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Author
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Topic: Invisalign Braces
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Annie
unregistered
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posted 10-05-2005 01:59 PM
I just got my second set of trays...and things are much better the second time around. The initial appointment two weeks ago was horrific...I had no idea about the buttons or the big space he would be shaving between my front teeth! I left his office near tears, and looking like Madonna...they hurt like hell, and getting them out was awful...my mouth was all chewed up inside, I really thouught I had made a terrible mistake. Now, two weeks later, I'm sane again...the pain went away, I figured out how to get them in and out, and when I leave them in no one sees the huge gap between my front teeth. More reason to leave them in! Thanks to all of you for your posts....they got me through! I think it's interesting in a "they know if they tell people, people won't do it" kind of way that none of us knew about the buttons or shaving teeth ahead of time....
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Dempsey91@aol.com
unregistered
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posted 10-06-2005 12:11 AM
Well, i just got the call that my trays are in. My impressions were done on Sept. 14th and I have an appointment tomorrow to begin wearing them. It is a schedule hour to learn how to take them in and out. I guess I better stock up on the Advil. Keep ya posted.....
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Jack Black
unregistered
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posted 10-06-2005 12:32 PM
check out www.bracesreview.com for info on invisible braces
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Glitter Star
unregistered
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posted 10-06-2005 01:53 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Fluffy:
How did your last impression go? I am really worried about mine, I go on tuesday to get mine done.
I did my impressions and they went great. I called my ortho and he is now reviewing my clincheck and will be intouch to go over them with me. To be sure we are on the same page with my treatment plan. I am so looking forward to this. I really hope my treatment will not be long, For the fact that we may be relocateing to NC from Fl. in around a year. It would be sooner but I have already started this process. I just want to get to NC sooner.
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Dempsey91
unregistered
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posted 10-06-2005 06:03 PM
Well, I am on my fourth Advil of the day and the pain seems to have eased up quite a bit. At first they just felt snug but about six hours into wearing they began to really hurt-like a bad toothache coming from your entire mouth. I have been able to remove the trays for lunch and dinner and it was a little difficult but not impossible. It hurts your teeth and your fingernails! I received six buttons today but they are on my back teeth so I don't feel they are that noticable. I kinda pry the front top a little loose then grab at both sides way in the back of the ones with the buttons. I am curious about my treatment length of time. The aligners say 2 of 9 (bottom) and 2 0f 6 (top)-which works out to be about 4 months, right? Does anyone know if refinement is considered an entirely different phrase? My ortho originally said about one year.
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Glitter Star
unregistered
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posted 10-06-2005 06:30 PM
well the ortho called me back today and is ready to go over my clincheck. I will see him on tuesday. Now the only thing I forgot to ask was do they tell you how long your treatment will be at your clincheck. They are closed for the day and are closed on Fridays , maybe someone on here can let me know so i'm not wondering all weekend, thanks
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relle
unregistered
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posted 10-06-2005 08:19 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Angela:
Mine is mid $7000.
I just signed a contract for them. I go to get my firat immpression next week.. they said it'll take about a month from that time to get the trays. I paid 6700.00 that includes 24 months of trays, and the retainers afterwards..
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pharmgirl
unregistered
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posted 10-06-2005 10:55 PM
OK...the spaces they mowed out between my teeth are starting to get on my nerves. I could seriously smuggle a whole steak between my back teeth! You have NO choice but to be religious about flossing. Sometimes it's actually shocking what you can fish out of there! Anyone else have issues with this?
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Lily
unregistered
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posted 10-06-2005 10:59 PM
I've finally decided to get Invisalign. Quoted $5000 from a cosmetic dentistry and $7000 from a ortho. I think I'll just go with the dentist. I was wondering an Invisalign patient out there can refer me so I'll get $100 off my treatment (hey, anything helps!)and you can also get a $50 gift certificate. Go to www.invisalign.com under "I'm a patient" and refer me please... my name is Lily Li and my email is Lillardzzz@hotmail.com. Thanks for the help!
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orthodontist1
unregistered
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posted 10-07-2005 03:28 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Glitter Star:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Fluffy:
[b]How did your last impression go? I am really worried about mine, I go on tuesday to get mine done.
I did my impressions and they went great. I called my ortho and he is now reviewing my clincheck and will be intouch to go over them with me. To be sure we are on the same page with my treatment plan. I am so looking forward to this. I really hope my treatment will not be long, For the fact that we may be relocateing to NC from Fl. in around a year. It would be sooner but I have already started this process. I just want to get to NC sooner.[/B][/QUOTE]
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orthodontist1
unregistered
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posted 10-07-2005 03:31 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Glitter Star:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Fluffy:
[b]How did your last impression go? I am really worried about mine, I go on tuesday to get mine done.
I did my impressions and they went great. I called my ortho and he is now reviewing my clincheck and will be intouch to go over them with me. To be sure we are on the same page with my treatment plan. I am so looking forward to this. I really hope my treatment will not be long, For the fact that we may be relocateing to NC from Fl. in around a year. It would be sooner but I have already started this process. I just want to get to NC sooner.[/B][/QUOTE]Glitter. Take the number of aligners and multiply by two. That is the number of weeks of treatment you'll have with the aligners. If you are going to an orthodontist he will very likely need to use a few (3-5) "refinement" aligners so add about 10 more weeks to your treatment to be safe. If you are going to a "certified" general dentist that does orthodontics I can only wish you good luck! They don't seem to get how to finish ortho. treatments with braces or Invisalign. They probably won't use refinement aligners because they don't recognize what still needs to be changed after the original set of aligners.
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mimi
unregistered
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posted 10-07-2005 06:42 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Mari:
Can anyone recomend a good dentist or Ortho. in the Bay Area Ca???
my uppers only cost me $3,800
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emm
unregistered
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posted 10-11-2005 01:01 AM
I am almost done with my treatment, and have a question about teeth "shaving". My dentist, whom I have known for years and whom I liked very much and trusted implicitly, has disappointed me, to say the least. She told me she would only take off the absolute minimum from the teeth when we started the process, but this in fact did not occur. Now my two front teeth have not only completely changed in shape to look square and unnatural, but one of them is slightly concave -- shaped like a "horse tooth" as my husband has put it. On top of that, my treatment ends in 6 weeks and the front teeth do not look like they will meet as planned. My dentist says we will do bonding on the last day. Has anyone had this experience or similar?
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Glitter Star
unregistered
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posted 10-11-2005 08:00 AM
Ok this is for someone who has had there treatment for a while. How often do you actuly see the ortho during your treatment. I am hoping that once it gets close to the middle to end of my treatment I can go ahead and move to North Carolina and travel in to Fl. when I have my appointments if they are far enough apart. I don't want my husband to put his carree on hold if I can just travel in. thanks for any info on this.
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Glitter Star
unregistered
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posted 10-11-2005 08:06 AM
Oh another thing, will they give you a few sets of aligners at a time so your not going to his office every 2 weeks just to pick them up.
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Nickles
unregistered
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posted 10-11-2005 10:24 AM
They should definitely be able to give you more than one set. I see my ortho every 6 weeks and so at first they would give me 3 aligners to get me through the six weeks and the last time I went they give me the next 6. Eventually they said they will just give them all to me. If you are moving, there is no reason why they can't give you enough to get you through to your next appointment. quote:
Originally posted by Glitter Star:
Oh another thing, will they give you a few sets of aligners at a time so your not going to his office every 2 weeks just to pick them up.
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Jim B.
unregistered
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posted 10-11-2005 12:23 PM
I have a couple of questions:
1) Does anyone know why you're not supposed to eat with the retainers in? It seems like taking them out to eat would allow your teeth to go back to the old position with all that chewing...I've been leaving them in to eat, except when I eat out.
2) It feels like the bottom retainer is not tight against the back of the teeth...there seems to be a slight gap. My ortho said he can't see it, but I can feel it with my tongue. Has anyone else experienced that?
3) How many people have to wear retainers after completing invisalign treatment? I read on here that someone had to wear one at night for life (egads!).
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Kris
unregistered
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posted 10-11-2005 05:03 PM
I'm thinking of getting Invisalign Braces but worried about few things...Could someone tell me: can you smoke with them?Or would that leave stains?What about kissing? And what would be the average price in UK? My dentist's quote is £3000 (and pay no more)+£250 assessment session.I will appreciate all replyes!Thank you.
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messiah
unregistered
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posted 10-11-2005 08:52 PM
quote:
Originally posted by InvisalignExpress:
I am thinking about getting Invisalign Express. After reading the comments, I am going to think about it for few more months. Mainly, I did not realized how diffcult it might be to take them out. I only had a consultation with my dentist. The cost will be $2,500.00, Is that a reasonable price?
yeah its reasonable , and very easy to take of, i'm an express patient
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Glitter Star
unregistered
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posted 10-11-2005 10:35 PM
Ok so I saw my ortho today and I am a happy camper. I will need 21 aligners so what is that 10 1/2 months. Which fits right in with our move time frame. He also said if we were to move sooner he would give me my final trays to take and could just come back when we complete the treatment. So we could actualy move in 7-8 months. So cool , and he also said they will most likely be at his office in 2 weeks. I am so happy I can't wait to start my treatment. Also When my family sees me again I will have nice teeth.
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Glitter Star
unregistered
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posted 10-11-2005 10:38 PM
Oh yeah I forgot to write all my attachments(buttons) are on the side so you will not be able to see them. 
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BCN
unregistered
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posted 10-12-2005 04:54 AM
hi, im on my 29th tray now (out of 34) so needless to say i've had some experience w/ Invisalign.
Before I started I went to 5 different places, all ortho, (i didn't trust general dentist to fix an ortho problem) and i was quoted all kinda of prices. Cheapest was $3800 and costliest was $7500, and treatment time was anywhere between 8 months from 1 guy and 3 years from another guy. Some said I had to take 1 tooth out, the rest said no need. So expectedly, I was beyond confused.
At the end I choose a orthodontist that I've had lots of recommendations from other ppl. Also he was one of the guy on the development team of Invisalign. Qualified enough right?
So I started my Invisalign treatment for $5300, not to0 bad. Since I have an annual cap on my insurance policy, i couldn't afford to take my wisdom teeth out before the treatment cuz then he won't be able to bill my ins, but he was very understanding and said that we'll deal with them when they come in.
He was very thorough and explain to me everything about Invisalign. He said that only 50% of all cases will have a perfect treatment, the rest usually need further adjustment. I already i'll need further adjustment of mine. He explain how the process is done. The orthodotist/dentist give instruction to the Aligner company on how your teeth should be move and by how much, the company just make the aligners according to instructions. Therefore, the experience of the orthodontist is very, very important.
Do your research before you start your treatment, go to different offices to see how their opinion differs and choose your best option.
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Nikki
unregistered
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posted 10-12-2005 02:40 PM
Kris - I don't know about smoking since I don't smoke but from everything I read, it can leave stains so they don't suggest wearing them while you are smoking. I know some people do though so I guess it's up to each individual person.As for kissing - trust me, you can't notice them at all. I was worried about that but I can't tell they are in, none of the guys I have kissed can tell. It's the same as if you weren't wearing them at all.
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Kris
unregistered
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posted 10-12-2005 05:53 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Nikki:
Kris - I don't know about smoking since I don't smoke but from everything I read, it can leave stains so they don't suggest wearing them while you are smoking. I know some people do though so I guess it's up to each individual person.As for kissing - trust me, you can't notice them at all. I was worried about that but I can't tell they are in, none of the guys I have kissed can tell. It's the same as if you weren't wearing them at all.
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Kris
unregistered
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posted 10-12-2005 06:00 PM
Thanks Nikki!That's good news!This is an amazing website chat room!I guess i should stop smoking anyway,just wanted to check Good news as for the kissing...Any 'man' opinion????I just like to know what am I getting myself into every time. Has anyone experienced people actually asking them "What is it with your teeths?"
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Michelle
unregistered
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posted 10-13-2005 07:34 AM
I live in Maryland and it cost $4,500 for 8 months and I am on my first week. I have a wonderful dentist that is very informative and helpful. The hardest part so far is getting the trays out, I haven't had much discomfort.
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Jim B.
unregistered
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posted 10-13-2005 04:55 PM
I've been thinking about the issue of switching aligners early...I think that if you wear the retainers for 21 hours a day, which is the minimum recommended, you have 3 hours during which the teeth can begin to creep back, so you would net 18 hours per day, which times 14 days is 252 hours. If you wear them for 23 hours a day, which I think is the best anyone could do keeping them in even to eat most things, you would net 22 hours per day and would have to wear each retainer for 11 1/2 days to reach 252 hours total. I believe that could be done without much risk of looseness or root deterioration. I would recommed taking growth-hormone producing supplements like GH Stak, Promino Plus, or Symbiotropin in order to aid bone growth as well.
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Frustrated
unregistered
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posted 10-14-2005 08:26 AM
All, I've been reading your posts and they have been encouraging - hopefully you can help now. I go to an orthodontist for my treatment. I was supposed to get one button on my very twisted front tooth (right next to the very center top 2 teeth) for my first tray. Since he was worried I would not be able to get them out he let me wear it without the button. Almost 3 weeks ago I went back to get the button, and he said I could start wearing tray 2 on top. (I've had no problems with the bottom). It hurt sooo much that I decided to keep wearing the first tray. It hurt to get it in, keep it in, and even more to take it out. I kept wearing my first tray, convinced that maybe it didn't do it's full job without the button. It probably hadn't as it was a little sore for a while. It was so hard to get out that there even is a little crack next to the button tooth. I decided to try tray 2 after 12 days of diligently wearing tray 1 again (after an initial 4 weeks without the button!). IT KILLS! I wore it for 23 straight hours, painful the whole time. slept for 9 of those hours, with tylenol, and it still hurt. I cried when I took it out, and swore I was quitting. I've invested a lot and really want straight teeth... wore it aain to bed last night, the pain is still there but I could tolerate it if it weren't for getting it out.... I can't wear it to work like that! crying in the bathroom everytime I need to eat?! yesterday I dind't go to work so I was able to do that. and fasted!!
Any ideas or suggestion? I'm at my witts end!
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Jim B.
unregistered
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posted 10-14-2005 09:14 AM
To Frustrated...
You will just be prolonging your pain by only wearing the thing at night. If you keep the aligner out during the day, your teeth have all day to move back to their old positions, and you'll be starting from scratch every night. You need to bite the bullet and wear the aligner all the time...the pain will subside after a few days, but only if you wear the retainer 21-22 hours per day like you're supposed to. You're right about tray 1 not working right without the button, but it probably won't work right if it's cracked, either. You really have two choices: get tray one replaced or use tray two for 4 weeks and put up with the extra pain the first 4 or 5 days.
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stacy
unregistered
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posted 10-14-2005 03:43 PM
what is a button? i have 3 things that they glued on my teeth to hold the braces on...is that called a button? i am on tray 2 and its cutting in on my rt side of my tongue. should it? what should i do? my tongue hurts to talk its so sore. why is it doing that to my tongue?
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LexS
unregistered
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posted 10-14-2005 04:17 PM
Wow, did I get rooked! At least I think that I did. I am paying almost $8000 for my treatment, that does NOT include retainers at the end of treatment. My treatment only consists of 17 trays over a year or so. Nothing special to my knowledge. I am a bit upset actually. So happy to have begun treatment, but feeling really taken advantage of. I live in Annapolis Maryland. I am going to call my Ortho & at least ask why on earth he charges a few thousand more than others. Is anyone else paying anything close to this?!?
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Beginnergal
unregistered
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posted 10-16-2005 05:10 PM
Hello! Does anyone on here actually have pretty crooked teeth? Or is invisalign mostly minor for everyone? Iam scared to get parts of teeth shaved and buttons. Reading this sight has given me mixed feelings about invisalign. I want to have straight teeth more than anything and am willing to take the pain, but some people are making it seem unbearable!!
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Libby
unregistered
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posted 10-16-2005 08:59 PM
Hi. First I want to say thank you to everyone who's posted. All of your information. It was so helpful while I was deciding whether or not to get Invisiligns. I'm now about to change into my second of 10 aligners for the bottom (I'll start the first of five on the top with aligner six on the bottom). I do have one question, though. I drink water all the time - pretty much exclusively, even before the braces - but I was wondering if anyone had asked their ortho or dentist if drinking flavored water was ok? Fruit2O or Propell? I know they have splenda in it, which is a sugar product, but I'm not really sure since it's still water. Any insight? (I'm talking about drinking it without having to worry about rushing to brush after you're done with it.) Thanks!
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Frustrated
unregistered
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posted 10-16-2005 10:40 PM
Jim, thanks for your reply. I am not suggesting to only wear the trays at night, but I just meant I couldn't wear those during the day. I called my orthodontist, and his covering partner spoke with me. He said if it is that much pain it probably needs to be adjusted. I went back to tray 1 on top - again - until I can get in there this week to see them. Not sure what he means, but he said he can "trim" it. He said by looking at the first crack he can tell what to do. I can't think of putting in tray 2 again until it is adjusted. I'm no wimp, and the pain was just too intense. I did wear it for 23 hours straight - then took it out for 2 and wore it for another 11 and still was crying. I'll let you know what happens. anyone else experience this? Dr. said it is not uncommon for patients with crowding.
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jill
unregistered
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posted 10-17-2005 12:19 AM
it's hardly "still water" if it's flavored.anywho... if splenda causes tooth decay, then you shouldn't drink it unless your'e going to brush afterwards
quote:
Originally posted by Libby:
Hi. First I want to say thank you to everyone who's posted. All of your information. It was so helpful while I was deciding whether or not to get Invisiligns. I'm now about to change into my second of 10 aligners for the bottom (I'll start the first of five on the top with aligner six on the bottom). I do have one question, though. I drink water all the time - pretty much exclusively, even before the braces - but I was wondering if anyone had asked their ortho or dentist if drinking flavored water was ok? Fruit2O or Propell? I know they have splenda in it, which is a sugar product, but I'm not really sure since it's still water. Any insight? (I'm talking about drinking it without having to worry about rushing to brush after you're done with it.) Thanks!
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