Straight teeth - Invisalign?

[CarlGrimesMissingEye]

I'm about to book a free consultation with a local, well reviewed, private dentist for a discussion about teeth straightening. Mine are so haphazard I'm starting to feel self conscious as well as the fact that cleaning properly is a struggle.

They offer invisible braces (Invisalign) which I like the sound of if they'd be suitable. Has anyone had these?

I'd be interested to hear people's experiences and any ideas for the sorts of questions I should ask when I'm there. I've never had any medical stuff done just for cosmetics so in a total novice.

[FeliciaJollygoodfellow]

I believe if your teeth are just crooked and not really misaligned then it might be a good option.

If there's serious movement needed then train tracks are probably what you need.

[CarlGrimesMissingEye]

Thanks for the heads up felicia. I may be too severe then. No harm in seeing what they say and getting a price. At this stage I'd take tracks if I have to. I'm starting to hate my teeth

[sallievp]

I had invisalign in 2010...one of the best things i have done for my appearance. My teeth were quite crooked and they have been improved a lot. Not a hollywood smile but i am very happy with the result...i used q clinic, harley st.
Ill post a before and after pic tomoro

[IndulgeMe]

I've had them for very wonky teeth too, but the first orthodontist I tried was honest enough to say she didn't have enough experience.
I needed some teeth out and some hidden train tracks before I got the Invisalign braces. It was fairly stress-free, although having to take them out for lunch and brush my teeth at work before putting them back in was a bit of a nuisance. And I stopped wearing them before I was properly finished because they cut my mouth and tongue and I got fed up. I kept the first and last retainers though, and the difference is amazing. They have moved back a little now (+10 years) but they're still much improved.

[BravoHopeful]

I had Invisalign 15 years ago. It worked. My teeth were quite crooked and are now straight. It took more than 2 years, and I still have a permanent thin metal bar behind my teeth to stop them shifting back (I don't notice it being there.). It was really painful at times (but would have been with any type of brace - the pain was the teeth moving.)

I went to the London Lingual Centre on Harley Street. Very expensive, but they knew exactly what they were doing.

[CarlGrimesMissingEye]

Thanks all. My local NHS dentist has recommended a local place for me (I'm north east) so I see no harm in taking up the free consultation. I'd love to see some before and after pics, thanks!

I don't need perfection, but vast improvement would be superb.

[retainertrainer]

I had ceramic train tracks-best thing I ever did and I was only self conscious of them for a couple of days.

[IndulgeMe]

I'm north east too Carl, Mr Stubley did mine, he's a really nice guy:
www.acklamsmiles.co.uk

[OOAOML]

I'm about 4/5 of the way through mine, although apparently I will need some 'refinements' (more aligners then) afterwards. It is a massive commitment, and you need to be organised about having toothbrushes etc with you, planning for any long meals/social events but it makes a real difference.