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My Invisalign Progress and Review: What’s it like to get Adult Braces?| # 1

My Invisalign Progress and Review: What’s it like to get Adult Braces?| # 1

My Invisalign Smile Progress
Pt. 1

“Dear diary

A few weeks ago I took a step that I have been wanting to take for years and I got my Invisalign braces and started my Invisalign Journey.

Initial thoughts and my Invisalign progress? File it under: I wish I’d done that sooner!”

My Invisalign Progress and Invisalign Review| I got Invisalign clear braces| Find out more about the first few weeks Kitty and B

Why I decided to get braces as an adult

Getting braces in my 30s was something I absolutely knew I would do. It was more a case of when. I never had braces as a teenager because I didn’t need them. But, come those pesky wisdom teeth and also pregnancy and my teeth seemed to have moved so much I didn’t recognise my smile in photos.

In reality,  I’d been unhappy with my teeth for years. Not only did I not like the way they were moving, but the movement caused headaches, jaw ache and affected my speech.

The First Day with Invisalign

Fixing my overcrowding, crossbite and overall bite

I knew I hated the way my bottom teeth had overcrowded and had pushed one of my teeth back into a snaggletooth,  which really bothered me when I spoke. When I went for an Invisalign orthodontic consultation, I realised that whatever I hated as an overall look was  actually a combination of  three main issues:

  1. Overcrowding, particularly on my bottom row. With ‘that’ tooth.
  2. Crossbite, where my some of my bottom teeth were starting to overlap my top
  3. Misalignment and narrowing of jaw arch affecting the way I ate, spoke and also how my smile looked.

These issues combined were uncomfortable and were causing me to grind and wear away my teeth, which was a real worry and, on an aesthetic level,  the way they looked made me really unhappy.

All of my dental issues were uncomfortable and were causing me to grind and wear away my teeth, which was a real concern.  On a cosmetic level, the way they looked made me really unhappy.

I am not at all embarrassed anymore to say it affected my confidence, because I have spoken to so many adults who feel the same, but have been feeling it quietly.

My Invisalign Smile

What are Invisalign?

Invisalign is a brand name for clear plastic, Bisphenol-A (BPA) free aligners (or braces), custom-made for you. You change them up to every two weeks and they move your teeth incrementally over each set during the course of your treatment.

To find out if you’re a candidate for Invisalign, you’ll need to go for a consultation with a registered Invisalign dentist/orthodontist. After your consultation and detailed teeth scan, you’ll be sent a ClinCheck®  3d video which will show you your projected treatment and movement for every new set of aligners.  You can see mine in our YouTube video. It’s very cool!

Pros vs. Cons of Invisalign?

Invisalign have some specific advantages over fixed braces, like the fact they’re removable and more discreet than traditional metal braces. Which is great for adults and especially, those like me, who work in a professional management environment and really wouldn’t be comfortable with fixed braces.

There are definitely a few pros and cons of traditional braces vs. Invisalign, and I discuss them all and show you my very own ClinCheck® and let you know all about my Invisalign experience and progress in our YouTube video, which is also below.

The first 2 weeks with Invisalign

Comfort

My first set of Invisalign aligners understandably felt a bit odd to start.  Plus,  I felt like the edges were scratchy in places. My first meals were (almost) ruined because my tongue felt sore and salt and certain flavours were just a no go.

However, my dentist advised me to just use a nail file to smooth the edges out a bit. Seriously, a few gentle swipes with a regular nail file did the trick.  Such a revelation!  I wish I’d done it sooner!

I never had the same problem again. But, it’s a great tip.

Bubbles and the Invisalign Lisp

You’ll notice in the very first photo in my Invisalign progress pics below that up close you can see some bubbles. I was a bit concerned about these, as you can imagine! But, fear not, another thing that I no longer have and if you make sure your aligners are properly snapped on, this shouldn’t happen. You can use chewies orthodontic aligners or something similar to gently chew on to help with them fitting.

That lisp, though

The lisp is something that I think is almost unavoidable at the start. Let’s face it, you’ve got a foreign object in your mouth (!) and even though they’re thin, you just need time to adapt. Another thing that is lessened by making sure you’ve got your Invisalign on as snugly as possible. You’ll hear in the video (where I’m wearing my Invisalign throughout) that the lisp is gone.

Pain

The first few times I took my Invisalign aligners off were fine, but when I came to do it on day two to have a drink, it was not pleasant. Then the same again putting them back in! Seriously, I felt like my teeth were loose. They weren’t, but obviously, they weren’t used to being shackled in plastic. And told me so! The attachments (see below) seemed to make it worse.

So, I held off mealtimes for increasingly longer times because I’d really worked myself up over it. I had to mentally brace myself (groan!) to take them off and on.

But, by day 3,  it really wasn’t that bad! Thankfully, as I was almost ready to give up.

Eating & drinking

Eating and drinking with Invisalign? First observations, I’m naturally a grazer. I generally eat little and often. I’ve had to rethink this! To get the most out of your Invisalign, the optimal wear time is 22 hours a day.

Of course, you can take them off as often as you like to eat and drink, but the fact you have to clean your teeth and aligners every time means you’re less likely to.

So,  I make every meal count and make sure I’m getting everything I need at that point.

It seems absolutely unfathomable in the first days. It really does. But you definitely adapt and get used to and it. Quicker than I expected, actually!

Another bonus is, I’ve been wanting to drink more water and also to refocus my diet and unofficial Invisalign Diet of intermittent fasting certainly helped me do this!

My Invisalign Progress

Invisalign Results

So, here are some photos of my Invisalign progress from the first day and over the first few weeks. I have to say, I felt I could see changes by week 3 for definite. Probably imperceptible to anyone else. But, I could see them and that was just amazing.

Invisalign aligners move your teeth slightly with each set. So,  each time you change your aligners, you’re getting measurably closer to your final result.  And, as you get them in 7-8 week batches,  you can compare them yourself to see what’s coming up.

Invisalign Progress Photos

Invisalign Attachments

In the close-up shots (in 4k. Eek!), you’ll see my attachments. These are ‘buttons’ that are bonded to my teeth that support the Invisalign to help my teeth move more effectively.

I’d be a big fat liar if I said I wasn’t initially disappointed about them. But, from a distance, they aren’t visible and it really didn’t take me long to accept them. Not everyone has them, but they have definitely been a big part of my Invisalign progress.

Invisalign Cost

My Invisalign Dentist

Claim your Free Invisalign Consultation

Invisalign costs vary depending on your needs and also where you’re having it done. Costs are comparable to fixed braces, which a lot of people don’t realise. But, it can start from £1500. Typically, you’re looking at between £2500- £5000. Mine is Invisalign Full over 40 sets of Invisalign aligners. This is for both arches and includes teeth whitening, retainers and aftercare.
I chose to pay interest-free installments over 12 months.
My Invisalign dentist is Natwar Tibrewal and I’d highly recommend him. In fact, I met someone randomly a couple of weeks ago who was also having Invisalign treatment with him and we are equally as happy with our choice!

Overall thoughts on Invisalign?

So, my overall thoughts over the first weeks? Week one, I thought I’d made the biggest mistake of my life.  I couldn’t see how I was going to deal with 40 trays of treatment. The weeks after? It’s surprising how easy it is to adapt. It all just becomes normal. I even feel guilty about when I’m not wearing them. Thinking about the cost will do that!

But, I think the cost and investment in your dental health and happiness is absolutely worth it. I can’t wait to see the end result!

Have you had braces or Invisalign? Thinking about it? Let me know!

My Invisalign Progress and Invisalign Review| I got Invisalign clear braces| Find out more about the first few weeks Kitty and B

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35 Comments

  • Thank you for sharing your experience. Invisalign is a great product, and you look like you’ve had an outstanding result.
    It’s really beneficial for our patients at http://www.rockdental.co.uk to read this.
    https://rockdental.co.uk/invisalign/
    Rock House Dental Practice recently posted…Dental Implants in WolverhamptonMy Profile

  • 5 years ago

    That’s an inspiring post right there – amazing progress report you have shared here. I am planning to get invisalign aligners from my dentist at Complete Dental Works in Teaneck, NJ. Will definitely record my progress too.

  • […] some pics for my Invisalign story (yes, I’m now wearing invisalign clear braces! Read more on my experience with Invisalign here). After using the mask, it’s as if that chin episode never even happened – congestion […]

  • KittyB: What’s Like To Get Adult Braces? – Invisalign Transformations
    6 years ago

    […] You can read Kitty's full story by clicking HERE  […]

  • 6 years ago

    Wow!! Thanks for sharing your experience with us its really helpful and useful to the peoples who all are having an idea to had invisalign braces.

  • Thomas Muller
    6 years ago

    Isn’t Invisalign absolutely AMAZING!? I waited until I was 37 to “fix” my smile with orthodontic treatment and was really worried I’d end up looking like an overgrown teenager with metal mouth. Luckily my Austin, TX dentist suggested clear braces and told me they are virtually invisible! Not only did I get to straighten my teeth without anyone noticing, Invisalign treatment in Austin was actually 5 months shorter than going with traditional braces! I’d definitely suggest Invisalign to anyone who is a candidate.

  • srikanth
    6 years ago

    Thank you for sharing valuable information. Even i learn more things by go throwing your article even we offered invisalign orthodontic treatment reasonable price.

  • Julie Waldron
    6 years ago

    Your teeth look great! I have considered invisalign before because I have a gap. It isn’t horrible but I don’t like it.

  • Jess
    6 years ago

    Hi Kat,

    Thanks for sharing your experience. I was thinking about getting Invisalign for myself but decided against it dur to the perceived pain and little benefit I was going to back.

    Your teeth look great though.

  • Ronpeter
    6 years ago

    Glad to see your pearls in shape, though invisalign and braces take time to get your teeth in shape but its worth to wear them because the results are tremendous.

  • Orthodontics Marion
    6 years ago

    I’m so proud of you, I had Invisalign too. And It feels great for me, know I can smile freely, boosted my confidence to the highest level. 🙂

  • 6 years ago

    This post contains healthy and beautiful smiles. Thanks for sharing with us. Expecting for more of these.

  • 7 years ago

    What a huge difference. I’d love to have some cosmetic dentistry work done I must admit.
    Colette recently posted…Sanctuary Spa Wet Skin Moisture Miracle – ReviewMy Profile

  • Vanessa
    7 years ago

    Have a few friends who’ve gone the invisalign route and the results have been great!

  • Kimberly
    7 years ago

    I’ve thought about Invisalign so many times but I just don’t know if I could get through those beginnings steps of pain. My mouth is so sensitive to those bumps and nicks from anything that happens already. I just want straight teeth with no pain, plz. Lol!

    xo, Kimberly
    http://www.lifeofkimberly.com

    • 7 years ago

      Haha! Well, I will say, the pain is worst the first days. After that, I’ve been fine. Phew! But, the difference it makes is amazing. So happy I’m doing it xx

  • 7 years ago

    One of my best friends had these and the results were amazing! They aren’t cheap but then a smile is something you use every day! Thank you for joining us at #sharingthebloglove

    • 7 years ago

      I can’t believe the difference! Just over all, the improvement has been amazing. Not cheap, but I’ve just focussed on the long term benefits to get me through! 😂 #sharingthebloglove x

  • Alana - Burnished Chaos
    7 years ago

    I really wish I’d had braces when I was younger as I hate my teeth and for years I would never smile in photos. I’ve recently got over this a bit as I don’t want my kids to see me being self-conscious. I have wondered about getting them now as an adult but the cost is just so high. I nearly choked the first time I asked my dentist about it! You’ve had great results already though, you can really see the difference x
    #SharingtheBlogLove

    • 7 years ago

      The cost is not a cheap! There’s no way I could have paid all up front, although you get quite a discount, but instalments work for me. In all honestly, I felt sick when I first signed up for them, but now I’m half way through and the difference it’s made (including me no longer grinding my teeth!), it’s more than worth the initial outlay. Agree with you about not wanting kids to see you as being self conscious. I noticed I’d started edging away from photos and I knew that had to stop even before I started Invisalign. I didn’t want to look back and have no photos or for B to feel the same. Funny how kids help you in ways they’ll never know! But, still, one of the best things I’ve done for the overall benefits I’ve had so far 😘😘

  • 7 years ago

    I started my journey with Invisalign back in March and having been meaning to write about it ever since! Think I’m going to wait until I’ve reached 6 months but I can relate to all of this – especially the scratchy edges, I had never thought of using a nail file! I do find my tongue is often sore because of them but now I’m seeing my teeth chance, it’s well worth it.

  • 7 years ago

    I hate my bottom teeth and have often wondered about Invisalign. You post is super helpful and covers every question I had! Your teeth look lovely too.

  • 7 years ago

    Fabulous post my darling,
    The discomfort will be SO worth it in the long run, your teeth will look FAB!

    I had braces when I was younger & hated them so much but realise they are so worth it, plus they are actually quite cute x

  • 7 years ago

    so good to read this! I am due to get my Invisalign very soon! Can’t wait to have teeth I am proud of!

  • 7 years ago

    Wow! That is impressive. It just goes to show how a few days can make all the difference if we are patient enough. I am glad you can gauge your progress so quickly, this will give you the motivation to see it through
    Esthy recently posted…A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned: 7 Tried and Tested Ways to Save More MoneyMy Profile

  • 7 years ago

    Wow what a difference! I’m really impressed by the results you got. I should have had braces when I was younger, but now that I’m 40 I’ve just learned to live with it.
    Elizabeth recently posted…Review & Giveaway: Our Top Ten Summer Foodie PicksMy Profile

  • candice
    7 years ago

    I have never had to have braces luckily. I’m glad you decided to do something to fix what was making you unhappy and give you more confidence. I know plenty of people who want to improve there teeth and are afraid to do so as they are “too old” or should have done as a child. I will share this post with them for sure. Good on you for doing something about it!

    • 7 years ago

      I absolutely agree. Never too old and I really do see it as a worthwhile investment – in my dental health and myself! Halfway through and the difference Invisalign has made to my confidence is priceless! I’m glad I took the leap, I really am. x

  • My Homepage
    7 years ago

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    […] There you will find 74497 more Infos: kittyandb.com/2017/06/my-invisalign-progress-invisalign-review.html […]

  • I am a former dental nurse and I know how much dental issues can affect confidence and happiness. Lots of adults choose to have braces. I had braces as a teen and my teeth have moved back slightly now but I’m happy enough with them 🙂
    Musings of a tired mummy…zzz… recently posted…Clever Tykes booksMy Profile

  • Wow! I had never heard of this. My bottom teeth are terribly crowded and a couple of upper ones are not in a good place. I wish I had had braces in my youth.

  • This is so information. I have never had this done on my teeth but it sounds pretty good.

  • 7 years ago

    I had braces as a teenager. Those horrible metal ones. Every couple of months the wire would be tightened, and then I couldn’t eat anything solid for a couple of days, and sometimes the wire ends would poke me in the cheek. It was horrible. These look much nicer.

    • 7 years ago

      I thought long and hard about it. But, I couldn’t have coped with the metal ones. And, they sound painful! Definitely happy about my choice! x

  • 7 years ago

    What an informative post! Though I’ve never had braces I’ve heard so many good things about Invisalign 🙂

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