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Author
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Topic: Invisalign Braces
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Josh888
unregistered
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posted 05-04-2005 01:34 AM
I can't imagine there would be much of a point in doing Invisalign if you had to wear the trays forver, day & night. I think the worst-case scenario for anyone would be that you'd have to wear a retainer tray overnight a couple of times a week. If it required any more than that long-term, I would think your orthodontist would recommend alternative treatment for a more "permanent" solution. And as far as I know they shave the button off of your teeth as soon as the treatment is over. If you do need to wear a retainer afterward, I believe it is button-free.
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Josh888
unregistered
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posted 05-04-2005 01:48 AM
Oh, and an update on the coffee consumption:I'm drinking it all day long, and brushing only after meals. My trays are remaining just as clean on day 14 (13 for me, haha) as they were on day 1. I'm halfway through my 3rd set of trays now. I make sure to brush the trays thoroughly every time I brush my teeth, and they stay stain-free. I'm drinking the coffee black, hence no sugar to worry about. On another note, I soak the trays in Listerine a few times a week (about 15 minutes while I'm in the shower) to keep them from developing any foul smell. Works good! And on another note, thoughout the 2nd week of each tray I'm coating my teeth in Colgate Simply White gel before popping on my trays in the mornings. I figure I'll put my trays to another use while they "retain". I don't do it during the 1st week because the teeth are so sensitive. Besides, I'll have plenty of "2nd weeks" during this year of treatment... should be much whiter, even before the Zoom whitening at the end of the invisalign.
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simone.dawn@con-way.com
unregistered
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posted 05-05-2005 09:54 AM
quote:
Originally posted by micky:
I got my quote on Invisalign last month. It's $6700 for both my upper and bottom teeth. The treatment will be 12 months. Is it a normal price? I am wondering how much you guys spend on it? Wait for your reponse. Thanks.
mine were only 4500.00 massachusetts
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Lydia
unregistered
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posted 05-05-2005 01:57 PM
I just got my first set of aligners (top and bottom) yesterday. I feel the pain, but took a pain reliever that was better. I also got a canker sore, but my ortho had sent me home with this stuff called colgate ORABASE that relieves the pain and helps it heal faster, like a grownups oragel. Also did anyone else get the Invisalign cleaning system? My ortho sent it home with me, it is supposed to cost $95.00, and I am sure he charged me for it, but didn't give me a choice. It says it removes odors and stains much better then brushing or denture tablets, this is cool 'cause I drink a lot of tea, and am worried about staining. It feels weird to me no to have my teeth "join up" like my bite just can't come together, but I am sure I will get used to it. Mine cost a lot... like $7,000, but it was very worth it to me not to have a mouth full of metal, and I am supposed to have about 73 aligners...
check out my web site www.twosalmonfilms.com
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Jilchika
unregistered
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posted 05-06-2005 02:39 PM
73 aligners? How long the treatment is going to take? My treatment plan consists of 40 aligners and i though mine is the longest.
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Lydia
unregistered
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posted 05-06-2005 03:34 PM
They said it is gong to take between 2 and 3 years, it seems like a really long time but the hardest thing for me to swallow was the price!
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tdo
unregistered
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posted 05-16-2005 10:22 AM
Ok I talked to my ortho about having to wear the retainer trays and she said that I will have to wear them at night every night once the treatment was completed. I don't think that is such a bad deal and yes they do scrape the buttons off after the treatment. I am getting more used to wearing my trays but still a pain to eat (literally after you get a new set). I talked to my ortho about how to keep the trays clean and was instructed not to brush or soak them in mouthwash. They do sell the cleaning system and I got a sample but I don't think it works as well as brushing them. Anyone had problems with brushing the trays. I know i was told not to but they are so gross if you don't
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brusher
unregistered
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posted 05-16-2005 11:18 AM
your ortho is just trying to sell the cleaning system.my ortho told me to brush my trays with toothpaste when i brushed my teeth. and i've had no problems at all. (i've had my trays since december.) i've heard of people soaking their trays in a solution of 1 part hydrogen peroxide, 1 part water. or using denture cleaners.
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BigDog3030
unregistered
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posted 05-16-2005 11:40 AM
Ok....week two of Aligner 1, and here are my thoughts.Nobody can tell that i have them in which is why i got them. I have a pretty visible job, and at my age (35) im still relatively young for my position, so I needed something inconspicious. Havent had too much pain, i feel a little pain when i take them out, which makes a little sense. As for taking them out and putting them in, Ive had no problem with this. The inside of my mouth was a bit raw for the first couple of days, but is fine now. I do experience the CONSTANT dry mouth, but am drinking water all the time. It is annoying, hopefully my mouth will get used to it.
Now here is where I have questions and concerns. My biggest is this...please tell me if anyone has experienced this....when I have them in, i get sort of a throat irritation, almost like a sore throat. Im always clearing my throat. I really find it uncomfortable. It immediately goes away when I take them out. Im assuming it is because of the kind of plastic used, but it is really bothering me.
If any dentists read this...please respond!!!!
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tony
unregistered
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posted 05-17-2005 11:27 PM
im now on week three. I was wondering how long everyone usually has to wear the aligners before replacing them. With the first two i am having to wait three weeks before getting the next aligner. Is this just in the beginnig stages or am i just going slower then everyone else??
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Marc110
unregistered
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posted 05-18-2005 09:42 PM
Hello everyone. I'm on day 6 of invisalign and I just noticed that my bottom tray has a slight crack in it. Do these things break often? I've searched online and I haven't seen any stories about broken or cracked trays. I'm going to call the ortho first thing tomorrow.Let me know if this has ever happened to you.
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Eric
unregistered
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posted 05-20-2005 10:52 PM
OK, I figured I'd update the board since I'm nearly done with my fourth retainer. All the discomforts I had (trouble taking them out, raw tounge, discomfort eating, dry mouth, throat irritation) went away about the time I started my second retainer and I really dont notice I ever have them in other than for about the first 5 minutes I put in a new retainer for the first 3 days.I saw a couple people talking about the invisilign cleaner, my ortho said don't buy it because its totally worthless and just to brush the retainers, and to use some denture cleaner if they get really bad. Brushing them seems to work great, but I've realized I need to be sure and brush my teeth (and the retainer) right before I go to bed otherwise they start to smell. Brushing them gets rid of whatever smell they've accumulated but if they start getting bad I just let them sit in some listerine for like 15 minutes and that seems to get rid of the bad smell. As for marc, you should go to your ortho right away with the cracked retainer. BigDog: I experienced the throat irritation for a couple of weeks and thought it was odd too, kinda felt like i had a cold coming on or something, it went away eventually though.
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Ellen
unregistered
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posted 05-29-2005 12:00 PM
I am on tray 4 of 33 total. I've had them since mid-March, and have been wearing them for THREE weeks each at this point. Not sure why three weeks, except that they were still pretty tight at two weeks, so ortho said to keep them in another week for now.
I brush them when I brush my teeth after eating, and drink tons of water - that seems to keep the bad breath away.
I am pretty pleased with them and am seeing results already.
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Stelle-belle
unregistered
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posted 05-30-2005 07:41 AM
I'm on my second set of aligners - week 2. I'm over in the UK and this treatment is costing me a bundle - £5000!! In fact the cost alone almost put me off. I get the usual tightness with the new aligners for the first couple of days then it's a piece of cake. The hardest thing for me is maintaining the discipline of cleaning teeth and aligners and putting them back in after dinner if I go out . What a hassle - especially if there's a toilet attendant in the loos. I must say that I usually succumb to the temptation of going home before going thru the oral hygiene and putting the aligners back in. I can already see slight improvements which make it so worthwhile. I'm really glad that I didn't go down the traditional braces route. Would have felt far too self concious to ever open my mouth.
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AMCD
unregistered
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posted 06-04-2005 10:03 AM
Oh my God! I am on day 2 of my alligners. I want to rip them right out of my mouth! My tongue is irritated on the sides...it looks like there is a line there. My throat hurts, i am slurring, i have a lot of saliva in my mouth and i am making funny faces..hahaha! Please help! Does this go away? I feel like the other guy that said he wanted to rip his face off.
I am a 26 year old female from Chicago and my total treatment is approx 13-15 months and it was 5500 for everything including retainers.
I need some encouragement! THe only good thing is that i dont have trouble taking them out...not bad right! The worst thing is that i dont feel like talking because it kinda hurts not to mention i feel like i talk goofy! HELP!!!
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Ellen
unregistered
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posted 06-04-2005 10:56 AM
quote:
Originally posted by AMCD:
Oh my God! I am on day 2 of my alligners. I want to rip them right out of my mouth! My tongue is irritated on the sides...it looks like there is a line there. My throat hurts, i am slurring, i have a lot of saliva in my mouth and i am making funny faces..hahaha! Please help! Does this go away? I feel like the other guy that said he wanted to rip his face off.
I am a 26 year old female from Chicago and my total treatment is approx 13-15 months and it was 5500 for everything including retainers.
I need some encouragement! THe only good thing is that i dont have trouble taking them out...not bad right! The worst thing is that i dont feel like talking because it kinda hurts not to mention i feel like i talk goofy! HELP!!!
Hang in there - it gets better - I really wanted to give up after the first week or so, but it's been 3 months now and you really do get used to things - and the tongue soreness goes away .....good luck!
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JOHNNY-O
unregistered
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posted 06-04-2005 10:13 PM
Im on my 11th tray...last ones for my top and half way done for my bottoms. The 1st set of aligners, my teeth were hurting, and when i would change my trays...the first few days my teeth are sensitive. Being almost done with my treatment, all I can say is that you do get use to having the trays in your mouth. Theres sometimes when I just dont feel them in my mouth. My secret to keeping them clean is to brush my teeth after every meal, floss, then rinse with some listerine. Then I brush the trays till all the shiets off of it...plaque and stuff. Dont worrry, youll get through it...just think that it beats having metal braces in your mouth.
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Alex
unregistered
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posted 06-06-2005 01:24 PM
I'm in the fifth stage of Invisalign and never ever had trouble putting them on or taking them off.Little pain and Great results.
I'm more than happy with it.
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ryanlion07
unregistered
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posted 06-06-2005 09:20 PM
ok...I get my first set of trays on Thursday. I am not to worried bout the pain or the nuisance of cleaning etc, to me if it does the job it will be worth it all. My concern is whether my girlfriuend will be able to kiss me and not feel them. I am only getting the upper teeth done. She knows I am getting them but I do not want them to interfere. I know someone here must have some thoughts on this based on their experience.
Thanks
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invisalign seeker
unregistered
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posted 06-07-2005 03:07 PM
which orthodontist in new orleans did u use? quote:
Originally posted by Lien:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by micky:
[b]I got my quote on Invisalign last month. It's $6700 for both my upper and bottom teeth. The treatment will be 12 months. Is it a normal price? I am wondering how much you guys spend on it? Wait for your reponse. Thanks.[/Q]My treatment will be 18-24 months and it's a $5000 flat rate for everything: molding, the trays, the follow-up visits, and retainer.
I'm located in New Orleans, so that might make a difference?[/B]
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cinnalily
unregistered
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posted 06-07-2005 10:21 PM
I've had my aligners on for a week today. I found the same thing as most of you...they're tight at first and really hard to take off, putting back on wasn't too bad. When my ortho's assistant got me to practice it took me about 5 minutes to get the top one off and I never did get the bottom one off myself, she had to do it. So I was a bit worried, but she sent me home with a tool to try out (was plastic and too flimsy) and I suggested that maybe rubber gloves would help because then you can use your hands and they won't slip. She sent me home with a bag full and I tried it when I got home and it worked great and ever since the trays have loosened up and they're a lot easier to take off. Plus they gave me a toothbrush for cleaning them when I take them off and I actually use the handle of it as a tool to help take them off. I've gotten used to it and it only takes a couple of minutes to take them off and give them a scrub. The next thing I noticed was that it really hurt to take them off and put them back on and I was really tempted to back out, calculating hor much money I would lose! But it's gotten much better and I think I see my teeth changing already, so I'm happy now! My tongue got really irritated on the sides too, but I think that's finally gone now. Someone mentioned the constant pressure driving him insane and I totally agree! I laughed when I read how he wanted to rip his face off...so true! It's such a distraction! At least we can take them off even for 10 minutes to have a break though. I've decided that traditional braces could be classified as torture devices and are designed to keep teens too distracted to get into trouble, I'm sure they are much worse than these are! Yes, I do have a bit of a lisp, but I think it's going away slowly. I also move my mouth differently when I talk, but I think it's only noticeable to people who know me well. I had some filing done between my bottom teeth too and will have a bit more done on my next three visits and in about three weeks he'll be putting some 'buttons' on. Invisalign wanted to put them on my front four upper teath, but my ortho got them to do them on the inside of my teeth, so I'm happy about that, they won't be visible and look weird! I'm also going to have one on the front of each first molar on the bottom, but I don't think they'll be very noticeable. I think it's going to be good overall. I'm in Vancouver BC and I'm paying 6200.
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If you don't want to read everything above -
Some Quick tips: Use rubber gloves to remove trays for the first day or two of a new set of trays. Orajel or filing tray edges is probably a good idea to avoid having a raw tongue...I'll be trying that for the next set! Take Advil shortly before or while wearing a new set and try to start them at bedtime so you can wear them overnight before taking them off. (just learned this from past posts...makes sense, I'm gonna do it) I was told I can drink tea/coffee and that it stains less if you have it with a bit of milk. I also use Stevia to sweeten, no calories/fat and it's not sugar, so it's not bad for your teeth. It's an extract from a naturally sweet plant. SweetLeaf makes the best. I use the white powder type.
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2ndTime
unregistered
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posted 06-07-2005 10:59 PM
Hi, I just found this board and agree with so many of the postings. This is my second time in "braces" having had the old style "metal mouth" as a youth for 5+ years. I am a poster child for what happens when you don't wear your retainer after treatment! SIGH. I am on the 5th day of my first set of trays. I have a regimen of 10 for the top and 21 for the bottom (the bottom wasn't done as a child) I am to wear each set for 2 weeks. I've adapted pretty quickly but do notice the backside edges a lot. Keeping the trays clean really seems to be the biggest challenge right now. My unexpected bonus has been that I've already lost a tiny bit of weight! It's such a hassle to take the trays out to eat that I have cut down on my snacking A LOT! I've decided if it isn't healthy it isn't worth the work. Believe me, you will only put the trays back in your mouth without cleaning/rinsing them ONCE. yeck
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Nicky
unregistered
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posted 06-08-2005 12:01 PM
I just received an Invisalign consulation and have some concerns. I have severe crowding with my lower central and lateral incisors. My right lateral incisor is practically touching my left central incisor. My upper teeth a practically perfect. My Dr. has suggested that my lower right central incisor be removed before Invisalin treatment. Has anyone else had an incisor removed? If so how long did it take to close the gap? Beacuse my teeth are practically touching behind the proposed extraction tooth, I don't think the gap will be too bad. Also, I understand that with an extraction, an increase in your overjet can occur. Has this also happened to anyone? One of my other concerns is the amount of time between the extraction, healing, getting my molds done, sending them off, reviews, and then finally receiving the trays. This could be a really long time, and I will have a big gap on my lowers until the trays arrive. What is a good assumption on the amount of time between molds and getting your trays. Thanks!
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cinnalily
unregistered
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posted 06-09-2005 07:42 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Nicky:
What is a good assumption on the amount of time between molds and getting your trays. Thanks!
My trays took 8 weeks to come in after the molds were done, but I've been told that it's usually 4 to 8 weeks.
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Bank of Dad
unregistered
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posted 06-10-2005 09:12 AM
I had a front bottom tooth pulled because it always got out of position first, the last two times I had braces. I WILL wear a retainer or tray at night for the rest of my life, I've learned how easy my teeth shift.
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Amanda
unregistered
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posted 06-10-2005 06:39 PM
I have been using Retainer Brite tablets for my trays and that has been working really well. They don't smell and they seem to get pretty clean. I think it's better than the denture tablets. I use the Retainer Brite every day with the little sonic cleaner and so far, so good. It's a lot cheaper than what the Invisalign people sell, and I think it's pretty much the same thing.
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joe
unregistered
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posted 06-13-2005 02:10 PM
I've done a ton of research and have tried every cleaning technique there is for the aligners. I have finally settled on what has been a really easy system that keeps them sparkling clean (no pink coloration) and no odor. The cornerstone of this method is the hydrogen peroxide soak that everyone talks about.In the morning, when getting ready, I take my aligners out, rinse them with warm water to get off the saliva, and then soak in a glass with 3% hydrogen peroxide. I then continue my morning routine. About 15 minutes later, I take out one of the aligners, brush both sides of it with a toothbrush, rinse it, and pop it back in my mouth. I then repeat for the second aligner. Whenever I am home and I take them out to eat or whatever, I rinse them off with warm water and place them in a glass filled with water. This method has been working really well for me, hope it helps!
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ann
unregistered
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posted 06-14-2005 10:35 PM
In the morning, when getting ready, I take my aligners out, rinse them with warm water to get off the saliva, and then soak in a glass with 3% hydrogen peroxide. This is working great! I think the official 'cleaning system' is a bit of a rip off - haven't they enough of our money? I've gotten a bit lazy with mine and slurp coffee with them in, they're not stained at all. Can't change too many old habits. I am noticing how I skip the snacks, as someone else wrote, it's not worth the work. I'm having no soreness at all and finding them easy to remove. A little slurring, particularly my 's' but I probably sound like that after 2 Corona anyway...
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toothy
unregistered
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posted 06-15-2005 01:02 PM
quote:
Originally posted by AMCD:
Oh my God! I am on day 2 of my alligners. I want to rip them right out of my mouth! My tongue is irritated on the sides...it looks like there is a line there. My throat hurts, i am slurring, i have a lot of saliva in my mouth and i am making funny faces..hahaha! Please help! Does this go away? I feel like the other guy that said he wanted to rip his face off.
I am a 26 year old female from Chicago and my total treatment is approx 13-15 months and it was 5500 for everything including retainers.
I need some encouragement! THe only good thing is that i dont have trouble taking them out...not bad right! The worst thing is that i dont feel like talking because it kinda hurts not to mention i feel like i talk goofy! HELP!!!
Hi! I live in Chicago too and I'm looking into getting insialign braces. Can you give me the contact info of the orthodontist you went to? Also, does insurance cover these? Thanks!
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Nikki81480
unregistered
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posted 06-15-2005 03:58 PM
I was wondering the same thing about kissing. A girl I work with - her boyfriends roommate has the invisalign and she asked him about the kissing for me. He says it's no different and his girlfriend was there and she said she couldn't tell. I was relieved to hear that but I haven't kissed anyone yet so I personally don't know. Today is my first day wearing them. Actually, I've only had them in for about 2 hours. It's not too bad. I only have them on my top teeth and they are hell to get in and out but not as bad as some of the other horror stories I have read. My throat does hurt a little and my face - but again - not all that bad. I took a Motrin 800 for any pain. I'm starving but I can't be bothered to take them out to eat so I'm figuring I'm going to lose a few pounds overall and that is not something I'm complaining about - I'm actually quite happy - a forced diet. Anyway, I do have to get a few of the buttons in a couple of the weeks and I'm not happy about that but otherwise, I'm excited and hope it will all be worth it. quote:
Originally posted by ryanlion07:
ok...I get my first set of trays on Thursday. I am not to worried bout the pain or the nuisance of cleaning etc, to me if it does the job it will be worth it all. My concern is whether my girlfriuend will be able to kiss me and not feel them. I am only getting the upper teeth done. She knows I am getting them but I do not want them to interfere. I know someone here must have some thoughts on this based on their experience.
Thanks
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peggy
unregistered
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posted 06-15-2005 05:44 PM
cinnalilly--
The filing you are referring to--is that something you would do yourself or have the ortho take care of. I am having so problems with the front central edge of my lower aligner. It seems that it juts out and seems to dig into my inside lower lip. I think I can live with it, but if there is something I can do to make it more comfortable, please let me know. I just my first aligners today and I suppose I could call the ortho to see what they say, but I don't want to look like a baby right off the bat. Thanks for the advice and good luck to everyone--
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AMCD
unregistered
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posted 06-15-2005 07:01 PM
quote:
Originally posted by toothy:
Hi! I live in Chicago too and I'm looking into getting insialign braces. Can you give me the contact info of the orthodontist you went to? Also, does insurance cover these? Thanks!
The Doctor is Norman Garn. He and his staff are awesome. He is on St. Claire downtown one block east of Michigan Ave....Some insurance covers a little bit it all depends on your individual plan. Mine covered about 1200..not bad. Post me back if you get in touch with them. You can go for a free consultation and they let you do a payment plan if you ask. I think they wanted approx 1400 as a down payment
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AMCD
unregistered
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posted 06-15-2005 07:07 PM
OK I am st the end of week two. I will have to change my aligners soo. I have had to trim my trays so much and file them down because they were irritating my mouth so bad. i can hardly feel the top ones now but the bottom ones are still a pain. I am seld concious when i talk. I feel like im spitting all over the place. Does this get better????
Also, is anyone experiencing the same thing with the trimming and filing of the trays?
They fit into my teeth well so i dont think the molding was wrong, i just think my mouth is so small that its digging into my gums more than most people. I would really like to hear from some of you. Its really the only thing that helps me along!!! Thanks
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LE-NYC
unregistered
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posted 06-15-2005 08:23 PM
Am getting my molds done for Invisalign this weekend in NYC -- total cost? $8000 -- I think I've beat all y'all.
Thanks to all for the war stories -- I'm convinced now that any pain and discomfort "will get better" and that I can triumph at tray removal if I practice and have the right approach.Has everyone experienced the ortho having to shave down teeth? My ortho didn't tell me about that part. Also, has anyone had success with any minor over- or underbites with this treatment? I have a small underbite.
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ryanlion07
unregistered
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posted 06-15-2005 08:46 PM
alright, its been almost a week with my first tray and it hasn't been bad at all. I am only doing the top so I have no problems with speech. No one has realized I am wearing them and my gf does not feel them when I kiss her. I have 6 buttons and they did some shaving on a few teeth didnt hurt at all and speeds up process as we wont have to move aqs much teeth to make space. Doc said that we are not moving any back teeth, just focusing on the 6 most front ones so he will do some shaving every 2 weeks as it is only two teeth, both lateral incisors thast need to be straigtened.hasnt been that bad removing them compared to some stories i have heard here. I am doing the peroxide and brushing formula for cleaning and seems to work well. will be hard to brush my teeth at all times after eating especially when out. At least women have purses and handbags which can hold brush and toothpaste. But all in all its not been a bad week, have cut out snacks and biting of nails. lets hope i see some results soon.
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