I had braces 8 years ago as a kid, against my own will. I didn't wear the retainers, now at 22 I am ready to get invisalign to correct minor crowding on my lower middle teeth! (At my own cost, this time)

I see a dentist tomorrow to get the scoop. I am wondering, though, being a college student, how does invisalign affect your ability to kiss members of the opposite sex? Does invisalign affect kissing, make you undesirable to kiss, make you want to avoid it, etc? I can only imagine, no matter how sleeker they are than normal braces, a girl wouldn't want to kiss someone with invisalign. Does anyone have any insight on kissing and invisalign?

I decided since I just got them to start a blog and walk through my years experience. I would love posts from people who are at or have relevent experience for each time frame I talk of. This should also help people decide what is best for them. Maybe we will all look like a bunch of whiners, but at least someone will know the worst they have to expect. And I am sure we can all come up with something positive...

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Originally posted by dyingsun16:
This is a great source of information!

I had braces 8 years ago as a kid, against my own will. I didn't wear the retainers, now at 22 I am ready to get invisalign to correct minor crowding on my lower middle teeth! (At my own cost, this time)

I see a dentist tomorrow to get the scoop. I am wondering, though, being a college student, how does invisalign affect your ability to kiss members of the opposite sex? Does invisalign affect kissing, make you undesirable to kiss, make you want to avoid it, etc? I can only imagine, no matter how sleeker they are than normal braces, a girl wouldn't want to kiss someone with invisalign. Does anyone have any insight on kissing and invisalign?

aloha

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I don't notice any difference with kissing, and neither does my girlfriend. They are thin, so you can't really tell. They do tend to dry my mouth and lips out though, so water and chapstick help.

I don't even think a girl would notice them if you didn't tell her, unless she constantly runs her tongue along your teeth or something.

I added some updated pics to mine today:
http://smilingwideopen.blogspot.com/

Going into the fourth month of my Invisalign treatment plan soon - 11 months in total, so our time frames are similar. Hopefully, I'll be in retainment (or refinement) by Christmas.

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Originally posted by AnneC:
Welcome, Paul - good to see another blogger come on board! It seems you notice every little thing in the beginning, but once you get into the groove you may even forget you have your trays in at times.

I added some updated pics to mine today:
http://smilingwideopen.blogspot.com/
(if you just hit your END key, that'll take you right to my first post when there)

Going into the fourth month of my Invisalign treatment plan soon - 11 1/2 months in total, so our time frames are similar. Hopefully, I'll be in retainment (or refinement) by Christmas.

Post some pics if you feel you can - hope all goes well for you & all the others just starting out!
Regards,
Anne

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Originally posted by AnneC:

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Originally posted by AnneC:
Welcome, Paul - good to see another blogger come on board! It seems you notice every little thing in the beginning, but once you get into the groove you may even forget you have your trays in at times.

I added some updated pics to mine today:
http://smilingwideopen.blogspot.com/

Going into the fourth month of my Invisalign treatment plan soon - 11 months in total, so our time frames are similar. Hopefully, I'll be in retainment (or refinement) by Christmas.

Post some pics if you feel you can - hope all goes well for you & all the others just starting out!
Regards,
Anne

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Originally posted by AnneC:
You're welcome! I seem to remember feeling more pressure with the 2nd set - almost makes you wonder if the first is a "trainer" set

& sorry for the double post above - wanted to edit - not repeat it...
Anne

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Originally posted by Betsy:
Me too. So far, tray 2 was the most uncomfortable and took the longes to "calm down". I recall wondering the same thing.

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1) what EXACTLY are these "buttons" everyone is talking about? Do they hurt at all while in or when they put them in?

2) And what is all this talk about shaving teeth and it hurting lots?

3) And is there any extra stuff that they do before you get it that hurts a lot?

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Originally posted by Ikeja:
hi everyone, wow im sooo glad i found this post. I am 20 yrs old and i am thinking of doing invisalign and reading these posts have convinced me its better than traditional ones. But i have some questions im really curious about b/c im basically scared out of my mind of the dentist....

1) what EXACTLY are these "buttons" everyone is talking about? Do they hurt at all while in or when they put them in?

2) And what is all this talk about shaving teeth and it hurting lots?

3) And is there any extra stuff that they do before you get it that hurts a lot?

ANYTHING would help, thanks a lot.

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ANYTHING would help, thanks a lot.[/Q]

As the last person stated, they're just little bumps that get glued on the front of some teeth. It doesn't hurt, and mine are really visible.

I only had one tooth shaved, and it didn't hurt either, just feels strange. They only need to do it if there isn't enough room in certain places.

The worst part of the whole thing for me was the impressions. I gag very easily, so I had a hard time. Luckily it only took one try for top & bottom.

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It doesn't hurt, and mine are really visible.
[/B]

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Today I decided to add a couple of drops of plain household bleach in my water container to soak them for 5 minutes while I brushed/flossed/rinsed my teeth. I am hoping that will help with germs while I have some sort of flu bug right now.

Apparently bleach (sodium hypochlorite) is the main ingredient in Invisalign's cleaning crystals, too. Lots of other products used by folks here to soak their aligners in water with including Efferdent tablets & hydrogen peroxide. One thing you DON'T want to soak them in is mouthwash - it can actually etch the plastic, leaving it looking frosted.

There is one fella that had 80 some odd trays on the Yahoo Groups forum, but you surely must hold the record for number of trays!

Best of luck with your treament -
how has it been going so far?

Anne
http://smilingwideopen.blogspot.com/

I would think the permanent retainers would make brushing/flossing more difficult. One of the hygenists in my office just got through her Invisalign treatment & opted for the permanent version - said she just wanted to be done with those aligners - for good. Maybe some are just better candidates for the permanent ones, depending on their specific tooth movements.

I have read somewhere on the forums of folks who've had to wear their last aligners for extended periods for retainment - & after THAT, they get actual retainers. It's confusing - another topic to discuss with your doc, for sure.

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Originally posted by AnneC:
One thing you DON'T want to soak them in is mouthwash - it can actually etch the plastic, leaving it looking frosted.

There is one fella that had 80 some odd trays on the Yahoo Groups forum, but you surely must hold the record for number of trays!

Best of luck with your treament -
how has it been going so far?

Anne
http://smilingwideopen.blogspot.com/

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Originally posted by lucas:
i live in new york city. i'm a graduate student and the cost of invisalign is really intimidating. i've been quoted 6500. paying $50 per consult is rather annoying too. does anyone know of a cheaper fee in nyc?

best,
lucas

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I live in Valley Stream, Long Island which is not that far from the city. I was quoted $3,900 for the entire treatment which can be paid in installments. Also there is no cost for consultation. I started my treatment on 5/10/06 (on my second tray).

You can e-mail me at vmcornwall@optonline.net if you want a referral.

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Originally posted by 37pearl:
I live in Valley Stream, Long Island which is not that far from the city. I was quoted $3,900 for the entire treatment which can be paid in installments. Also there is no cost for consultation. I started my treatment on 5/10/06 (on my second tray).

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On second thoughts here is my Orthodontist's info is Dr. Steven J Boral
380 Dogwood Avenue
Franklin Square, NY 11010-3447
(516) 292-6484

FROM THE SOUTHERN STATE PARKWAY:
Exit 17 North, left onto Cornwell Avenue. Bear right to Dogwood Avenue. If you decide to go that route, I have discount coupons that I can send you. E-mail me at vmcornwall@optonline.net with your address if you are interested.

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Originally posted by AnneC:
Betsy - my dentist told me I'd have the choice of a permanent retainer behind my teeth or trays similar to Invisalign's treatment aligners to be worn nightly - probably for the rest of my teeth's life.

I would think the permanent retainers would make brushing/flossing more difficult. One of the hygenists in my office just got through her Invisalign treatment & opted for the permanent version - said she just wanted to be done with those aligners - for good. Maybe some are just better candidates for the permanent ones, depending on their specific tooth movements.

I have read somewhere on the forums of folks who've had to wear their last aligners for extended periods for retainment - & after THAT, they get actual retainers. It's confusing - another topic to discuss with your doc, for sure.

Let's hope someone chimes in who is already in retainment...

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Thanks Anne. I will be very happy if we have the option for retainers that are the same or very similar to our aligners. I think they are the greatest thing since sliced bread. Before starting treatment, I tried using a "nightguard" to prevent my top teeth from "getting worse". It was much thicker than the aligners and I found it annoying to wear. I eventually stopped and concluded I would just have to live with teeth that were out of alignment.

With my aligners, most of the time I completely forget that I have them in.

One question, I too have decided to drink my coffee in the morning with my aligners in to increase my "hours per day". I soak them in water with a few drops of antibacterial soap as soon as I am done (while I eat breakfast). I have not worried about staining, but do sometimes worry that the heat of the coffee might be a problem. As I move from tray to tray, my teeth seem ready for the next tray but there is this nagging concern. Thoughts?

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Originally posted by AnneC:
Kamakzie - I'm on set #9 of 23 & up until today have only used a bit of toothpaste on my electric toothbrush to clean my trays. Have never had a problem with them clouding or getting a residue, so haven't had the need to use anything else.

Today I decided to add a couple of drops of plain household bleach in my water container to soak them for 5 minutes while I brushed/flossed/rinsed my teeth. I am hoping that will help with germs while I have some sort of flu bug right now.

Apparently bleach (sodium hypochlorite) is the main ingredient in Invisalign's cleaning crystals, too. Lots of other products used by folks here to soak their aligners in water with including Efferdent tablets & hydrogen peroxide. One thing you DON'T want to soak them in is mouthwash - it can actually etch the plastic, leaving it looking frosted.

There is one fella that had 80 some odd trays on the Yahoo Groups forum, but you surely must hold the record for number of trays!

Best of luck with your treament -
how has it been going so far?

Anne
http://smilingwideopen.blogspot.com/

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It's become a habit to leave my aligners in for morning coffee, but I do use a straw, then soak with some antibacterial soap while I'm eating, too. I keep meaning to try the Efferdent soak - getting a bit lazy is just fine.

I keep forgetting to mention that I too, have found myself clenching my teeth as I awaken in the mornings - have never been a grinder, either. What's up with that?!

One thing I find hard to understand is this "tipping" thing. Some orthos claim aligners can only move teeth in this way & that the roots do not move as they do with conventional braces. Seems that if the pressure exerted by aligners is more evenly distributed over each entire crown, that the movements would be more efficient than when only being pushed or pulled from one contact point. The only research I can find that suggests tipping can happen is on teeth that are located next to extraction sites. Again - that makes sense to me.

So far EVERY aspect of my treatment has gone just great, BUT - of course I have concerns after reading of other's problems in these forums. Even with regular braces there can be problems, but obviously the ortho does have more control options when teeth don't cooperate. With us it's more of a "keep your fingers crossed" that all goes according to plan while doing your best to follow the recommendations.

& now there's an issue being discussed regarding problems with refinements...

I can only speak of my own personal experience here - & I will continue to be totally up front about it.

Even after my treatment is DONE.
(oooh - how I like saying that)

There are success stories out there - mostly we hear about dissatisfaction when things go awry. If only our Clinchecks came with their own crystal ball...

I'll be getting my next 3 sets tomorrow. I'll try posting a pic of the first set beside set #12 like Christine did. That should be motivation, for sure!

& you're quite welcome
Anne

I have also noticed that some mornings I wake up with my teeth together. I hesitate to use the word clenched because it doesn't feel like I am biting down hard, the teeth are just together. I have also noticed during the day that with the aligners in, my teeth seem to fit together better in a clear cut way (have you ever had your dentist tell you to bite down, but it takes you a moment to find the right matching of uppers and lowers. I am thinking for me that I am just getting used to a specific bite pattern.

Don't know if this makes any sense at all.

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Originally posted by AnneC:
I really like comparing notes, Betsy - you're a bit ahead of me in treatment since it'll be another month before my halfway point.

It's become a habit to leave my aligners in for morning coffee, but I do use a straw, then soak with some antibacterial soap while I'm eating, too. I keep meaning to try the Efferdent soak - getting a bit lazy is just fine.

I keep forgetting to mention that I too, have found myself clenching my teeth as I awaken in the mornings - have never been a grinder, either. What's up with that?!

One thing I find hard to understand is this "tipping" thing. Some orthos claim aligners can only move teeth in this way & that the roots do not move as they do with conventional braces. Seems that if the pressure exerted by aligners is more evenly distributed over each entire crown, that the movements would be more efficient than when only being pushed or pulled from one contact point. The only research I can find that suggests tipping can happen is on teeth that are located next to extraction sites. Again - that makes sense to me.

So far EVERY aspect of my treatment has gone just great, BUT - of course I have concerns after reading of other's problems in these forums. Even with regular braces there can be problems, but obviously the ortho does have more control options when teeth don't cooperate. With us it's more of a "keep your fingers crossed" that all goes according to plan while doing your best to follow the recommendations.

& now there's an issue being discussed regarding problems with refinements...

I can only speak of my own personal experience here - & I will continue to be totally up front about it.

Even after my treatment is DONE.
(oooh - how I like saying that)

There are success stories out there - mostly we hear about dissatisfaction when things go awry. If only our Clinchecks came with their own crystal ball...

I'll be getting my next 3 sets tomorrow. I'll try posting a pic of the first set beside set #12 like Christine did. That should be motivation, for sure!

& you're quite welcome
Anne

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& hey - I can relate to that "fitting together better" sensation, too - it makes perfect sense to me: not that they actually do fit better with the aligners in, but I usually need to "chomp" twice to make sure my bared teeth are exactly where they should be with my normal bite together. You know, I actually have worried at times (oooh the things that go through idle minds) that I hadn't bit down properly during my "teeth together" impression & I'd be doomed to screwing up my bite totally with my treatment! A double doom since I've never had a problem with my bite to begin with.

I did add take a pic comparing my first & 12th tray sets - here's a direct link:
(hopefully)

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1330/2233/1600/alignersTo12b.jpg

Sorry - it's not the best shot.
(can't claim to be much of a photographer)
Anne

I have had the exact same concern about biting down for impressions. I have wanted to tell the dentist to "give me a sec to get this right", but have always been embarressed to do that.

Always assumed it was just me.

One other comment. You mentioned that on this forum we seem to hear most about all of the problems. This is of course because newbies find the site and are looking for support during the early days. Boy, it was a godsend for me. I had the "hard to remove the trays" problem.

I recall that when I first found this site, I was still thinking about getting Invisalign. I didn't really understand how the site worked and made the mistake of just looking at the first page thinking it was current. It increased my concern since folks were ONLY talking about their initial issues.

After discussions with my dentist (who like you I have been with for 15 years and trust completely), I decided to start treatment and came back to the site. I paid more attentions and found the current posts. This was back in February. I found great suggestions for the early days AND folks with lots of experience coming back to report their success. During that time, there were quite a few people coming back with positive experiences after almost completing or completing their treatments.

Unfortunately, I think we lost most of these folks when they revamped the site and left obsolete pages out there since folks had bookmarked the old pages.

I would recommend newbies interested in seeing positive reports of success from folks like you and me (but even further along) should go back through the posts a few months - say to the Feb/March timeframe.

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Originally posted by AnneC:
Betsy - I use the straw to keep the hot liquid away from my trays. I just figure it's a bit safer & minimizes any chance of doing any harm. Like you, I find my jaws closed together (not tightly clenched) sometimes upon awakening.

& hey - I can relate to that "fitting together better" sensation, too - it makes perfect sense to me: not that they actually do fit better with the aligners in, but I usually need to "chomp" twice to make sure my bared teeth are exactly where they should be with my normal bite together. You know, I actually have worried at times (oooh the things that go through idle minds) that I hadn't bit down properly during my "teeth together" impression & I'd be doomed to screwing up my bite totally with my treatment! A double doom since I've never had a problem with my bite to begin with.

I did add take a pic comparing my first & 12th tray sets - here's a direct link:
(hopefully)

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1330/2233/1600/alignersTo12b.jpg

Sorry - it's not the best shot.
(can't claim to be much of a photographer)
Anne

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Originally posted by GlossyTooth:
The "buttons" that everyone refers to are really just like the resin that they use to fill teeth. But, instead of filling a tooth, they use a light-instrument to adhere it to the front surface of the tooth. Apparently this is done to help the aligner really attach to some teeth and/or so it doesn't move some as easily/as much. I did not have any pain while they were put on. They are a little annoying, but not painful in themselves. The doc actually found a really close match to my tooth color which helps it blend; however, w/ my invisaligner out, it looks like I have tooth-colored growths on some of my teeth! A small price to pay, if you ask me. Most people haven't noticed them, unless I've pointed them out and/or they are really close to me. I do suspect how noticable they are depends on how many you would need and on which teeth. The only pain that I have associated with these "buttons" is that when I take the aligner out, it really pulls on the teeth that have buttons on them b/c it is a tight fit (thus it sometimes feels like I'm yanking a tooth right out with the aligner - I think my doc will be smoothing one one to ease that frustration, however). I am amongst the small percentage that doesn't require tooth shaving since I'm using invisalign to correct a small problem. I think some earlier posts addressed this situation. Good luck with your decision...

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http://investor.aligntech.com/ReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=178312&

Says that they charge the dentist $750 for invisalign express and $1495 for regular invisalign.

Granted, dentists do work that is worthy of profit, but for the most part, when dentists charge the patient $5000 for invisalin, they make BANK. Again, they earn money and deserve it, but $3500 worth of labor?

Interesting I think. Just had my four wisdom teeth pulled out and going to get a mouth mold in a week to start invisalign. woot woot! Hope invisalign express approves me, otherwise straight to the $$$$ invisalign :-X