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Original poster

Invisalign- tell me to woman up!

228 replies

SharyBobbins · 02/05/2019 17:12

I had a consultation for Invisalign today and I'm in turmoil! I'm hoping some of you may have already had it or be in the middle of having it and are willing to help talk me off the ceiling!
I have an irrational fear of dentist so just sitting in the waiting room today had me in tears. I've been that distracted all day I've only just realised I've not had lunch (not like me at all!).
The thing is that I hate my smile. I try not to smile, not let people sit a certain side of me (my crooked top teeth are more noticeable on one side that the other). In every photo my lips are firmly sealed. I cry at the thought of living the rest of my adult life being so self-conscious. I want to be confident for me and for my little girl. That Jess Glynne song (Thursday?) makes me cry in the car. Despite all of that, having never even had a filling, I am terrified of interfering with my teeth when I don't "need" to. The dentist said I'd need them on the top and the bottom (which also made me upset as I thought the bottoms were alright). I'll need to wear them for 9-12 months in total. I think I can be disciplined enough to maximise their potential during and after with the retainer. But I'm getting put off as from what I have read they aren't really "invisible". The adhesive dots which they attach to your teeth seem to ruin that and given my front two teeth are the issue I imagine I'd need some on there. I keep swinging between thinking I just accept my imperfections and leave it to thinking that sorting my smile will genuinely improve my confidence and if I can then why shouldn't it. I'm also scared of being even more self conscious due to having plastic and random dots in my mouth 22 hours a day but on the other hand I'm so self conscious of my teeth anyway so I might as well be a tad more self conscious for the next year or so and possibly come out with some good results.
Can anyone offer any advice or experience?
Sorry for ramble. My DH isn't home yet and when I talked this through with my toddler she didn't care enough to offer any good advice Wink

OP posts:
Thread gallery
10
hullaballoonie · 10/05/2019 16:46

Top tip for getting the aligners out without having a panic, wear a disposable latex glove, the type that dentists wear. You can get boxes of them from Amazon. You will look a bit odd but they really help with gripping the plastic.

hullaballoonie · 10/05/2019 16:48

Regarding needing extra trays, yes this can happen and did happen to me, I had 14 trays, then a further 8 trays for corrections. As long as you go into it knowing this fan happen its not a shock, my dentist had pretty much told me this would be a given so I knew I wouldn't be finished after the first stage.

FromEden · 10/05/2019 17:19

Top tip for getting the aligners out without having a panic, wear a disposable latex glove, the type that dentists wear. You can get boxes of them from Amazon. You will look a bit odd but they really help with gripping the plastic

Or a paper towel has the same effect. That's what I use. Probably still looks a bit odd though!

gotmychocolateimgood · 10/05/2019 17:21

I use a teaspoon to take mine out.

hullaballoonie · 10/05/2019 20:24

@FromEden I have quite a strong gag reflex and paper towels made me wretch! Gloves worked really well though.

NowYouListenToMeFella · 25/05/2019 08:23

@SharyBobbins did you decide to go ahead in the end? If so, how are you getting on?

Original poster
SharyBobbins · 31/05/2019 15:36

NowYouListen I did!
Just came on here to update having been to my second appointment today. I've had the x-rays, moulds etc done and coped with that better than I thought. It was a bit uncomfortable (more because it feels invasive rather than painful- there was no pain at all) but I'm glad I went back. Should be wearing them by mid-July the way things are going. The dentist had a good look at my teeth and gums and said that the tightness between my teeth is starting to impact on the heath on my gums a little so from that point of view, as well as the obvious cosmetic one, I'm glad I'm getting it done. I just need to keep reminding myself that this isn't a massive deal. It's just a brace! (Still feels like a massive deal to me though!!)

OP posts:
AGirlHasNoShame · 31/05/2019 16:58

It's not a massive deal honestly! Barely anyone has even noticed although they look SO obvious to me. I'm a teacher and not one kid has mentioned them (and we all know how personal kids are!)

It will fly by! I start 5 out of 25 in a couple of days.

I know what you mean about the moulds, it was quite invasive, the attachments are similar, although I have loads! You might not have as many. Have you seen your clincheck yet?

Original poster
SharyBobbins · 31/05/2019 20:37

No I think he said something about that at the next appointment- what is it?

Can you tell me a bit more about what it's like to have the attachments put on please? I made DH go with me today, I'm such a wimp!!

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AGirlHasNoShame · 01/06/2019 10:36

It's a computer generated model of your teeth the way they are now, you click play and it shows them all sliding into place and your projected end result. It's a complete joy Grin

The attachments( I'm not sure of the technical terms for all the equipment but I'll try!)...well they put a thing in your mouth to hold your lips back then they dry your teeth with a little tool then apply the glue to your teeth. The glue doesn't taste very nice but honestly it disappears quite quickly afterwards. Then they put in trays that already have the attachments in them and hold them down firmly for a couple of minutes. Once they remove the trays they go along your attachments with a light thing which I take it hardens the glue underneath. Afterwards they use the tool the hygienist used to buff the glue off around the attachments and you're done!

None of it is painful I swear! Just invasive and annoying. My attachments are really hard to see without the trays in, although they look really obvious to me with them in.

It's obviously a little harder to take the trays out with the attachments in but there is a knack to it and you'll get to know the best way for how your own attachments are placed. I do have loads though, 27! And I've been able to get them off easy enough from them being applied.

Sorry for the essay! Let me know if I haven't covered anything

Original poster
SharyBobbins · 01/06/2019 19:54

Oh no I haven't seen that yet! I HATED him taking pictures of my teeth though! I think I'll probably have a little cry when I see the start of the video. Hopefully it will keep me motivated though.

I had the thing in my mouth to hold my lips back yesterday! It felt so weird and I kept dying to laugh. Not looking forward to doing that again but from what you have described above I think I'll cope okay with the next steps, thank you for sharing what it entails.

Was anyone recommended any particular toothpaste and mouthwash to use when you have invisalign?

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AGirlHasNoShame · 01/06/2019 20:27

I also hated getting my pictures done! I have a way of smiling that hides the worst parts and I couldn't get away with it. Also every time I get a check up he brings up my file on the computer and it's not a pre approved picture of me where you can see my hideous teeth in all their glory

I have been using non whitening toothpaste as I'm worried it could leave discoloured marks where the attachments were. As to mouthwash I picked up corsodol (sp?) non alcohol so I could swish with trays in

Have you checked out the Invisalign reddit? It's fab, although there is a lot of bitching about pain so take it lightly. For example many seem to think the first week was 'agonising' but honestly it's nothing an anadin doesn't take away. Oh! I also read on there not to take ibuprofen as it 'slows' the movement of teeth so good old anadin extra is my best friend.

Try filtering the Invisalign reddit by top post of all time to see some serious amazing and inspiring teeth transformations!

BuzzShitbagBobbly · 01/06/2019 20:45

Longer term use of corsodyl will stain your teeth - beware.

DuchessOfBallybrack · 01/06/2019 20:50

hullaballoonie, your teeth are gorgeous now. I had the traditional metal braces, after my DC, so I was not just an adult but I was old enough that my cheeky dd asked me ''what's the point at your age Mum?'' but I'm glad I did!

Did you have to go back to the dentist every two weeks with the invisalign? I wasn't suitable for invisalign, my bite needed too much correction.

AGirlHasNoShame · 01/06/2019 21:20

Why is that Buzz?

NowYouListenToMeFella · 04/06/2019 13:15

Sharybobbins well done on surviving the orthodontist visit and making the decision to go for it. Keep us updated.

Original poster
SharyBobbins · 07/06/2019 14:55

I will do, thank you! I'll definitely be back here for more advice and hand holding!

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SophoclesTheFox · 20/06/2019 09:51

I missed your updates shary, but that all sounds fab!

I was at the dentist yesterday for my normal check up and we discussed Invisalign again. This time he noticed that my clustering bottom teeth have started to “compromise” one of them, which makes it sound like a spy, but is apparently Bad News.

So enough is enough, I have bitten the bullet (surely bad for your teeth), and signed on the dotted line! I get my initial x ray on Monday and off we go. Am weirdly excited Grin.

effiehabb · 20/06/2019 09:58

My mum got braces at 63, she wore them for 16 months, it flew by, says its best thing she ever did! No-one batted an eye. You can do this op!

Original poster
SharyBobbins · 20/06/2019 20:09

Sophocles so are you getting invisalign too? I'm still terrified but excited for (fingers crossed) this time next year too!

effie your mum is my new hero!

I've got my clincheck appointment tomorrow. The nerves have kicked back in!

I'm going to start a invisalign shopping list Smile so far I have retainer brite, latex gloves and a clear mouthwash (any recommendations) on it. What other things would you recommend?

OP posts:
SophoclesTheFox · 20/06/2019 21:32

Yes, I am getting Invisalign. Should be in a couple of weeks, I think. Exciting! Good luck with the clincheck tomorrow.

Original poster
SharyBobbins · 20/06/2019 22:08

Sophocles thank you!
Please update on how you get on too!

OP posts:
Lellochip · 20/06/2019 22:29

Shary I just use denture tablets to clean my retainer, looks much cheaper than Retainer Brite?

Original poster
SharyBobbins · 21/06/2019 20:09

Thank you for the tip Lello!
I had my clincheck today, 22 weekly aligners needed so not as may as I thought!
I'm sure he said the attachments are removed after the 22 weeks even if corrections are needed....or maybe I heard what I wanted to hear?!

OP posts:
Lellochip · 23/06/2019 00:54

No problem Shary - 22 weeks is nothing, that'll fly by! My top tip is take regular photos... When you're getting fed up or it seems never ending, it's so motivating to see your progress