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Author
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Topic: Invisalign Braces
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been there
unregistered
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posted 10-17-2005 12:26 AM
after your first day on a new tray, you really shouldn't leave them off for 2 hours. it just makes the pain worse.as for the pain, i cried during my first trays, but i don't anymore. why? i take enough ibuprofen tablets to make the dosage prescription strength (600-800 mg). and i time when i take the pills so that the full effect coincides with when i'm taking off and putting on the trays.
quote:
Originally posted by Frustrated:
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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Eileen
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posted 10-17-2005 04:24 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Beginnergal:
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!!
Yeah, I am paying 7500. But I gotta say, I have very crowded teeth up top. I don't know. I thought mine was extreme too. And they are Ortho Clear, they are supposed to be cheaper. You should say something.
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Dempsey91
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posted 10-18-2005 07:12 PM
I am not sure why so many seem to be in so much pain- I don't even notice them. I felt pain the first day and that was it. The only worry should be if you are committed enough to stop snacking and only eat three meals and brush and floss immediately afterwards. Also, I bought a cleaner usually used for dentures at the drugstore and I do feel that it is better than just brushing. So far my only concern is the constant removal of the liners each and everytime you want to eat or drink something besides water.
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Quinn
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posted 10-18-2005 07:52 PM
I just started yesterday. I am not going through an Ortho, general dentist with costs at 3700 and insurance will cover half. I forgot to ask the dr. how many trays, but will check next month during my visit. It's the standard schedule.. new trays every two weeks that are given to me and doctor visit once a month. The first tray, only is the bottom, is this normal? It's not super painful, but I am very aware of it in my mouth.. I have really dry mouth and have been drinking lots of water. My tongue is a bit sore as well. I have no problems drinking coffee, etc. I tried eating with it on once, but did not work.. These are going to be some long months.
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Kimbob
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posted 10-19-2005 11:43 AM
Quinn, your dentist should not only be able to tell you how many trays you'll have (then double it for number of weeks), but he should be able to show you the ClinCheck as well. That's the computer display that shows the movement of your teeth over the course of treatment. I, like you, started with just the bottom trays first. I have 12 more trays on bottom than top, and my ortho wanted me to finish bottom and top at the same time. As for the sore tongue, I often experience that at the beginning of wearing a new tray. I use dental wax (available at drug stores) to alleviate the discomfort, and find that I can often quit using it after I've been wearing the tray for a few days. I guess the tray softens up and fits closer to my teeth along that edge.
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Dennis
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posted 10-19-2005 11:57 AM
Beginnergal,I just got mine yesterday. I am 53 years old and have crooked teeth. The computer animation showed them being straighten. It was amazing to see this at my ortho office! To prep for the invisalign, I had several teeth "shaved" I did not feel a thing! It does not hurt. No pain killer needed. When the buttons are attached (I have 4 on top and 4 on bottom)it does not hurt, just a little uncomfortable keeping your mouth open that long. I am having problems getting the bottom off, but each time it gets easier. I would recommend these. Good Luck
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KEidy
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posted 10-19-2005 09:40 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Paul:
Mine was $5000 also for 11 months. I'm in CA.
Well i don't know nothing botu this all braces things but i'm getting braces this year on the 19th of december on 2005. And i have to have 2 teeth pulled does it hurt?? My BRaces includes retainers and everything costs $ 2,360
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Cleo
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posted 10-20-2005 12:59 AM
You may be right about the 12 day thing but i noticed your post about milk. If you do some research about cow's milk, you'll know that it's not good for you. especially pasteurized milk. don't believe the hype - "milk does the body good." no it doesn't; well not cow's milk, that is. think about it - you're drinking the breast milk of a cow...why not drink the breast milk of other animals? Did you know that the US has one of the highest rates of osteoporosis yet has one of the highest rates of dairy consumption (calcium)?anyway, sorry for going off into tangents. I think i'll try the 12 day method... quote:
Originally posted by Josh888:
Hmm... Makes sense, doesn't it? Haha! But really, I was thinking I'd trim like a DAY off each set of trays, not a week. From what I understand, the movement occurs throughout the first three days of each tray. From then on, the tray acts as a retainer while your ligaments and bones recover.Well you have to figure that the "two week" thing has a safety factor built in. I mean, just about every dentist prescribes "two weeks" for each tray, pretty much regardless of the patient (I'm guessing they may go longer than two weeks in specially difficult, rare cases). Well I'm being very disciplined with wear-time, I take my vitamins daily, I drink tons of milk, and I brush and floss religiously. Therefore, I would think that my recovery time would be shorter than Patient X who wears his tray only 20 hours a day, skips the brushing and flossing more than he should, and hasn't touched a vitamin or glass of milk in years. In fact, I would think that even the less disciplined person can probably get by with less than two weeks of wear-time. Picture it: (Hypothetical fiction follows) The doctors at Invisalign all have their thinking caps on, they study the facts and determine that almost every person should be able to switch trays every 12.5 days, without risk of injury, bone loss, etc. "But let's make it 14 days just to be safe from Mr. Lawsuit! And 'two weeks' is so nice and simple!" Hmm? No, I'm not a doctor (though I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night), so I could very well be way off here 
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Arlena Yuen
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posted 10-20-2005 07:30 PM
I went for a consultation with an ortho today and they wanted close to 6000 bucks. For those with experience with Invisalign already, did you have any problems speaking because i have a lisp and I dont want it to be any worse
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Jam
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posted 10-20-2005 09:46 PM
i've had mine on for two days and my lisp hasn't gone away yet...i think your lisp will initially get worse but will go back to "normal."
quote:
Originally posted by Arlena Yuen:
I went for a consultation with an ortho today and they wanted close to 6000 bucks. For those with experience with Invisalign already, did you have any problems speaking because i have a lisp and I dont want it to be any worse
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MPK
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posted 10-21-2005 03:20 AM
Like others have said, I'm so glad to have found a place where people can relate to exactly what i'm going through! I've had my aligners for 2 days now and I too am having major issues with taking them off. My ortho gave me a crochet hook to use, but i have to yank so hard that I'm scared to break the aligner! But from what I've read i'm hopeful that it will become easier to remove them with time. Right now, my major issues is dryness of the mouth. My job requires me to talk a lot and I find that my mouth ends up feeling so awful and dry despite the fact that I sip on water as much as I can. Does anyone have any tips on how to deal with the dry mouth and does it eventually go away??
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Jay
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posted 10-21-2005 06:01 AM
Hi MPK. I too was given a crochet hook but I ended up splitting the first aligner so I just use my nails to lift off each side at the back first and gradually work forward. The first aligner was definitely the worst. I'm on my fifth now but I may have difficulties when I have attachments fitted next week!! quote:
Originally posted by MPK:
Like others have said, I'm so glad to have found a place where people can relate to exactly what i'm going through! I've had my aligners for 2 days now and I too am having major issues with taking them off. My ortho gave me a crochet hook to use, but i have to yank so hard that I'm scared to break the aligner! But from what I've read i'm hopeful that it will become easier to remove them with time. Right now, my major issues is dryness of the mouth. My job requires me to talk a lot and I find that my mouth ends up feeling so awful and dry despite the fact that I sip on water as much as I can. Does anyone have any tips on how to deal with the dry mouth and does it eventually go away??
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crissygirl
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posted 10-21-2005 08:26 AM
1. you are not supposed to eat or drink anything except water with your aligners in. if you choose to know that the food/drink will stay under the trays until you clean them again.2. thourough brushing is the most recommended way to clean. floss! the cleaning machine is just a vibrating tray. go out and buy a cheap sonic jewelry cleaner. 3. denture cleaner dulls the plastic and doesn't work as well as a good brushing 4. you can file or trim a sharp edge but you will get used to the presence in your mouth and the irritations will decline. not go away compleatly. 5. yes, they can crack, esp if you grind your teeth at night. 6. the biggest input comes from your dentist. if they don't want to spend time on you than you may have to push them abit.(once you've paid there should be no additional charges except to replace lost trays) mine didn't want to take new molds when my teeth weren't moving as expected. i finally asked what he was waiting for. i've required two new fittings and when i needed a second one he was much quicker to face the facts and take them. 6. you wear the braces longer than the time it takes to "move" the teeth so that they settle in their positions. your teeth will move back if you remove the trays and alot quicker if you don't wait. (braces have been around forever, this isn't news. it's the same as when other bones are adjusted, say for bowlegs, its not just the broken bone that has to set, the ligaments et al have to move).
7. i've had mine almost a year, my teeth have moved a bit slow but I had a lot of overlapping (and a dentist who didn't like havig to spend the required time.
8. I am almost done and have been told by other patients there is a long time when you wear your retainer all day. i wish i knew what was coming next but my bite is so much better and my jaw hasn't hurt in long time.
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CFein
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posted 10-21-2005 11:13 AM
I am on my last tray at this time, #20, I have always filled my trays with Plax mouthwash and soaked, then brushed with toothpaste. I have never had a problem, and it gets rid of the funk!
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Jam
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posted 10-22-2005 01:14 AM
According to the instruction booklet that came with my aligners, start with one side in the back (molars) and work your way around to the other side. I think this way is easier than trying to remove both molars at the same time. quote:
Originally posted by Jay:
Hi MPK. I too was given a crochet hook but I ended up splitting the first aligner so I just use my nails to lift off each side at the back first and gradually work forward. The first aligner was definitely the worst. I'm on my fifth now but I may have difficulties when I have attachments fitted next week!!
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newbie123
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posted 10-25-2005 10:20 PM
So I'm now on day 5 of my first set of aligners, and the lisp still remains, especially on the 's' sounds...my girlfriend swears she doesn't notice but I'm very self-conscious of it.
Can you guys give me your experiences of how long it took to feel like you were speaking with no lisp? My deep fear is that I'll be stuck with this lisp for two years!
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Glitter Star
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posted 10-25-2005 10:36 PM
I am so excited my ortho called and I get my first trays in the morning. I am so nervous. I'll stay posted on how it goes.
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tessa
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posted 10-25-2005 11:51 PM
hi. i am looking into invisalign braces because i have gaps. it sounds great! but i am wondering.. are they really invisable? can you tell they are there? what do they look like?
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Eileen
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posted 10-26-2005 10:21 AM
quote:
Originally posted by tessa:
hi. i am looking into invisalign braces because i have gaps. it sounds great! but i am wondering.. are they really invisable? can you tell they are there? what do they look like?
Yes, they are invisible. You cannot see them. They are amazing. Even I stare in the mirror and try to see them but I have to look really hard. You absolutely, most definitely cannot see them!
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DAB
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posted 10-26-2005 03:08 PM
Newbie123, I'm on tray 19 (total of 21 top; 24 bottom)--- and have gone through the lisping. Funny thing is that is sometimes takes several days for it to go away, and sometimes it's no problem. Seems to be worse at the beginning of each new tray -- but once in a while, I get a lisp for a few hours after I have eaten and replace my tray. I've also asked others, and been told that only I am aware of it. Relax and in a few days you should not be so self-conscious of it.
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Glitter Star
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posted 10-26-2005 04:33 PM
well I got my first set in. I didn't get my attachments yet. He wants me to just get used to wearing them first. So in a week I go back to get them, But so far not bad at all. No real pain at all and not hard to remove. I am sure this will change once I have my attachments on. I can tell already I will lose weight. I have put on about 10 lbs over the course of about 6 monthes so I am happy to have something that will help me take it off. I found out I only have 16 on the top , boy that makes me happy. I will stay posted.
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Quinn
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posted 10-26-2005 06:54 PM
Does anyone have any experience with the retainers after the treatment? Do you have to wear them every night? Are there permenant retainers? I have some chiping of my teeth that I want to have fixed before the retainer. Thanks.
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Glitter Star
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posted 10-27-2005 08:24 AM
well I made it through my first night. It went pretty good alittle more drool then normal, but oh well. I had crazy dreams about my aligners. One where I forgot I had them and ate some chewing gum and ruined my trays. How funny. I did however get a sore on my cheek inside. I looked at the aligner and noticed a little piece of plastic left from the mold. I just filed it off and now it feels alot better. They do feel alot better this morning. I think I will do very well with them. We will see after the attachments get on. But so far it's just wonder if people notice my lisp. It's just bad when I say sh words. I even think that is better. I also don't have any problem with keeping my lips closed , I think because I have reather full lips so no prob there. I can't wait for the end results.
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Jay
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posted 10-27-2005 12:23 PM
Hi Glitter. Glad it went ok. I've found it easy and comfortable so far too with no pain at all although I've just had the first two attachments fitted and the inside of my lip is sore - caused by the attachments when I'm eating. Hopefully that won't last but I still have several to go. I think I'm into the heavy stuff now!!
quote:
Originally posted by Glitter Star:
well I made it through my first night. It went pretty good alittle more drool then normal, but oh well. I had crazy dreams about my aligners. One where I forgot I had them and ate some chewing gum and ruined my trays. How funny. I did however get a sore on my cheek inside. I looked at the aligner and noticed a little piece of plastic left from the mold. I just filed it off and now it feels alot better. They do feel alot better this morning. I think I will do very well with them. We will see after the attachments get on. But so far it's just wonder if people notice my lisp. It's just bad when I say sh words. I even think that is better. I also don't have any problem with keeping my lips closed , I think because I have reather full lips so no prob there. I can't wait for the end results.
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KK
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posted 10-27-2005 12:40 PM
Im on Day 4 of my first set, the usual tongue irritation but has died down since i smoothed out the edges on the retainers...I found this thread after I got invisalign and wanted to see what the problems were/are (backwards i know) my question after reading all the posts, is that i didnt exactly ask the most questions to my ortho but i chose a "premier provider" of the invisalign website hoping that would be the best solution...i figured they wouldnt advertise someone who doesnt know what their doing....am i right on this? has anyone had problems with "premiere providers"..thanks In Houston, paid 4600
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ABtwincity
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posted 10-27-2005 01:55 PM
I have a very similar question...I've had one consultation with a premier provider (quoted me $6100 for an 18 month period) and have an appt today with a general dentist just to see the difference in cost. Is it recommended to go to an ortho instead of a dentist? I'm in Minneapolis, MN if anyone has a suggestion or recommendation. Thanks! quote:
Originally posted by KK:
Im on Day 4 of my first set, the usual tongue irritation but has died down since i smoothed out the edges on the retainers...I found this thread after I got invisalign and wanted to see what the problems were/are (backwards i know) my question after reading all the posts, is that i didnt exactly ask the most questions to my ortho but i chose a "premier provider" of the invisalign website hoping that would be the best solution...i figured they wouldnt advertise someone who doesnt know what their doing....am i right on this? has anyone had problems with "premiere providers"..thanks In Houston, paid 4600
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John
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posted 10-27-2005 01:57 PM
First off this is an amazing and detailed post/topic and it's reassuring to know that others have the same fears as me. I'm almost ready to make the jump and schedule an appointment, but I would really appreciate it if anyone can point me to a honest and good Dentist/Orthodontist here in New York City. I'm looking forward to sharing my story with everyone and helping others along the way as much as all of you have helped me. John
[Note: This message has been edited by Dentistry.com Staff]
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Kimbob
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posted 10-27-2005 02:16 PM
One of the premiere providers in my city is a dentist who advertises heavily about being an Invisalign provider. I personally know two people who had bad experiences and less-than desirable outcomes with this provider. My guess is that Invisalign doesn't know about a provider's ability or qualifications. As I understand it, being a premiere provider is related to how many Invisalign treatments a provider sells, and not to the quality of care or patient satisfaction. I went to the aforementioned dentist as one of 3 free consultations I went to before deciding on a provider. She spent a total of about 5 minutes with me - didn't take any photos or x-rays, but just looked in my mouth and told me my treatment would be easy and only take about 9 months. That sounded pretty attractive, but I went to two orthodontists for my other consultations. Both of those orthos took photos and x-rays, studied my mouth, and then talked with me for about 15 minutes about my case (all for free). Both told me that my case would take 18-24 months, that certain teeth may be difficult (but not impossible) to move with Invisalign, and that I may need to complete my treatment with traditional braces for a short time. They laid out some of the negative, or less attractive, aspects of Invisalign and gave me what I felt was a realistic view of the treatment. After meeting with the dentist who was the "premiere provider", then meeting with the orthos, I came to the conclusion that the dentist didn't know what she was talking about and was just trying to sell me a product - to make money off me. I spent about $700 more to go with an orthodontist, but I'm very glad I did. Each of the orthos I consulted had about 100 cases of Invisalign, either completed or in progress. They were listed as providers on the Invisalign web site, though not as "premiere" providers. I feel strongly that it's important to shop around, ask LOTS of questions, and don't necessarily go with the cheapest. Cheapest may not mean best value.
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ABtwincity
unregistered
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posted 10-27-2005 11:31 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Kimbob:
One of the premiere providers in my city is a dentist who advertises heavily about being an Invisalign provider. I personally know two people who had bad experiences and less-than desirable outcomes with this provider. My guess is that Invisalign doesn't know about a provider's ability or qualifications. As I understand it, being a premiere provider is related to how many Invisalign treatments a provider sells, and not to the quality of care or patient satisfaction. I went to the aforementioned dentist as one of 3 free consultations I went to before deciding on a provider. She spent a total of about 5 minutes with me - didn't take any photos or x-rays, but just looked in my mouth and told me my treatment would be easy and only take about 9 months. That sounded pretty attractive, but I went to two orthodontists for my other consultations. Both of those orthos took photos and x-rays, studied my mouth, and then talked with me for about 15 minutes about my case (all for free). Both told me that my case would take 18-24 months, that certain teeth may be difficult (but not impossible) to move with Invisalign, and that I may need to complete my treatment with traditional braces for a short time. They laid out some of the negative, or less attractive, aspects of Invisalign and gave me what I felt was a realistic view of the treatment. After meeting with the dentist who was the "premiere provider", then meeting with the orthos, I came to the conclusion that the dentist didn't know what she was talking about and was just trying to sell me a product - to make money off me. I spent about $700 more to go with an orthodontist, but I'm very glad I did. Each of the orthos I consulted had about 100 cases of Invisalign, either completed or in progress. They were listed as providers on the Invisalign web site, though not as "premiere" providers. I feel strongly that it's important to shop around, ask LOTS of questions, and don't necessarily go with the cheapest. Cheapest may not mean best value.
Thanks for the info...I've called many orthos in my area, and it doesn't seem like any offer free consultations that include xrays, etc. The two places I've been to have just looked at my teeth and threw out an estimate ($6100 at an ortho for an 18 month treatment, and $3800 at a general dentist for a 9 month treatment). The dentist mentioned that his treatment is a "partial" treatment, where only the front anterior teeth are moving and the back teeth remain constant. That seemed a little fishy to me. Plus, he mentioned that I would need a permanent bond retainer put in once the treatment is over. Has anyone else had to do that? I'm a little skeptical about this dentist, even though he spent an hour talking to me whereas the ortho took 15 minutes, if that. I think I'll look around a little more to see if I can find a happy medium. I'm also trying to figure out whether I should go with OrthoClear or Invisalign. After reading the comments on this site, it seems that OC is less cloudy than Invisalign, but tend to tear more frequently and aren't always on time when you're ready for your next trays. Is this a correct assumption? If so, which way do you think the scale leans? OC or Invisalign? Thanks! Your opinions/comments are very helpful!
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Glitter Star
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posted 10-29-2005 05:05 PM
well I think I am getting used to these things. Although I have a few sores in my mouth from them rubbing. Which also seems to be better today. I still think I sound like a person with braces which I think is kinda cute. HEHE! Also a friend of mine is a dental asst. And she sent me this whiting gel that is used in trays just like the invisaligns. So I am whiting while I am doing my treatment. How cool!
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tessa
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posted 10-29-2005 07:34 PM
is this lisping very dramatic? does that happen to everyone?
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Leigh
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posted 10-29-2005 08:05 PM
Hi guys - I am getting ready for tray(s) 3 - I can tell my teeth are moving and I'm really stoked to finally have straight teeth. But wanted to see if anyone is in the same boat as me. I have perio issues and already have some bone loss. One tooth in the area of bone loss was pulled - the other is out there alone and pretty darn loose. When I'm taking my aligners out it HURTS - and I feel like I'm going to rip that tooth out of my head. After a day or two it gets better with each tray. Anyone else?
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Glitter Star
unregistered
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posted 10-30-2005 07:04 AM
quote:
Originally posted by tessa:
is this lisping very dramatic? does that happen to everyone?
The lisp does happen I think to everyone and it isn't real dramatic. I think I notice it more then anyone else. I'm told it will get better. I also didn't tell some friends and was talking to them and they didn't notice anything and were shocked when I told them I had invisaligns. That made me real happy.
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Jay
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posted 10-31-2005 05:41 AM
I didn't have a lisp....sh and j sounded slightly odd to me with the first aligner but no-one else noticed. I hope it stays that way when I get the top aligner too.
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Jill
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posted 10-31-2005 12:52 PM
i don't have bone loss but i'm also having some gum issues. i gargle with perioguard. it's really nasty stuff. and it darkens your teeth.i also get deep cleanings every 3-4 months. after nine months of invisalign, i had my annual x-rays taken and they noticed that my roots were lagging. (perhaps because i'm not wearing the trays as diligently as i should be.) so, i'm on a three week plan with each tray now. quote:
Originally posted by Leigh:
Hi guys - I am getting ready for tray(s) 3 - I can tell my teeth are moving and I'm really stoked to finally have straight teeth. But wanted to see if anyone is in the same boat as me. I have perio issues and already have some bone loss. One tooth in the area of bone loss was pulled - the other is out there alone and pretty darn loose. When I'm taking my aligners out it HURTS - and I feel like I'm going to rip that tooth out of my head. After a day or two it gets better with each tray. Anyone else?
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