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Original poster

Experiences of Invisalign

73 replies

kkelly82 · 07/01/2023 08:31

Hi there. So I think I’ve decided to have Invisalign to address overcrowding and improve my smile. I’ve had the clin check completed by a dentist so know roughly what the process will involve if I go ahead. I’ll need 32 aligners, several attachments and some filing to make room for my teeth to move. Having got the clin check back I feel a bit overwhelmed with all the information. I was expecting to have a fairly large number of aligners but wasn’t expecting the volume of attachments or filing. It doesn’t help that my dentist appears rather arrogant and is very matter of fact so I’m now contemplating seeing a different dentist but I’d obviously be starting all over again with the consultation and clin check fees.
So now I’m wondering if it’s even worth it. It would be helpful to hear of people’s experiences of Invisalign- the good, the bad and the ugly! Also any advice on things you’d wish you’d known before the process started so that I can be fully informed. TIA.

OP posts:
Menopants · 07/01/2023 08:33

Go to an orthodontist. Have you considered a fixed brace? Usually cheaper and no filing of teeth is required

losingit31 · 07/01/2023 08:34

I had three consultations to cross-check the advice I was given and watched a lot of youtube videos. I'm now on tray 4 of 35 so it's a long slow process, but I've had no problems at all. I also have a lot of attachments and filing in my programme. I can't see the difference yet but no regrets so far. My dentist said I won't notice anything for three months and it's only been 7 weeks. I've had a lot of appointments so far but it's now two months between trays 4-7 and my next appointment so that's better.

Wallowingwendy · 07/01/2023 08:36

I'm using it now. I only have 20 trays and I'm 15 in so nearly there! I find it annoying but relatively easy and the results have been amazing. What I would say is it's definitely not invisible and the 'buttons' on my teeth are as obvious as a metal brace, although on video calls you can't see them so it's only in person meetings where I feel a bit self conscious. Overall I'm glad I went for it and have read it's far easier than traditional train tracks.

IScreamMonday · 07/01/2023 08:39

I've got as far as you in the process but really hesitating. I'm just not sure I want to commit to wearing them at night forever to maintain the effects. On the other hand, one tooth is getting really crooked because of the overcrowding.

Upsettyspaghetti · 07/01/2023 08:40

I used about 4 years ago and absolutely delighted with the result. DD now also doing. I found it so easy and really difficult to see when wearing. It's a bit more expensive than traditional braces but so much less stressful I'd say worth the extra

Purplecatshopaholic · 07/01/2023 08:44

I did it and love the results. Totally worth it. I had a bit of filing and lots of attachments, which I did not expect, but it was no biggie really. So glad I did it.

Wallowingwendy · 07/01/2023 09:04

Upsettyspaghetti · 07/01/2023 08:40

I used about 4 years ago and absolutely delighted with the result. DD now also doing. I found it so easy and really difficult to see when wearing. It's a bit more expensive than traditional braces but so much less stressful I'd say worth the extra

I was quoted it was less expensive as the number of appointments you need for readjustments are less than for traditional braces in many cases.

SleekMamma · 07/01/2023 09:38

Yep they always neglect to tell you how many attachments are needed.

I had a similar set up, didn't need all 32 in the end.

However I really trusted my very experienced orthodontist. No way would I let an arrogant dentist do the work. It's expensive and they earn good money from it.

Find someone you trust.

AgnesMcScrimp · 07/01/2023 09:39

It might be the best thing I ever did for myself - it took two years in the end and of course it did cost a lot of money, but I'm so happy with the results. Every time I see myself smiling I'm relieved I did it. I will say that my dentist and everyone in the practice is lovely and I enjoyed seeing them every couple of weeks so if you don't like your dentist consider changing - you're going to be seeing them A LOT. Bad things: the first few weeks did really hurt and I struggled with taking the aligners out for a while to the point of panic. Sticking to 22 hours of wear is difficult - you don't realise how much time you spend eating and drinking until you have to condense it into 2 hours a day! Something no one seems to mention is that it's a fascinating process to watch, and it's so much easier to keep your gums healthy when your teeth are straight. Good luck!

Mrscat12 · 07/01/2023 09:48

This reply has been deleted

Wrong thread.

burnoutbabe · 07/01/2023 09:53

I am also considering it -4200 quotes for whole thing lasting 2 years, new trays every 10 days.

My main worry is it hurting when in? Don't care how visible they are though.

eleanoreleanoreleanor · 07/01/2023 10:13

I had it done 10 years ago, had I think 18 or 20 trays? I was told initially that I might need an extra few sets but I didn't.

I had maybe 6-8 attachments quite early on, and filing afterwards which improved the look immediately. My Invisalign tech said because of my teeth I would only be able to get 95% straight unless I went for surgery and I was happy with that over fixed braces as my teeth made me very self conscious so in my head any improvement was good. I was also getting married during treatment and didn't want fixed braces in the photos.

After treatment I had a fixed retainer to the front 6 top and bottom and I still wear a plastic retainer for the top every other night. I wish I'd known this before but I'd still have done it.

I found it painful for the first hours of each new tray so I swapped my trays at bedtime so I could sleep through this bit, then usually it was fine enough by the next morning. A little sore but I could eat nearly normally.

The attachments felt quite sharp initially but never caused an ulcer I don't think, and were usually covered by the trays so they acted as a buffer. Any changes I got quickly used to.

I was more aware of how I spoke differently with my trays in, though people I spoke to didn't seem to notice. I hadn't noticed others either, I had a meal with someone a few years after I had my treatment and he took his trays out to eat, it was only then that I realised he'd been wearing them and I'd known him for a while.

A small faff was carrying round a toothbrush and paste to clean my teeth before I put the trays back in at lunch. It was probably good for my diet, I didn't bother snacking as the faff was too much!

losingit31 · 07/01/2023 12:09

If you do get them, get some of these - I have them in my bag, desk drawer, bathroom, downstairs bathroom etc and it makes taking them out a breeze.

www.amazon.co.uk/Aligner-Removal-Invisible-Retainer-Cleaning/dp/B0956F7YM6

LizziesTwin · 07/01/2023 12:13

I went to a different dentist to my usual one & had started when they were running a promotion. No charges from either practice (I had a clinical check at another orthodontist), they were happy to do that free.

Original poster
kkelly82 · 07/01/2023 18:05

Thank you so much everyone. Hearing you’re experiences and advice is so helpful.
@eleanoreleanoreleanor thank you for explaining the process further. I’m a teacher so a little worried about how my speech may change especially at the beginning of a new aligner.
@LizziesTwin were there any differences between the clin check produced by the orthodontist and dentist you saw? Can I ask why you decided to go with the dentist you did rather than the orthodontist?

OP posts:
Original poster
kkelly82 · 07/01/2023 18:06

@losingit31 great tip! Thank you.

OP posts:
Original poster
kkelly82 · 07/01/2023 18:11

@AgnesMcScrimp all really good points worth mentioning. I’m a bit of a grazer so will struggle with the whole having them in for 22 hrs a day.
@SleekMamma you’re right about finding someone I trust. If I’m having 32 trays then it’s going to be a long process so it’s important that I feel comfortable with the dentist I choose. It’s just another expense going to all these consultations whilst I choose someone!

OP posts:
newbeggins · 07/01/2023 18:57

Initially the attachments do hurt the inside if your mouth. Your teeth can ache as they turn. Retainers go manky after a week. If you want straight teeth for life, you'll need to wear a retainer at night. It takes longer than you think - I was told 1 set lasting 5 months. Its actually taken 3 sets and it's 18 months later.

SellFridges · 07/01/2023 19:01

I’ve just done Smile Direct after toying with Invisalign. I’m thrilled with the results, for a much lower price and no filing or attachments.

One of the best things I’ve ever done for myself.

Glittertwins · 07/01/2023 19:34

I've done it and I only needed 6 months of treatment but I was quite religious about keeping them in for the 22 hours a day every day. I also had some teeth filed at the side & that was very painful once pain killers had worn off. Compared to the fixed braces, it is a lot more expensive but I was preferred to have the Invisalign instead

LizziesTwin · 07/01/2023 20:40

@kkelly82 about £4000 difference in cost!

BeatrixPottery · 07/01/2023 21:52

Mine is going on, on Monday. Great thread!

BeatrixPottery · 07/01/2023 21:56

@kkelly82 me too!! It’ll stop me pinching the kids snacks 😯.

Can you not eat at all with them in??

dinodiva · 07/01/2023 22:02

I did Invisalign last year and am absolutely
delighted with the results, just wish I’d done it sooner. The filing was probably the worst thing for me - I didn’t enjoy that much at all, but otherwise I found it all pretty straightforward. I had train tracks in my teens and I found Invisalign so much easier and less painful.

Don’t be fooled into thinking the initial number of retainers will be it, I had to have a second set of 14 as one of my teeth refused to move. It didn’t move with the second set either, but I had it bonded as part of the deal and now you wouldn’t know the difference. No regrets at all.

Blendandmix · 07/01/2023 22:03

The filing is literally a mini nail file, you won't feel it or even notice a difference so don't worry about that.

You may need more aligners than they're quoting- I worked in an ortho practice for years and mkre often than not it would be extra

The attachments are noticeable and people are usually quite shocked so just be prepared.

You should 100% be comfortable with your dentist/orthodontist so if you're not happy then leave but also, you won't be seeing them that much so may be worth sticking it out if you're happy with the cost