days definitely required some adjustment in terms of speech and eating habits. My tongue was scratched a few times, however, after awhile you really forget you're wearing them and none of my co-workers, family or friends have noticed them! Like most things in life, I feel the key to getting through Invisalign is to focus on the positive aspect. I'm in my early 30s and I'm very excited about finally having straight teeth! I highly recommend this product!
12/26/08
I did quite a bit of research prior to opting for invisalign. I have had my first tray (lowers) for almost 2 weeks now. I have had a minimal amount of tongue scratching and the buttons holding the liner in place is aparent when the liners are out, however,they are not noticeable, distracting or discomforting. I am completely pleased with my doctor and am looking forward to the next tray. It did take about 4-5 days to get accustomed to the tray and pressure on my teeth (pressure is a good thing, you cant just move teeth without some discomfort). Now things look good and I would highly recommend using invisaligners. As for Micheala I recommend looking at your next couple of liners. I can look at the next 3 sets and notice a difference in the placement of my teeth (in the liner). If you dont see progressive movement in the liners then I would be asking your Doc some serious questions. If you do see progression then I would have to ask if you are wearing your liners 22 hours a day as required. Each liner needs to be worn for 300 hours. If you wear the liners every once in a while than I would expect the tretment to last a very long time.
So far, so good.
A happy Invisaligner patient
!!!!!!
Jay, The Woodlands Texas