Progress Weeks 5-6

Tray three is done, this week I got my attachments and new trays! Three down, 21 to go. Below are the pictures while I was wearing tray 3. I had to wear the tray a couple extra days due to the timing of my attachment appointment. Nothing new with tray 3, it was about the same as tray 2 from start to finish with headaches, tension, and jaw getting locked when I first started wearing it, but significant reduction after 3-5 days.

Front View

Top View

Bottom View

Still on a roll, no slip ups. I've consistently worn my trays for between 20-22 hours every day and have flossed every night. Getting into a good routine and being less psycho about brushing every time after I eat something small or drink something sugary during the day. Just making sure not to leave anything sitting for more than a few hours really.

Progress - Before Invisalign

These are my before invisalign pictures. I take pictures after I've completed a tray - about every 2 weeks. Click here for a full list of my progress posts so far. My teeth tend to look more crooked in photos, so the images show an extreme version of any imperfections. My teeth aren't horribly mangled, but they're crooked in lots of little ways.  I can say with confidence that there's room for improvement. 

Notice twisting and crowding in front 6 teeth on top and bottom.

Crowding on top

Crowding on bottom

Right view

If you read my "About Me" you know that I'm looking to correct the crowding in my front upper and lower teeth. The crowding hasn't caused any major issues like pain or cavities yet. I do have minor plaque buildup on the bottom teeth when I go in for cleanings. Based on past dentists visits, the crowding is expected to increase over time, so I consider this both a preventative and cosmetic treatment. Can't wait to start seeing some progress!  :)

Is Invisalign Right for You?

Will it suit your life style?

Depending on current condition of your teeth, you might be worried that you aren't a candidate for invisalign, but what you should consider first is: Will it fit your lifestyle?

Did you know...

• You'll be wearing the trays around 22 hours a day.
• You can only drink water while the trays are in.
• You should brush your teeth every time you eat/drink non-water liquids before putting your trays back in. Technically you're also supposed to floss.
• You won't be inclined to pull the trays on and off a lot. It can be kind of a pain.
• You will be going in to the dentist every 6-8 weeks just like with other treatments.
• If your dentist doesn't see that you are making the progress you should be, they won't give you multiple trays at a time and you may have to go in more frequently.

If you're like most people, you don't floss every day and you don't tote around a toothbrush and toothpaste with you either. If you aren't someone who can commit to drinking water most of the time or can't commit to brushing pretty regularly, invisalign isn't for you. If you have to eat constantly or think you'd lose your trays as much as you lose your car keys, you're not a candidate. The trays are $50 a piece to replace and can take weeks to re-fabricate, making you treatment even longer.

Reality Check: No one is perfect.
The recommended rules can't be followed 100% of the time. If you can't get to the sink or forget your toothbrush, you can manage until you are reunited with your bristly buddy. But let's be honest. If you aren't willing to commit to the rules 95% of the time, you aren't going to get the results.

Don't waste your time and money if you don't think you can live up to the treatment expectations. Invisalign is a good option - don't get me wrong - but it requires you to be more diligent than braces, which are permanently attached.

If you're responsible, committed, and ready to start a 1-3 year journey then buckle up. For your hard work you'll be rewarded with the benefit of few of people noticing your corrective trays. :)

Will it suit your teeth?

It's the next logical question.You'll be surprised how many cases are treatable by invisalign. It can actually correct most types alignment issues. I've seen corrections on overbites, underbites, gaps, crowding, crossbites, and even some pretty serious cases of malocclusion (think of teeth that look like a mountain ridge.) For more info on malloclusiion check out the wikipedia page. Ultimately, your provider will decide if you are eligible. No two dentists are the same, so don't be scared to seek a second opinion if one dentist doesn't think you are a candidate.

For more details go to invisalign's official site a list of treatable cases, including images and additional details.