Invisalign - do you have to get the white lumpy bits?

[Mrstumbletap]

Hi, had my consultation about getting Invisalign. Was really excited and booked my first 1 hour appointment for mounds, photos etc next week. But then they told me I have to get the white tooth coloured lumps put all over my teeth and when I looked at photos on the Internet of others with them, I'm shocked!

I thought it was just the clear gum shields, and it would be discreet, now I'm thinking maybe this is not for me.

Anyone had it and can share their experience? Or photos?

[OOAOML]

I've read that article before. She has a lot more attachments than I think is standard. And I've found the aligners are tight at the start of each two week period (obviously, because they're moving your teeth) but by the end of it they're easier and you can leave them off slightly longer - my dentist helped me plan around events that involved dinners, eg I had one aligner in for 3 weeks to make it easier to go to a big work event with a spaced-out dinner. I don't wear make up very often so don't have any experience of the lipstick problem.

There is a lot of brushing, and I'm more aware of which foods are acidic, etc - but this can be good for your teeth!

I think whatever means you end up going for, if you want your teeth straightened there will be tough aspects to it. Does your dentist only offer invisalign? Have you thought of looking for a dentist or orthodontist that offers a range of treatments?

[DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen]

www.popsugar.co.uk/beauty/11-Things-I-Wish-Id-Known-Before-I-Got-Invisalign-36850989

This is an interesting read especially about them staining.

[DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen]

My son had Damon braces and tbh I think I prefer them to those white bumps OP. They looked like braces and people knew what they were. They were off in 9 months they worked so quickly, his front teeth uncrossed within the first 24 hours,it was incredible!

[OOAOML]

People don't notice your teeth that close up. People mainly know about my Invisalign because I stopped having hot drinks at work and snacking. Plus I've been going off to clean my teeth and put my aligner back in. A few people have said 'oh but your teeth are straight' - which they are now

When I had my first assessment they projected how many aligners it would take to get the desired result - I was given a couple of options, and shown how much the teeth could move with each. I chose the longer and more expensive path, and I'm now at the end of it and going in to pick my retainer options.

I suppose it depends what the main factors are for you. My daughter had train tracks and she had a lot of trouble with bands coming off etc, and having to cut up apples very small. The attraction of Invisalign for me wasn't the appearance, it was the practicality of being able to take them out to eat. Although you do have to be very disciplined about cleaning your teeth after meals and making sure you wear them enough.

I genuinely don't think they're all that visible - and not everyone has loads of attachments, it depends how much your teeth need to move - but if anyone is close enough to my mouth to be noticing them, then they're hopefully someone I'm not bothered about knowing IYSWIM?

[taybert]

Those photos are just photos of someone's mouth close up though aren't they? And you don't usually just go looking at people directly in the mouth.

They obviously aren't completely invisible, I've known a few people who have had them and I have noticed. But (and here's the important bit), I haven't said anything to them, or stood staring, I've just though "oh, they've got one of those things" then carried on with my day.

Obviously you need to look at what would be the best solution for you, cost, time, end result and how you look whilst you have them are all factors to consider, but I would say anyone who said anything to you about them would either be curious (probably because they wanted one, in which case you are amongst friends) or a dick (and they would be a dick whatever).

[Mrstumbletap]

Exactly and you don't know how many attachments you will get until you hand over £500. Here is the dilemma

[volume37number5]

Actually, having seen what others have said about their Invisalign not being noticeable, maybe it was my lack of attachments that made them more noticeable 🤔😄

[EMS23]

Those photos are awful - my DH's didn't look anything like that!!

[volume37number5]

I get you Mrsstumbletap. The last thing I've ever wanted to draw attention to is my teeth, so I too was worried about how noticeable it would be. I'll be honest, some people have noticed, some haven't. My first few aligners really didn't fit that well & many people noticed within a few seconds. I work in a very public facing role, where I have lots of one to ones, sitting fairly close to people. They just were noticeable on me. Since then the fit has been better but some people have still spotted them. And those are just the people who have commented of course. I'm pretty sure others have spotted them, but haven't mentioned it. People have been lovely though, & many of those who noticed have had braces themselves, or known others who've have clear braces. Really, when they do notice most people talk about it for a few minutes and then frankly want to discuss more interesting!! For me they've not been invisible, but it has been well worth it, so try not to let that put you off. Oh, and funnily enough the two people who didn't notice for ages were my best friend & my mum!

[Yika]

I had invisalign and had actually forgotten that I also had the bumps - you really hardly notice them (I had 4, two up, 2 down). Was really happy with the whole treatment - no pain, almost invisible, comfortable, easy to use. I really didn't want train tracks in my 40s. I don't have a behind-the-teeth wire retainer now - I wear one of my old invisalign retainers once a week at night, that's all. Highly recommended.

[Liara]

My sister said the only people who ever notice anything at all are young children, who tend to notice that her teeth are shiny.

If you look closely it does look like in those photos, but honestly only if you are really looking closely (i.e. me trying to see whether she had them on or not, knowing that she wears them).

In those photos, if those people were holding their mouths naturally you would not notice them.

[Mrstumbletap]

More examples, I think Invisalign is a bit naughty really as all the brochures and adverts just show it as clear trays on very smiling faces, there is no mention or pictures of the attachments, which are clearly visible.

More examples below

[Liara]

My sister had invisalign and you could really not tell she had them on unless you knew, it was awesome.

It was also worked really well, she has had lots of other orthodontic treatment with poor results.

[Mrstumbletap]

You are right, I know. But if/when I have the Invisalign what terrifies me is this conversation:

"What's that on your teeth?"
Or worse - weird staring at my teeth.
I then have to say "oh I have Invisalign"
"What's that?"
"A brace because my teeth are crooked and horrible". Then I draw attention to my horrible teeth

These are examples off google

[Mrsmorton]

People don't see them, the only people who put your teeth under such scrutiny are you and your dentist.

OP, you should be looking for what is the best solution for your teeth rather than the easiest method that you can get a deal for (ethically questionable on the part of the dentist).

I hope your dentist will explain fully what the white lumps are for so you understand why they are so important.

[Mrstumbletap]

You guys are great thank you I have read all your comments and ey have made me want Invisalign even more.

I rang the dentist today and said I'm just a bit hesitant and would they honour the deal if they give me a few more weeks to think about it, they said yes which is great.

In an ideal world I would not have the attachments as I just feel I would be so self conscious, and I'm self conscious enough with my teeth, without people then looking at bumps and plastic on them. But at least that would be temporary.

When I have researched photos of people with the attachments I still don't understand how people would not see them. I will put a few google images below to show you what I mean.

[sallievp]

Sorry for delayed reply! No def didnt eat with them in....actually a good side effect was me not eating so often as i would have to remove them, eat then clean teeth and brace and put back in...also couldnt drink hot drinks wearing them!

[volume37number5]

Have to say, I've been really good at keeping them in them in for at least 20-22 hours a day with the exception of 3 or 4 occasions. Don't know if that's made the process quicker. Let us know how you get on op.

[Pallisers]

May I ask how long you have had the Invisalign on for? Is it ever possible to get them on for less than a year?

I was told it would take about 9 months. My teeth weren't too bad but weren't great either. It will probably take a bit more than that but I definitely don't do the 20 hours a day they recommend. If I did, I suspect I'd be finished by now.

As an aside, my teeth have never been whiter or cleaner because you brush and floss after every meal - it is incredible the difference it makes.

[GummyBunting]

I have invisalign in now, have had for 18 months and about 9 to go. My teeth were awful but the difference is remarkable.

Nobody has ever notice the buttons, ever. I have had the buttons put on, removed, and put back on in different places 3 times. They sort of guide the invisalign in the right place. I'm happy to answer any questions about the process.

Oh also, one of my teeth was so far back i had metal train tracks on 3 teeth, with my invisalign on top, so have experience with both types. Invisalign don't hurt half as much.

[IJustAteTheKidsFoodAgain]

Would add I have to see the hygienist a lot now though, I have the wire and despite flossing, dentisticks and regular brushing I do get plaque build up on the wire

[IJustAteTheKidsFoodAgain]

Same as PPs, I had terrible teeth so had the bumps, no one noticed them, could not believe the difference with so little pain, so fast and honestly quite often not wearing them at work so I could eat chocolates if I ever mentioned my braces to colleagues they were really shocked I had them and even DH didn't realise I had them for ages. I love my teeth now

[EMS23]

My DH has Invisalign and bumps for just under a year, last year. Money very well spent. He had awful teeth and no one knew about the Invisalign unless we told them.
He found them mostly painless, easy to use (I.e. On/off for meals) etc..
He has a wire on back of teeth now and he is so happy with his teeth.
Go for it!!

[Summer23]

I went for Invisalign after doing a bit of research and going to an orthodontist and cosmetic dentist. I wouldn't worry about the bumps on the teeth, I had a few and as they're near enough the same colour as your teeth, they're not too visible. Mine were on for just over the year and I'm delighted with the results. I decided on Invisalign mainly because you can take them out for a few hours if you have a night out or special occasion. I was also advised that the white braces stain easily.

[volume37number5]

Yes, it was June this year. The brand is Clear Smile. I was originally told approx 8 months but things seemed to have moved more quickly. I have an appointment next week & he said that might be it, or there will be just another few trays (max 6 weeks) so hope to be done by xmas. My main problem on upper teeth was the 2 teeth on either side of 2 front teeth were moving behind the front teeth, if that makes sense. I was told it would only get worse so decided to go for it. To be honest I wasn't really bothered about bottom teeth (although they were probably worse) but was told they had to do lower ones at the same time. Might have got it wrong about the severity of crowding on lower, but was definitely moderate. My one regret was not taking photos as things have progressed but I'm going to ask the dentist if he can email me the before pics when I finish treatment (they take lots before you start).