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Author
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Topic: Invisalign Braces
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AnneC
Preferred Member
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posted 02-08-2007 07:11 PM
 
It may not be a problem for you at all, rr -
it will take some getting used to is all & you'll soon find out the unique little tricks that help you remove them.One thing that has always worked for me is to use a small square of paper towel to grasp them - it's amazing how much easier that makes it! You'll figure out if popping off one side at the back; then the other OR maybe working your way around from one side to the other is better. There are tools you can use to help if you find it difficult to fit your fingers in - ask your ortho - some call them "smilies" - some recommend crochet hooks. You'll be an old pro in no time -
a little perseverence is all it takes. & you'll garner all kinds of help reading back through all the past threads here - almost the entire Orthodontics folder focuses on aligners as opposed to conventional braces. Hope your treatment goes as well as mine has - how many trays in your initial plan?
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BennyTheJet
Preferred Member
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posted 02-09-2007 04:15 AM
I was wondering if anyone has had the ortho place the attachments slightly off of where it should be on the tooth. One would think that even putting the attachment on a few degrees off would greatly alter the position of the tooth seeing as how the tooth would move to fit the attachment location in the tray.I had an extraction done on my front bottoms and it seems that one of the teeth that are closing the space is coming in tilted. I fear that it's going to tilt and connect with the adjacent tooth and leave significant space at the bottom. It's like two dominoes with one falling and the other but the other doesn't budge. Anyone have a similar experience?
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richierich
Junior Member
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posted 02-11-2007 08:09 PM
Thanks again AnneC. I suspect that it should not be much of an issue. The worst part of the experience so far was the roughness of the aligners. First 4-5 days many rough spots on lips and cheeks. Ortho and staff did some shaving, but it was not nearly enough. Seemed to be quite a "lip" around most of the edges. I am told that they are hand trimmed so precision generally depends upon the technician at the Invisalign production facility.Based upon the clincheck info it appears that there are 12 trays top and 12 bottom. I presume that the numbers that count by in the "video" correspond to the trays. I will confirm tomorrow though. Thanks again. I did do quite a bit of checking here prior to my decision to move forward with invisalign.
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Ewok2000
Preferred Member
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posted 02-11-2007 11:23 PM
Yes richierich, the numbers are each aligner.
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Betsy
Preferred Member
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posted 02-12-2007 11:02 AM
That explains it! My initial plan's trays did not have rough edges. There was only one small area on one tray that I had to smooth myself. I am on tray 5 of 8 top/5 bottom of my refinement series. All trays but one so far have needed smoothing.There has definitely been a huge difference. The good news is that it is easy to resolve the issue with a nail file. quote:
Originally posted by richierich:
I am told that they are hand trimmed so precision generally depends upon the technician at the Invisalign production facility.
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richierich
Junior Member
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posted 02-12-2007 07:15 PM
Just back from ortho, 12 new attachments. Messy process but all done now. I have my first aligner in now. Will switch to 2/12 top and bottom tonight. Once I got to my car I noticed that the first aligner does not seat down on front lower teeth as well as it used to. Is this a common part of the process with the attachments? If no difference in the morning with the 2nd set, I'll call Dr.'s office and see if attachments might be too high on teeth on one side.
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AnneC
Preferred Member
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posted 02-12-2007 07:31 PM
rr - I'm not sure about that hand trimming. There may very well be some final trimming by hand after the computer aided machinery finishes off the trays - or maybe not. You can see the process here (shows the trimming near the end of the QuickTime video):http://www.invisalign.com/generalapp/us/en/explore/movies/MfgProcessQT.mp4 Finalized my refinement ClinCheck today, so will see if there is any problems with rough edges in this new series like yours, Betsy. So far I've had absolutely NONE in the initial 23 sets. Dunno why some seem to have troubles with this issue right from Day One. I'm told by my office that this has not happened with any of their patients - a difference in the quality of the impressions maybe? I'd wait until a few days of wearing your next aligner set to see if the attachments fit better - unless there's a real noticeable problem right away. Sometimes it takes that time for the teeth to move into position enough to fit the attachments just so. If they obviously don't after that then definitely call your office. If you need the reassurance then call sooner - they should be available to address any concerns at all - any time. Best of luck to you!
Anne
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BennyTheJet
Preferred Member
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posted 02-13-2007 12:29 AM
Just wondering..Has anyone ever cracked a tray? Cuz I cracked my first one. No problems since then. How about cavities? I'm on my 6th atm and I went to a cleaning and they said I had 2 small ones that needed to be filled and I've never been prone to getting them. I follow all the rules of wear as well...bummer. Also, does anyone find themselves playing with their trays? I end up popping the back out a little and playing with it with my tongue when I'm watching TV. Maybe it's just me.. p.s. Been reading like a half hour of this thread a night...learned some pretty good stuff so far. Thanks all. \m/(^_^)\m/
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heidi Brown
Junior Member
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posted 02-19-2007 01:03 PM
Can anyone tell me how their very first visit for invisalign went? My dentist said to set aside about an hour. My appointment is on the 23rd.
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Kingkinsey
Junior Member
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posted 02-19-2007 05:33 PM
Even after nearly two weeks I was still having trouble removing my aligners. The buttons really made it difficult, and at times painful. I tried using a piece of paper towel to grasp the aligner while prying it up over each button but that did not help.A few days ago I bought some "rubber finger tips" at the office supply store. I place one on my thumb and one on my index finger and it has really made the task MUCH easier.
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deoxyribose
Preferred Member
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posted 02-19-2007 07:44 PM
hey bennythejet,yeah i have been popping the back of my current tray out like crazy!! this is the only tray i've been able to do that with though... except i have really been trying to stop that because it made my tongue very sore the next day. how did you crack your aligner? a while ago i posted question about whether anyone has "rolled" with their aligners in. well i tried it and even though i experienced jaw clenching all night my aligners were not damaged in any way. actually, i think my aligners had a better fit the next day since i was biting down a lot. hahah!!
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Jude
Junior Member
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posted 02-20-2007 04:47 PM
I have an important question...one that only you guys can answer: do you (or do you know of anyone) who has regretted undertaking this invisalign process?
I'm in the month waiting period--they haven't made my first trays yet--and I'm going through all my possible second thoughts. Of course there is no way to know what it's like till you actually start. But I'm really curious if anyone has felt regret after the fact?
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BadBoy
Preferred Member
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posted 02-20-2007 09:04 PM
I think almost everyone has felt some regret or concern the first few weeks of the process getting used to the aligners the first time, the pressure/pain the first few days, learning of extra procedures like attachments and IPRs after the process had begun, etc.But after a few months when you start to see the movements and are used to the process and especially when you see significant improvement in the teeth appearance closer to the end of the series, all the old feelings disappear and are replaced by great joy! This forum helps a lot in the early stages to help alleviate the early feelings of concern and regret, since others have been thru that and made it thru to the other side and now feel it was all worth it!
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sarahk
Junior Member
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posted 02-20-2007 09:27 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Jude:
I have an important question...one that only you guys can answer: do you (or do you know of anyone) who has regretted undertaking this invisalign process?
I'm in the month waiting period--they haven't made my first trays yet--and I'm going through all my possible second thoughts. Of course there is no way to know what it's like till you actually start. But I'm really curious if anyone has felt regret after the fact?
Yes - if you can back out now you should! I know I would save some time and money, and probabaly end up with better teeth if I had gone with ceramic braces.. invisalign with attachments is just as noticeable, only in a wierd 'What the hell is that in your mouth way?' and taking them out to eat is socially akward! I really wish someone had warned me!
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AnneC
Preferred Member
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posted 02-20-2007 09:33 PM
Jude - there have been some that have posted regret here. Usually from not knowing what they were getting into without any preparation from their dentist/ortho. Some that have ended up in conventional braces after a fairly long treatment with aligners. One I recall said he couldn't even fit his fingers in his mouth to insert or remove them & thought the aligners were tortuous. It's all in the individual ability to adapt it seems. You won't get any regrets out of me - I've had nothing but a positive experience so far. Initial treatment of 23 tray sets - beginning my refinement series of 4 trays tomorrow. So far it's been the best thing I've ever done for myself - no exaggeration at all. What is it you're having 2nd thoughts about exactly, Jude? Just reading through the past posts here covers just about every problem imaginable. Sarah - why didn't you go with ceramic braces?
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sarahk
Junior Member
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posted 02-20-2007 09:50 PM
Anne,I went with invisalign, for aesthetic reasons. I am a very young looking 30 year old, most people put me at arond 20, and I thought braces would really make me look like a teenager, so I liked the idea that I could take invisalign out, for say a job interview or whatever, and look completely normal.But when I take them out my mouth looks even worse because of these bright white attachments on my teeth. I thought they would be less noticeable and that would be worth a longer course of treatment, but that is not the case. I have also been told invisalign won't be able to make my teeth perfect, just that they will look better.
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BennyTheJet
Preferred Member
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posted 02-21-2007 01:54 AM
quote:
Originally posted by deoxyribose:
hey bennythejet,yeah i have been popping the back of my current tray out like crazy!! this is the only tray i've been able to do that with though... except i have really been trying to stop that because it made my tongue very sore the next day. how did you crack your aligner? a while ago i posted question about whether anyone has "rolled" with their aligners in. well i tried it and even though i experienced jaw clenching all night my aligners were not damaged in any way. actually, i think my aligners had a better fit the next day since i was biting down a lot. hahah!!
I have no clue how I cracked my first one. I had 14 attachments put on right off the bat. I probably cracked it cuz I wasn't used to taking them off and I was a bit rough with them. When I went back to the ortho after my third tray the assistant said she never heard of anyone cracking one before. Sarah - I find it interesting that you're attachments are so apparent. I have them all over including my front teeth and you can't tell at all. In fact, only my family knows that I got invisalign and nobody else has noticed. Sometimes I smile like a moron for no reason just to see if people at work will notice but they end up just looking at me funny (what else is new). I have a long way to go...on 6 of 36 total. No regrets at all. Once you get into the groove at about your 3rd or 4th tray, it starts to become a regular thing. Feels good to know my teeth are slowly but surely getting straight. (^_^) P.S. I have a couple friends who have finished the process and their teeth look pretty close to perfect..
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Betsy
Preferred Member
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posted 02-21-2007 10:54 AM
The only thing I would add is that it only took me about a couple weeks to become comfortable with my routine. Worst thing for me was learning how to remove the aligners (attachments make it more challenging).Like AnneC, this is just about the best thing I have ever done for myself. I am on my first (hopefully only) refinement and my teeth look great. I began to see the improvement at about tray 7 of my initial plan (19 top/16 bottom). It was so exciting. At the completion of my initial plan, my teeth look quite good (never would have thought about ortho treatment if I had started at that point). As I have commented before, my standards have changed and I am so comfortable with my routine, it was an easy decision to do a refinement to "fine tune" my results. Absolutely no regrets here. quote:
Originally posted by BadBoy:
I think almost everyone has felt some regret or concern the first few weeks of the process getting used to the aligners the first time, the pressure/pain the first few days, learning of extra procedures like attachments and IPRs after the process had begun, etc.But after a few months when you start to see the movements and are used to the process and especially when you see significant improvement in the teeth appearance closer to the end of the series, all the old feelings disappear and are replaced by great joy! This forum helps a lot in the early stages to help alleviate the early feelings of concern and regret, since others have been thru that and made it thru to the other side and now feel it was all worth it!
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Jude
Junior Member
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posted 02-21-2007 02:38 PM
quote:
Originally posted by AnneC:
Jude - there have been some that have posted regret here. Usually from not knowing what they were getting into without any preparation from their dentist/ortho. Some that have ended up in conventional braces after a fairly long treatment with aligners. One I recall said he couldn't even fit his fingers in his mouth to insert or remove them & thought the aligners were tortuous. It's all in the individual ability to adapt it seems. You won't get any regrets out of me - I've had nothing but a positive experience so far. Initial treatment of 23 tray sets - beginning my refinement series of 4 trays tomorrow. So far it's been the best thing I've ever done for myself - no exaggeration at all. What is it you're having 2nd thoughts about exactly, Jude? Just reading through the past posts here covers just about every problem imaginable. Sarah - why didn't you go with ceramic braces?
I had braces as a kid, and this would be a second time around. And I'm in my 50s now! I originally got into this because one tooth moved so it was continually biting my lip. But I have learned not to do it. The truth is, my teeth don't look "bad." Sure, I don't have a perfect mouth. But my concern is that I am inviting risk in a situation that could be looked at as "if it's not broken, don't fix it." (Not to even mention the money...) I'm meeting the ortho again tomorrow to see the invisalign plan for my mouth, but as of now, I intend to back out.
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BadBoy
Preferred Member
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posted 02-21-2007 03:56 PM
I too had a lower tooth sticking out that was cutting the inside of my lip more and more. I started Invisalign a year ago and it completely resolve that issue as well as make my teeth look great now after one year! The lower arch was expanded so the other teeth came out to meet the sticking out tooth and they line up perfectly now.Like most patients I had concerns or regrets at the beginning of the treatment thats natural, but for most that goes away after the first month or so. My best advice if you are at that early stage, is to hang in there,it will get better and you will be greatly rewarded as I feel I am now.
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AnneC
Preferred Member
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posted 02-21-2007 06:41 PM
BadBoy - you really should post that link to your new improved smile - it is looking SO very fine! You really are a testament to how well Invisalign can work. Jude - I'm wondering what exactly you mean when you say you are in "the month waiting period"? Did your ortho accept your ClinCheck already or is he waiting for your approval (as he should) first? If you've not paid up front & it has not been accepted online, then you likely can back out now. Was this something you initiated or was it a suggestion by your doc? Keep in mind that vital teeth are dynamic & will move according to whatever forces are incurred - including natural aging. Discuss the possibility of your problem tooth getting worse over time if it has moved already. I'm 50 & that was never a reason in my mind for NOT doing this. Betsy is also - as are some others here. Sarahk - tell your doc how unhappy you are about the colour not matching your enamel better. That is something that can be definitely be improved. Must say that for those of you that had no idea you'd end up with attachments on your front teeth - you have been mislead. Your clinicians should been up front about the possibility upon realizing they would be necessary for the movements your teeth need. They should have told you what to expect AND had you review your final ClinCheck to give your approval before it was accepted. You cannot miss those bright red buttons in the virtual models. There seems to be many here who knew nothing about the possibility of attachments or IPR. Thank goodness for this forum - when researching Invisalign before even asking for a consultation, it helped me immensely to be able to even know which questions to ask in the first place. I wish you guys had too.
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Jude
Junior Member
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posted 02-22-2007 02:27 AM
quote:
Originally posted by AnneC:
Jude - I'm wondering what exactly you mean when you say you are in "the month waiting period"? Did your ortho accept your ClinCheck already or is he waiting for your approval (as he should) first? If you've not paid up front & it has not been accepted online, then you likely can back out now. Was this something you initiated or was it a suggestion by your doc?
I had the molds done and am waiting for the first trays. I haven't heard the term ClinCheck, but maybe that is what I'm going in for tomorrow(?) I'm not sure why they didn't call me about it though-- it's only happening because I called them about my concerns... I realize I'll lose some money if I quit now. Your point about who initiated is a good one. My dentist suggested it first, but it was in the context of "if you can't train yourself not to bite the lip." I've really appreciated reading the forum here. What a great and supportive community! If I continue with this, I'll definitely be checking in.
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teacher
Junior Member
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posted 02-22-2007 02:47 AM
[QUOTE]Originally posted by AnneC:
[B]BadBoy - you really should post that link to your new improved smile - it is looking SO very fine! You really are a testament to how well Invisalign can work. Yes Badboy please do I have about 10 aligners to go out of 31 and i love what is happening to my teeth but looking at anyone who has finished successfully gives me another incentive as I am getting a little tired of the whole process!!!
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BadBoy
Preferred Member
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posted 02-22-2007 03:05 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Jude:
I had the molds done and am waiting for the first trays. I haven't heard the term ClinCheck, but maybe that is what I'm going in for tomorrow(?)
After you have the impressions and photos taken, they send them in for your case. They should get back the data for the clinicheck in 4-6 weeks or so, then the doctor calls for you to make an appointment to come in. The doctor should then show you on the computer all the details of the plan, you can see different views of computer images of your teeth and how they will move on each aligner. Any planned attachments will be seen as red dots on those teeth, so look for them closely. Also ask for any IPRs and when/where they will need to be done, that should be known at that time. After reviewing the clinicheck on the computer you can ask lots of questions and be certain it will end up how you want it. If you approve it, the doctor then gives the go-ahead for Align Technology to actually manufacture all the aligner trays. Then the doctor will call when they come in, should be a week or two later.
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Jude
Junior Member
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posted 02-22-2007 11:01 AM
quote:
Originally posted by BadBoy:
After you have the impressions and photos taken, they send them in for your case. They should get back the data for the clinicheck in 4-6 weeks or so, then the doctor calls for you to make an appointment to come in. The doctor should then show you on the computer all the details of the plan, you can see different views of computer images of your teeth and how they will move on each aligner. Any planned attachments will be seen as red dots on those teeth, so look for them closely. Also ask for any IPRs and when/where they will need to be done, that should be known at that time. After reviewing the clinicheck on the computer you can ask lots of questions and be certain it will end up how you want it. If you approve it, the doctor then gives the go-ahead for Align Technology to actually manufacture all the aligner trays. Then the doctor will call when they come in, should be a week or two later.
Thanks for the tip. It sounds like they were set to skip that step with me. A red flag in my eyes. I'll ask them about it. These guys are supposed to be the premiere orthos around here...
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PilotKiwi
Junior Member
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posted 02-22-2007 12:28 PM
Hi everyone, first off thank you to everyone for all of their information, I have been reading through all the previous pages of posts for days now. I just got my first set of aligners on Tuesday and like everyone else, I'm wondering what I got myself into. I have 18 for the top and 22 for the bottom, so I realize it won't be forever, but its hard to remember that right now. My tongue and lower gums are so sore I hate to even talk now (and I love to talk)... I hope it gets better!! Does anyone have a strange feeling in their top aligner when they drink?? Mine seems to feel like it gets tighter when I drink water, really strange! Talk to everyone soon. Sarah in Virgina.
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Jude
Junior Member
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posted 02-22-2007 10:27 PM
Well, Hi and Bye to everyone!
I had my meeting with the ortho today, and I'm not going to be doing the treatment after all. He actually said he recommended I NOT do it. Yes, I'm out a bit of money, but amazingly I'm not getting charged for the computer model, only for the x-rays and impressions. Basically, the medical reason I was doing it has resolved (ulcer on lip from biting), so the only reason I would proceed at this point would be for vanity's sake. That doesn't make sense. Of course, it is possible the teeth will move again and I could end up doing it at a later date. I guess that will be hanging over my head for awhile. Oh yes, one thing I wanted to say was that I asked the ortho about seeing the model before they make the trays, and he said they don't routinely show patients! That surprised me. And I have to say I like this ortho, think he is knowledgeable, patient-friendly, etc. So, that probably is a point for people coming here--ASK if you can see the model!
Anyway, thanks to all for being here, it's been very supportive to read all the posts and hear your stories. Good luck!!
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gr8get
Junior Member
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posted 02-24-2007 09:24 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Jude:
Thanks for the tip. It sounds like they were set to skip that step with me. A red flag in my eyes. I'll ask them about it. These guys are supposed to be the premiere orthos around here...
I didn't know about Clinicheck, and my ortho didn't mention it to me either. I know they've done a lot of work with Invisalign, and they have a good reputation. I wonder if there's any point to asking to see the Clinicheck now. I'm in my 3rd week of treatment (2nd set of plates) and will return to the ortho in 4 weeks to get new plates. Thoughts?
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gr8get
Junior Member
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posted 02-24-2007 09:30 PM
quote:
Originally posted by PilotKiwi:
Hi everyone, first off thank you to everyone for all of their information, I have been reading through all the previous pages of posts for days now. I just got my first set of aligners on Tuesday and like everyone else, I'm wondering what I got myself into. I have 18 for the top and 22 for the bottom, so I realize it won't be forever, but its hard to remember that right now. My tongue and lower gums are so sore I hate to even talk now (and I love to talk)... I hope it gets better!! Does anyone have a strange feeling in their top aligner when they drink?? Mine seems to feel like it gets tighter when I drink water, really strange! Talk to everyone soon. Sarah in Virgina.
Sarah in VA,
I just started Invisalign treatment (I'm on my second set of plates) and have had a lot of pain on the underside of my tongue. I had to go to my ortho twice to have the 1st lower plate ground down, which helped. I suggest you do the same. Someone on this board said he used a nail file! My second set is hurting my tongue in the same place, so I'm going to have to go back again. Yes, it does hurt to talk, and certain words hurt more than others. But it does get better over time.
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Jude
Junior Member
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posted 02-24-2007 11:07 PM
quote:
Originally posted by gr8get:
I didn't know about Clinicheck, and my ortho didn't mention it to me either. I know they've done a lot of work with Invisalign, and they have a good reputation. I wonder if there's any point to asking to see the Clinicheck now. I'm in my 3rd week of treatment (2nd set of plates) and will return to the ortho in 4 weeks to get new plates. Thoughts?
I thought it was an amazing experience to see the computer model. If at all possible, I'd recommend seeing it. It might not "do" anything to see it, but just so you know what's going on in your mouth. Who knows, it might even help those little molecules in your teeth move the right way :-)
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gr8get
Junior Member
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posted 02-25-2007 09:24 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Jude:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by gr8get:
[b] I didn't know about Clinicheck, and my ortho didn't mention it to me either. I know they've done a lot of work with Invisalign, and they have a good reputation. I wonder if there's any point to asking to see the Clinicheck now. I'm in my 3rd week of treatment (2nd set of plates) and will return to the ortho in 4 weeks to get new plates. Thoughts?
I thought it was an amazing experience to see the computer model. If at all possible, I'd recommend seeing it. It might not "do" anything to see it, but just so you know what's going on in your mouth. Who knows, it might even help those little molecules in your teeth move the right way :-)[/B][/QUOTE]Thanks for the advice! I'll definitely ask to see the Clinicheck computer model.
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Betsy
Preferred Member
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posted 02-25-2007 02:34 PM
I had no rough edges on my initial series of trays, but I have exprienced this with my refinement series.As many on the site have done, I used a nail file to smooth out the edges myself. Much more convenient than making an appointment to have the dentist do it. Faster too! quote:
Originally posted by gr8get:
Sarah in VA,
I just started Invisalign treatment (I'm on my second set of plates) and have had a lot of pain on the underside of my tongue. I had to go to my ortho twice to have the 1st lower plate ground down, which helped. I suggest you do the same. Someone on this board said he used a nail file! My second set is hurting my tongue in the same place, so I'm going to have to go back again. Yes, it does hurt to talk, and certain words hurt more than others. But it does get better over time.
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yma_angel
Junior Member
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posted 02-26-2007 11:03 PM
My Dentist, when telling me about invisalign.. even showed me clinichecks from other people! So I know i'll definitely get to see mine when the time comes..
I've currently got traditional braces on my lowers to stretch out the front teeth as I have one tooth behind the others, and the dentist is doing this so as to minamize the amount of IPR i'll need to get done.. It's painful.. And the inside of my lip is all cut up.. But.. Little bit of pain, Long Term Gain!!! is what I keep saying
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chashmish
Preferred Member
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posted 02-28-2007 03:38 PM
I'm at the end of my second set of trays. I go back to the ortho tomorrow to get some buttons put on my teeth. I'm a bit nervous that the buttons will make it incredibly difficult for me to get the trays off. Normally, I'd just bear along with it til I found a way that worked well for me, but I'm going on a business trip this weekend and won't have a lot of time to adjust to the change. :/
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cookie
Junior Member
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posted 02-28-2007 07:46 PM
you guys all seem pretty happy. I'm on my second day and I really hate it... The plastic is always there and I constantly wish I could take them out. It's not painful, but so annoying and thought consuming. Anyway, my major concern is that I can't talk so well with them on. I sound very lispy and mumbled. Does anyone have that problem? Should it go away? Does is feel more uncomfortable the first few days/weeks? Also, what are buttons? Any answers would be really helpful, thanks!!
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