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Originally posted by Gappy:
I am wondering if anyone else is using invisalign to close a gap in their front teeth? I feel as I'm not reaping the full benefits of this "virtually invisible" solution. The air/spit bubbles in between my front teeth make the aligners painfully noticible. Not just NOT invisible, but almost as noticible as metal braces. And in a why-does-that-girls-teeth-look-slimy way...
The bottom aligners look great comparatively. I'm hoping against reason that this will get better??

Irrelevant info: I have 14 sets for top and 16 for bottom (to bring in a bit of a flare). I paid 4,100 in mass.

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Originally posted by donatello:
I have just been given my clincheck for my treatment. Very small time period only 7 aligners. One concern I had was that the IPR reduction between my front middle teeth will be 0.3mm, has anyone had anything similar, is this moticable? Many thanks.

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Hey Donatello,

Wow, you're so lucky to only need 7 aligners! The IPR between the front teeth isn't a big deal. You may notice the gap, but I'm sure that no one else will. The gap will close as your teeth move into place. I had IPR between my two front teeth (among many other teeth as well!), and it closed within six weeks. Good luck with your treatment!

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Originally posted by frankennyg:
I'm on my 3rd tray and the first two were not a problem at all. I felt slight pressure but no pain and after a few days, there was no pressure at all. Putting in and taking out the aligners were no problem at all... barely 10 seconds for each. However, just before the 3rd tray, I had to get 5 attachments on my teeth. The pressure was much more intense, but still not what I would consider painful (maybe I have a high tolerance for pain). Putting the aligners in was still no problem, but with the attachments, it was very difficult the first day to take them out. I'm no on the 10th day of the 3rd set and they come off easily now, even with the attachments. Now I know that I just need to be patient for the first couple of days with each new set. BTW, I can't believe people are actually saying they wish they got traditional braces! My good friend has them now and he's 33 and looks ridiculous with them! He is so jealous of me and wishes he did the invisalign treatment instead. After each tightening, he is in severe paid and gets crazy headaches. I've heard so many other horror stories about the wires poking your cheeks, allergic reactions to the metal and extreme pain, plus the look of metal all over your teeth, so I wonder why people still get traditional braces at all!

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Luckily, I had found this website and understood that it would be a temporary problem. Sure enough, once I developed my technique, I was able to slip them in and out in seconds.

Without the website, however, I would have been quite worried since my initial attempts to remove were causing my fingernails be pulled back and that did hurt. I used a "dental pik" to gently pull the tray from my gum and then I could grab hold with the other hand. Used it for a few days with the 2nd and 3rd tray then I didn't need it any more.

I am on tray 12 of 19 upper/16 lower and have found that some trays are initially more difficult than others to remove. I think it depends on the specific forces they are applying.

Good luck and welcome!

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Originally posted by nikifrombkk:
I just got my invisalign in last week. its been 7 days exactly. Not that i'm couting.... ahem....
i was so surprised that they didnt hurt and i didnt need to take a tylenol before they were put in at the dentists office. i was so nervous beforehand after reading all about the pain involved from various people on the site. However, i felt no pain.
Actually the only feeling i have is some dry mouth! No one even knows im wearing them. Wow, what a great invention!
I am so glad i waited for these things to be invented and didnt go for the traditional metal-mouth (which was my alternative two years ago and i chickened out - thank god!)
I have 16 trays (top and bottom) and i'm looking forward to getting swiftly through to tray 2 and onwards!!
The buttons will be on at tray 3 so i may be feeling a lot more uncomfortable after they are placed on my teeth ( i will have about 4 altogether). However if the experience of most is correct then it just takes a bit of getting used to to get them on and off and adjusted to your mouth.

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Originally posted by changeling:
Hmm, I'm thinking of getting Invisaligns but I was wondering how obvious the 'buttons' are. I've found it really difficult to find a close up pic of someones teeth with the Invisialign on =P Which might be worrying lol. Even on the main ad the woman is taking it off. Ermm so I was wondering if anyone could post a link or send me a pic? =D thx in advance

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Originally posted by Nicole:
I've had my invisalign braces for over a year with the buttons and they aren't really noticeable at all. At first you will think they are hideously noticeable but they really aren't. My sister-in-law who I see all the time never noticed them until I blatantly pointed them out. Anyway though, I took a pic of them and if you send your e-mail address to me at nrgallant81480.net I will forward you the pic.

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Originally posted by Sharon:
Back to Bobbie and the kissing question: I just had buttons cemented on my teeth (in the front!!) and a few on the sides, and am worried this will make me much less kissable. Or, should I leave the trays in during this shoud-be-fun-and-not-gross act? anyone - please advise. Thanks!

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www.dawnasbracefaceplace.com

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Originally posted by LE-NYC:
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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Hey Le-NYC

To People Thinking of Starting Invisalign: Absolutely do it. You'll be dissuaded by the high cost and a few horror stories of what can go wrong. If you have dental insurance with orthodontic allotments, you are covered. The horror stories are isolated events involving people who weren't trained properly to do the procedure or patients who didn't follow the instructions properly. You see results shockingly fast and by the time you're halfway done, you'll be absolutely amazed.

To People Who Just Got Started: Hurts, doesn't it? The good news here is that the way you feel right now is the absolute worst your teeth will ever feel. By the time you get to the second week, you won't even know they're in there (no joke, I almost ate with 'em in because I forgot about them). There is some minor pressure when you put in a new set, but it completely disappates after three days or so. The pressure is directly related to how long you left your last set in. If you have a bad day and miss a bunch of hours, this set won't hurt, but the next one will. Taking them in and out gets a whole lot easier too. You'll be able to do it one handed while talking on a cellphone on the train.

i got a question regarding wearing braces. but the problem is, all the teeths on the upper jaw is completely straight but i wont say its perfect. but its still straight enough to receive sweet positive comments from people.

the teeths on my lower jaw isnt very straight, just some slight adjustments and everything is okay. no overcrowding or whatsoever, just a few millimeters of movement of left and right and its fix.

now here is what has been worrying me --> i want to keep my teeths on my upper jaw and only wear braces on my lower jaw. is that possible for my case? i understand that all my teeths must be aligned together so that when they fix my lower jaw to match in line with my upper jaw, it will be easier for them. but the point is, my teeths on the upper jaw are already straight. its just the lower jaw.

even if that is not possible and i heard that at least 4 teeths must be extracted in order to wear braces, can those 4 teeths be my 4 wisdom tooths and none choosen from the front espiecially?

how i wish i would have thought of this back then when i visited to the dentist. but i was too immature i guess. right now, the thought still lingers in my mind and i hope i can receive some answers regarding my case.

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Originally posted by yzer007:
It's been a while since I've been on here, so I figured I'd come back and give an update. I found this board on the day I got my first aligners in, worried that I was experiencing something totally different and wondering how I was going to make it through the whole thing. Now I'm sitting at 10u/10b, more than halfway done with the top, absolutely certain of the fact that doing this was the right decision. Here's some general advice I thought I'd share:

To People Thinking of Starting Invisalign: Absolutely do it. You'll be dissuaded by the high cost and a few horror stories of what can go wrong. If you have dental insurance with orthodontic allotments, you are covered. The horror stories are isolated events involving people who weren't trained properly to do the procedure or patients who didn't follow the instructions properly. You see results shockingly fast and by the time you're halfway done, you'll be absolutely amazed.

To People Who Just Got Started: Hurts, doesn't it? The good news here is that the way you feel right now is the absolute worst your teeth will ever feel. By the time you get to the second week, you won't even know they're in there (no joke, I almost ate with 'em in because I forgot about them). There is some minor pressure when you put in a new set, but it completely disappates after three days or so. The pressure is directly related to how long you left your last set in. If you have a bad day and miss a bunch of hours, this set won't hurt, but the next one will. Taking them in and out gets a whole lot easier too. You'll be able to do it one handed while talking on a cellphone on the train.

Anyone who has questions, feel free to ask.

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Even though I have nothing wrong with my upper teeth, I have 14 sets of bottom and upper aligners.

I have a little crowding problem with one of my bottom teeth in the middle.

When I first consulted with my dentist (he specializes in cosmetic dentistry), he told me my treatment would probably take 8 aligners, 9 at most so he told me I would go with Invisalign Express.
But I ended up with 14 sets of aligners.

He didn't tell me to change my aligners every 2 weeks but instead, I should change them whenever they don't fill tight anymore.
So I wear each set for about 12-13 days because after that period of time, I feel like the aligners don't move my teeth anymore.

I hope I will be done by the end of the year. I am planning on getting 2 porcelain veneers for my upper teeth (not the middle ones but the next ones).
Is it a good idea to get veneers right after the Invisaligne treatment is completed? Or should I wait a bit?

By the way, my Invisalign treatment was $2,250 for 14 sets of 2 aligners.
My insurance covered $1,000 so I only paid $1,250 out of my pocket.
I thought it is a pretty good price.

I am in La Jolla, near San Diego, and the competition is huge between cosmetic dentists. Maybe that's why the prices are so low.

I am also concerned that I will have a lisp from the alligners. Is this true? Does it give you a lisp?

Another thing, is that you drool alot while your wearing them?

Ok, So, lets recap, for those of you awsome people that took the time to read this. (In which I do Greatly Appreciate)
These are the questions I would love to be answered:

1.How Bad does it Hurt?
2.How Hard are they to Get out?
3.Do you drool alot while you are wearing them?
4. Does it Give you a lisp?
5. How noticeable is it?
6. Are they as effective as braces?

And if anyone could email me pictures with them wearing the alligners I would really appreciate it.
Please email them to:
MongooseMonkey12@yahoo.com

Thank you for reading this. I hope you respond with your feedback. In September I will be going into 8th grade, and I would hate to have a face full of metal. Thank you so much...

My thoughts on:

1.How Bad does it Hurt?
My first two sets of aligners gave me trouble (taking in and out), but after that it has really been quite a breeze. I think it is more of a question of "getting used to them" as opposed to pain. There is a little discomfort at first (especially when figuring out how to take them out -- especially if you don't have long fingernails), but it seems that everyone has been able to develop their own system for taking them in and out efficiently.

2.How Hard are they to Get out?
Oops, I answered this one up above. At first, it took me several minutes to get them out. I am now almost done with treatment and I can take both aligners out in 2 seconds with one hand while talking on the phone with another!

3.Do you drool alot while you are wearing them?

It seems like everyone's experience varies with this one. At first, I had a lot of saliva (with my first set only). I think my mouth was just getting used to something new in it! After that, I've had more of dry mouth. Drinking water helps that a lot and it is not really a big problem. As for drooling, luckily that hasn't been an issue.

4. Does it Give you a lisp?

This varies per person too. I think it took me about 24 hours to figure out how to talk with them in. Some people can do it immediately. I also think that I had to "relearn" where to put my tongue as my teeth shifted, but that would be true with any braces. Fortunately, no one has been able to tell any difference with my voice. On of my best friends is a speech therapist, and she (honestly) told me that she could tell the difference (she would certainly tell me otherwise..what are friends for!)

5. How noticeable is it?

Some people claim that it is invisible and not noticeable. For the most part, this is true. I do think they are somewhat noticeable if someone is really close; but they do not look ugly or anything. Most people think they are pretty cool once I start talking about them!

6. Are they as effective as braces?
I've heard that some people require braces after treatment to make minor corrections; but for many treatments, either can be used effectively (again, an ortho would be able to tell you which alternative is best for you).

I hope I helped a bit. Good luck with your decision!! Back to school time! Enjoy!

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Originally posted by NinaDec1228:
Hello. I was wondering if anyone had/could upload pictures of themselves wearing Invisalign. I have spent Hours Searching for Pictures online, but could not find one. I am Interested in Invisalign, and have talked to my parents about it. (I am only 13). They have called My ortho about it. I have an appointment in 2 days to see weather or not I am elidagble. "I have Minor Spaceing in my top front teeth, and my bottoms are pretty good". That is what I have been told my my Oldest Sister who is a dentist. However, I am quite Skeptical of getting Invisalign because I have read posts on this message board about how hard the aligners are to get off. Though I am Sure it Just takes practice. I have also read that ORTHOCLEAR, has less "rough Edges" than Invisalign. I would hate to have cuts in my mouth from Invisalign.
I have also heard that the first couple of days with each new alligner Hurts. I dont doubt that. But I would geuss it would be the same everytime you would get normal Braces tightened. Two of my older Sisters had braces, and I know that they were in intense pain every 6 weeks.

I am also concerned that I will have a lisp from the alligners. Is this true? Does it give you a lisp?

Another thing, is that you drool alot while your wearing them?

Ok, So, lets recap, for those of you awsome people that took the time to read this. (In which I do Greatly Appreciate)
These are the questions I would love to be answered:

1.How Bad does it Hurt?
2.How Hard are they to Get out?
3.Do you drool alot while you are wearing them?
4. Does it Give you a lisp?
5. How noticeable is it?
6. Are they as effective as braces?

And if anyone could email me pictures with them wearing the alligners I would really appreciate it.
Please email them to:
MongooseMonkey12@yahoo.com

Thank you for reading this. I hope you respond with your feedback. In September I will be going into 8th grade, and I would hate to have a face full of metal. Thank you so much...

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Originally posted by Anita:
Hi All,

First off, thanks for all of the advice on this site! I finally got my first set of Invisalign yesterday, and because of this board I knew just what to ask!

I have a question about how the aligners affect your speech. How long does it last? I noticed a couple of people said they were two months in and still having problems!

Although I picked up my first set yesterday, I told my dentist that I would start wearning them until Saturday since I am in the middle of my law school finals. (i hope the pain from the aligners is less than the exams!) I'll be going for job interviews starting at the end of the summer, and don't want to have a lisp at the interviews.

Also, I live in Northern Virginia and I am paying $3100 including everything (and my dentist is actually rated one of the best in the area!)

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That chewing difficulty must be really annoying - I know of conventional brace wearers that experience all kinds of changes with their bite throughout their treatment & similar difficulties in chewing, so it's not something unique to aligners anyways.

Hope all goes well with the rest of your treatment - please do let us know what your doc advises regarding finishing up your lowers.

I just took some Advil PM so hopefully sleep will come soon. I'm PRAYING tomorrow will be alot better. The people who said the pain was worse when you take them off is right on the money! My teeth are so sensative I couldn't bite my sandwich. I had to tear and chew. Now that I have them back in I'm better.

These things are gonna have me not wanting to brush my teeth! LOL! Hopefully in the morning all will be well.

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Originally posted by Real:
Well, today is my first day. I am in pain...but I've been reading the boards so I kinda expected it. I just wish I could get my mind off of it. All I can think is *throb* *throb* *throb*

I just took some Advil PM so hopefully sleep will come soon. I'm PRAYING tomorrow will be alot better. The people who said the pain was worse when you take them off is right on the money! My teeth are so sensative I couldn't bite my sandwich. I had to tear and chew. Now that I have them back in I'm better.

These things are gonna have me not wanting to brush my teeth! LOL! Hopefully in the morning all will be well.

I'm about to re-read this thread for reassurance that things will get better.

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I slept like a log last night and woke up to no pain. I did not want to take them out of my mouth for the pain to start over again!

I took them out, brushed, popped them back in and the pain was back just as I thought it would be! I'm not good with pain AT ALL. I realized this morning maybe I shouldn't have children if this brings tears to my eyes LOL!

I must say the pain was NOT as bad as yesterday and it didn't last as long. It's just a very minor ache on the bottom...nothing on the top. Yesterday it was the other way around.

Invisalign created a good system...make them hurt worse out than in so the patient will wear them more. It's working for me!

1.How Bad does it Hurt?

Well. . . I just got my first set of Invisaligns last Thursday, the 17th of August, and they were very painful for the first 30 hours and just annoyingly painful since then. The current pain is aching/throbbing and doesn't let you forget it is there, unless you are doing something that is either very interesting or physically demanding an thus distracting.

The pain is bad enough that I have phases when want to rip the aligners out of my mouth every 5 minutes sometimes. During those times, I try not to honor that desire ;-)

2.How Hard are they to Get out?

Hard on the first day, but getting easier every day. I can pop them out fairly easily now. It is very important to have fingernails, though!

3.Do you drool alot while you are wearing them?

Not while awake, but I do drool a bit while lying on side in bed--particularly when sleeping late in the morning.

4. Does it Give you a lisp?

Yes, but it mostly goes away after the first day.

5. How noticeable is it?

I am a conract negoatiator and didn't have anyone point out the lisp on Thursday or Friday, so I trust it isn't too noticeable :-)

6. Are they as effective as braces?

I don't know yet, but. . . I sure hope so.

GOOD LUCK with your Invisaligns!