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Original poster

Those that have had Invisalign….

32 replies

xSummerStarsx · 02/10/2015 09:46

How long from deciding you wanted it/ first consultation with the orthodontist etc to actually having them fitted?

My dentist is so booked up and busy that the process is going to take forever I think!!

I had my first, initial consultation last week and I don’t have my second until the 21st Oct! What does the second consultation entail? I’m hoping x-rays at least? I then have a hygienist appointment a couple of days later. Which appointment did they do the moulds?

Sorry for all the Q’s but I’d really like to have my trays fitted by Dec, as otherwise I’m looking at the New Year!

OP posts:
sonata1 · 02/10/2015 11:03

4-6 weeks if I remember.They are always really booked up and the retainers are made in the US and sent over.Keep ringing for any cancellations before 21st October.

MadisonMontgomery · 02/10/2015 12:51

Think it was about 2 months? Not ages but it felt like it! I'm on my 4th set of trays and really pleased so far, I can already see a difference.

MadisonMontgomery · 02/10/2015 12:52

Second appointment they did the moulds, X-rays and also repair to a root canal.

Original poster
xSummerStarsx · 02/10/2015 13:40

Argh, they haven't said what they are going to do on this next appointment. They just did an initial consultation with me for both an Inman Aligner and Invisalign, looked at my teeth, discussed what I'd want done, showed me an inman aligner and Invisalign trays, printed out a quote for each with a payment plan if I was doing that option and said to call them if I wanted to go ahead.

I called them a couple of days later, said yes, I wanted to go ahead with Invisalign and so they booked me an appointment with the same Orthadontist, I booked a hygienist appointment for 2 days later as in the initial consultation he said I'd need one of those before the fitting and that was that. The receptionist didn't say what the appointment would entail/ how long appointment is.

I think I'm going to ring up after work and just ask them to tell me exactly what will be happening on the 21st as if they turn around and say something like 'oh it's just a second consultation, they won't do anything.' or 'oh just x-rays, moulds will be a few weeks after.' I'll be a bit meh as i'd really like to get the moulds and x-rays out of the way and get a confirmed date for the fitting.

Glad you're seeing a difference Madison, i'm so excited!!

OP posts:
sonata1 · 02/10/2015 14:59

The first week you will have a very sore mouth and gums. I could have jacked it all in then. But persevere because it will settle. Buy a bottle of Difflam Oral rinse (forget corsodyl). I would say that the first week is the worst . After that your mouth will get used to the aligners.

Google "things I wish I had known about Invisilign" This is very helpful so you know what to expect, what is normal settling in and what might entail a visit to your Orthodontist.

I am nearly a year down the line. Not quite finished yet but near enough. My teeth get lots of compliments. When I see the photos of the before pics I am amazed at the change.

Original poster
xSummerStarsx · 02/10/2015 15:41

Oh god, I hadn't thought of the pain aspect. I'm a total WUSS with pain! Argh.

BUT, I want straight teeth more than anything so I WILL persevere!

OP posts:
sonata1 · 02/10/2015 15:53

Haha... a couple of paracetomol will help. I must admit that the first week I was wondering why I had ever started it. It was only the thought of how much I had paid that kept me going !

Cheerfulmarybrown · 02/10/2015 16:04

I went to an orthodontist who did scans rather than moulds. So at second appointment scans,photos, x rays were taken and then 2 weeks later I had my first set of invisalign. He told me it was quicker and that it takes 6 weeks from the moulds to get the first retainers - no idea if that is true.

I have hated having invisalign and found them really hard to fit into my lifestyle. Not the discomfort, that has been fine and I have never needed to take painkillers. It was more the removing for drinking eating etc and having to be in places where you could clean your teeth and retainers. I didn't realise how often I would eat on the go and how out and about my life style was until I got the retainers:)

sonata1 · 02/10/2015 16:33

I agree. It's a massive commitment and very expensive so you must absolutely want to do it come what may. CMB is right. You can't eat with them in so constant snacking is out. You need to take them out before meals and then brush/floss your teeth and put them back in. My ortho said that the optimum time they should be worn was 18 hours a day ! Not always possible I admit. I have a habit of mislaying the aligners as they are clear.Mr Sonata despairs of me.Mind you he has them too plus wired ones on the bottom teeth.

Cel982 · 02/10/2015 16:40

I found them really convenient, once the pain of the first week had settled. Just carried a toothbrush and travel-sized paste in my handbag for eating out and about. It does make you think twice about snacking or reaching for the tin of biscuits in a quiet moment at work, but that's usually no harm...
I'd imagine they'll do the moulds at your next appointment, that's how it worked for me anyway.

OOAOML · 02/10/2015 16:50

18 hours - I was told 22! More like 20/21 to be honest - I feel like I'm on the clock to eat a big enough meal to keep me going, but it is radically cutting down my snacking. Although I'm finding it hard to fit in eating fruit, I hadn't realised how often I just eat an apple or grapes at my desk. Second tray next week - took me a couple of days to be able to cope with taking them out without serious wincing, but it has eased.

I had an appointment to chat it through, then an appointment to take moulds. Took a few weeks after that to get my first aligner.

Cheerfulmarybrown · 02/10/2015 17:26

I was told 22 hours too.

They ruin an evening out having a drink. Instead of making a glass of wine last all evening I had to drink it really quickly and the spend the rest of the evening watching my friends drink:(I was told I could drink tea and coffee with them in but they staining on my teeth was horrendous so you can only safely drink water.

I hoped I would lose weight by not snacking but I became a binge eater and would eat massive meals as I could not face taking out cleaning etc so I think I am the only person who put on weight wearing invisalign

All first world problems and show how stuck in my ways I am. I do have nice straight teeth now but they move a lot and I am having to wear my retainer as soon as I get in from work not just at bedtime.

mulberrybag · 02/10/2015 17:42

Fwiw I started the same treatment just before Christmas last year and I have to say that it was a total mistake! I really wish I'd waited a month, it's the most social time of the year and if you're anything like me constantly stuffing in festive food! As well as the fact that they ache like crazy they take a bit of getting used to appearance wise. So my advice would be - enjoy Christmas and set an appointment up early Jan and crack on then but that's just me and my absolute love of December being a free for all food wise Grin

Ujjayi · 03/10/2015 01:45

I considered Invalign then chsnged my mind & went for fixed braces. Initially I had the so-called clear version but they discolour quickly & are not invisible even when freshly applied. So I switched to metal which were quicker, stronger & looked & felt cleaner. Highly recommend.

LowerBackPain · 03/10/2015 01:49

Not to disappoint you but I wore Invisalign and my teeth were better with the gaps closed, but I could not wear the retainers at night because they gave me headaches and could not sleep, so my teeth moved back quickly and more or less lost the treatment. So I would recommend based on my experience to be disciplined about wearing the retainers at night.

OOAOML · 03/10/2015 09:12

Thanks Lower I've been thinking about this, and if I'm paying out this much money I want to make sure they don't move back. I've been talking to my dentist about getting a fixed bar to retain them, as well as wearing the retainer.

What I'm finding really annoying just now is people who say 'oh but your teeth are fine'. I've been thinking about this for years, I've had gum problems and difficulties keeping my lower front teeth clean because of the crowding, and I'm paying out four figures for this - clearly I think they're not fine. Sorry - rant over.

sonata1 · 03/10/2015 09:26

My bottom teeth are now all in line. I had a fixed wire behind the teeth put on last week to keep them from moving back.I must have forgotten that he told me this . It's a bit of a pain (not literally) as it means that you can't floss and you can feel it with your tongue.It took about a week for my tongue to get used to it and for the soreness to go.I suspect that I will need to have one behind the top teeth as well. He mentioned that it would be for at least 3 years !!

Boofhead · 03/10/2015 09:48

I've just finished my Invisalign, and overall am really happy I did it. It took about 4 weeks after the second appointment to get the aligners.

The pain isn't bad, so don't worry. Nothing a couple of paracetamol won't sort. You just need your gums to toughen up a bit, and then it's fine! Get a nail file to the edges if they hurt.

The one thing I would say, is add on 3-6 months to how long they tell you it will take. I found out after my last aligner that I had to wear a different aligner and gradually reduce how long I wore it for. I was gutted - I thought I'd come to the end, and ended up with an additional 3 months of full-time wear. Don't want to depress you - it's just something I wish I'd know from the start.

Good luck.

Original poster
xSummerStarsx · 03/10/2015 09:58

Oh my god OOAMOL- people keep saying that to me too. I admit my teeth aren't horrendous BUT 2 of my front teeth have always stuck out slightly. I hate smiling or laughing as I feel I look 'goofy' and it really impacts on my confidence!

My dentist told me I'd have a fixed bar retainer on the back of my teeth for 2 years after having the treatment IN ADDITION to the retainers you wear at night.

God I'm hoping this is all a success! Costing enough!

OP posts:
sonata1 · 03/10/2015 11:04

It will be worth it in the end Summer but it's good to know all the twists and turns so that you are prepared and nothing comes as a shock. As Boofhead says it will last longer than you think. You may well have "refinement" aligners afterwards.In lay terms, they estimate the number of aligners needed for the job but it will invariably entail extra ones as teeth don't always move according to their computer generated sequences.As I said, google Things I wish I had known about aligners(or similar) and you will get people's experiences.

MadisonMontgomery · 08/10/2015 11:10

Just wanted to say I haven't had any pain with the aligners - it feels a little bit tender when I first put a new tray in but not bad at all. It is a bit annoying having to take them in & out to eat but you do adapt to it. With drinks, my dentist said only cool water - but I just drink whatever I want with a straw so it isn't on the aligners & I haven't noticed any staining at all.

Original poster
xSummerStarsx · 08/10/2015 14:07

So, I had my second ‘consultation’ today. My first was literally them looking at my teeth (this practice isn’t my normal dentist) and talking through different types of braces etc with me, giving me prices.

Second consultation today involved taking x-rays and doing moulds, taking photos etc. Fine.

As I leave he says ‘So you’ll need to book another appointment for a weeks’ time for more x-rays and moulds, these moulds will be sent to invisalign to do your trays from. You will also be referred to another practice for a bigger x-ray of your whole jaw etc.’

Turns out todays were a ‘new patient examination’ as I’m new to the practice. I’m a bit annoyed tbh as it’s just yet MORE time wasted. I now have to take MORE time off work for yet more moulds and x-rays and now have to wait another 3 weeks before I can have my appointment for my Invisalign moulds done. Bit annoying.

I really want my invisalign now, I’m so impatient lol!

OP posts:
OOAOML · 08/10/2015 23:23

That's annoying they didn't make that clear. I didn't have x-rays but I think I had some fairly recently at that practice. On my second aligner now - tricky to get on and off the first day but not as bad as the first. My mouth is feeling drier so I'm trying to drink more water. Missing my peppermint tea at work though!

mammmamia · 08/10/2015 23:55

Thank you for starting this thread OP. I've got a first consultation next week and I am also looking at the Inman and Invisalign. Can I ask why you chose Invisalign? I'm really keen on the Inman from what I've read. Thanks.

aBrightNewDay · 09/10/2015 05:55

Seriously - wait until January.