Invisalign - What do we think?

[FrodoIsWet]

I've just had a consultation about getting my teeth sorted out. I went in with the expectation that I would need metal train tracks (I thought they were really bad) but the orthodontist who is very experienced seems to think I'm the ideal candidate for Invisalign instead.

I'm very tempted! Apart from the fact they are far less noticeable I asked about effectiveness (which he says is dependent on the orthodontist) visits to the dentist (which are every eight weeks- seems reasonable). It just seems...well a bit easy? Anyone have any experiences to help me with my decision? Or any questions I can ask him to prove further?

I currently have Invisalign and am just under halfway through my course.

Providing you are religious about wearing the aligners, it is as easy as they say. I've had to visit my orthodontist every 4 weeks or so, but the appointments have only been a few minutes each to check on progress and the fit of the aligners.

Some people have to have attachments put on their teeth to help with the movement, but that seems to be a bit of a lottery. I have twenty odd attachments, so basically one or two on each tooth. They're small filling type 'buttons', so not too noticeable as they're tooth coloured, though they definitely make the brace more visible than the examples I've seen where they aren't required.

I have invisalign. It's easy except:

1. every time you eat or drink something other than water, tea or coffee you have to take the trays out first with clean hands, store them and brush your teeth then put them back in. Bit of a faff at work or out and about.
2. for the first couple of weeks they feel very alien in your mouth. Talking is different and I lisped quite badly and produced a lot more saliva than normal. Over time this reduced though. I had very dry lips too.
3. every 2 weeks when I change trays the next set can feel really tight and uncomfortable for a day or two. Again, you get used to it.
4. if you need attachments (most candidates do), they shred your mouth while you are eating.

Plus sides:
Seeing the video animation of your projected smile is very exciting.
You can eat anything you like unlike train tracks where toffees etc are banned.
Having to faff around taking the trays out is quite a good deterrent for eating on the go, snacking etc so it's good for weight loss.
I had an extreme crossover and noticed an improvement in my smile very quickly which was great.

I did need a mid course correction as some of my teeth didn't move exactly as intended- it's a complex sequence of rotation and tugging teeth in a particular order- so it has taken nearly 18 months so far. 100 % worth it though.

Oh my so mostly positive so far! I really appreciate your experiences. I'm so so tempted! I just can't believe how simple it seems. Definitely sounds a faff having to brush all the time but I'd certainly be pleased at losing a few pounds

I'm a bit concerned about having a nice glass of wine as well 🤔 I like to sip at a glass on a weekend evening and I'd have to take them out for that right?

Yes you have to take them out to drink wine. Even the little storage box reminds you that 22 out of 24 hours is the optimal wear time. I had gin and tonic with them in occasionally although it's not recommended as the sugar / sweeteners become trapped under the trays and do a lot of damage to the teeth. Now I don't drink due to a health condition and my DH has a drink problem so I just have water or coffee.

God! You would think that coffee would stain way worse than a glass of prosecco!

One of the best things I ever did. Gave me so much more confidence to have straight teeth. Yes it’s a faff to have to keep taking them out to eat and drink (it curbed my drinking for the year and a bit they were in) but you get used to brushing your teeth at the sink in public loos while people stare at you as if you’re nuts!!
Its 18 months since I finished and i wear my retainer braces nearly every night and they’re still as straight as they were when I finished. If you’ve got the money I say do it

How much roughly do they cost? I have two teeth at the top that overlap - would it be worth doing purely for that alone as the rest of my teeth are fairly straight. Thanks

Coffee does stain them slightly but as long as it's sugar free it won't damage the teeth. Wine does do damage as it's so sugary. Red wine would definitely stain them

I had it done 2 years ago. It took 18 months and cost over £4000 but I don’t regret it for a moment. You get used to the aligners quite quickly and after a while you forget they are there

I think it depends on the complexity of your teeth. The leaflet I was given says FULL Invisalign £3900. FULL with extractions £4400 LITE treatment £2800 SINGLE arch £2100 etc

3.5k included all my scans, the trays, appointments, attachment fitting and removal, mid course correction as required, postage of trays from USA where they were made, whitening treatment afterwards, long term retainers which are thicker plastic to wear a couple of nights a week forever basically. So no hidden costs. I paid upfront and saved £400 or you could do interest free credit with my orthodontist.

Oh and I get a wire fitted behind my teeth permanently at the end too.
Two orthodontists wanted to extract teeth but the one I chose didn't. Definitely don't rush choosing a practice and get a few opinions. All cases are different.

I paid about 3000 in total

Best thing I ever did too, I love my teeth! I would agree with everything that has been said by PPs, apart from I didn't find the attachments bothersome.

Make sure you like the person doing it as you will be seeing them a lot!

I also have a bonded wire on my top and bottom front teeth and have to wear a retainer at night.

It's a big commitment, so bear that in mind. You really do have to wear them at least 22 hours a day. And there is a lot of teeth and retainer cleaning involved, it can get tiresome but sort of becomes part of your normal routine.

When I first had them in my mouth really retaliated for the first week! Ulcers, sore throat etc - I was thinking what have I done! That soon passes though.

I can't ever imagine saying that I love my teeth! definitely tempted and loving hearing the experiences

I'm finishing in a few weeks and actually don't like the thought of not wearing my trays anymore during the day. My teeth feel too thin without them now! It's weird how quickly you adapt.

I'm about halfway through the programme - I have very wonky teeth and am also pretty dental phobic so it was a big deal for me to sign up. I would echo all the comments about snacking and cleaning teeth being a bit of a drag, plus my teeth feel a bit wobbly and sore when eating. I had mouth ulcers to start with. As well as attachments i had to have my teeth filed, which was mildly unpleasant but manageable. I sprayed people with spit a couple of times when talking and my speech was a bit lispy initially but that has improved.
On the plus side I can already see changes in my lower teeth. I've always been embarrassed about them but after a traumatic experience at the dentist as a kid, never thought i could do anything about them. I feel very encouraged so far. If i can tolerate it anyone can!
I got a good deal during a promotion at my dentist. I'll pay about £2k overall. Initial payment of 500 then i pay as i go.

Ellabella989 If you just have 2 front teeth that need straightening, might be worth looking into the Inman Aligner. Quicker & cheaper, though not as popular and more limited in what it can fix. Only corrects the front 6, so might be fine for you. It's still a removable brace, though a little more obvious than Invisalign, but I only had mine for about 14 weeks so didn't mind

Go for it. I am so happy with mine.

They are fantastic, provided you wear them 22 out of 24 hours a day, only take them out for eating and drinking other than water. If you have a special occasion or are going out drinking, leave them out for a day but add an extra dsyfor that aligned, so younsuually wear each one for a week, if you leave thwmout for a day, wear them for 8 days total.

Do not drink hot drinks with them they are plastic aligners so heat will distort them and you will not get the straight result you want.

I had train tracks as an adult so can't comment specifically on Invasilign but I will say that whatever method you choose, you won't forget straightening your teeth.

The difference it has made to my whole life is immense.

Always wondered about doing this. Do your teeth go wobbly when they’re moving?

@doodlejump1980 when having any form of braces your teeth can feel like they are very very slightly moving when you take the trays out or have you braces off, most people don't notice it though, but because you're moving teeth through bone the bone needs a short time after treatment to settle back around the teeth.

They do not feel wobbly loke they'll fall out, and they definitely won't.. provided you go to a reputable dentist trained in orthodontics.

From what I remember when I had my braces off, my lower front teeth felt a little fragile after, like I was a bit sceptical about biting into thing for a few days but only a few days.

Well I was inspired by the positive stories both here and on reddit! I phoned this afternoon to go ahead with treatment and have been booked in for my first four appointments. Apparently they take impressions at the first, I see the projected outcome on the second appointment, the third they are fitted and the fourth I get my attachments. How exciting (and also scary!)