What is Invisalign?
They are clear, plastic trays that are worn like a retainer, and they gradually straighten your teeth like braces. There are several advantages to Invisalign over regular braces including convenience and flexibility.
Who Can Get Them?
That is to be decided by an orthodontist. There is always a consultation before you receive the actual trays. X-rays and molds are taken of your teeth and sent off to the folks at Invisalign HQ. Usually, the orthodontist is able to make the decision if the program is right for you, but in some cases, they have to wait and hear back from HQ. If you get cleared for the program, Invisalign sends your ortho what you need for your treatment including special instructions if you need certain things done to your teeth before a certain tray.
How Does It Work?
At the beginning of your treatment, little dots may need to be added to your teeth to act like brackets. Invisalign will tell the orthodontist where they need to go. I got lucky and have them on practically every tooth. Where they go depends on what you’re getting treated for. They’re small and tooth-colored so they’re not super noticeable. I have been told that people didn’t know that I had aligners until I mentioned something or if they got really close to my face. So, the little dots get applied and you get trays. The recommended time to wear them is 22 hours a day only taking the aligners out to brush your teeth and to eat. Aligners get changed anywhere from 10-14 days. I started out changing mine out every 14 days, and recently went to changing them out every ten days. Before you reach a certain number of tray, various procedures may need to be done. For example, I have a tiny mouth and my teeth are crowded. In order for them to straighten space needed to be made. My ortho had to file in between my teeth to make room (it sounds a lot worse than it actually was. It didn’t hurt at all)! Later in my treatment, a small, silver attachment was added to the bottom of one of my bottom molars, so I could attach a rubber band to help correct my overbite. For the record, I didn’t know it was possible to wear a rubber band with Invisalign, but it totally is and still isn’t as bad as regular braces. Once you are done with your trays, you consult with your orthodontist and discuss if there is anything else you would like to fix. If not, then you get them off and go into retainer mode!
My Experience
I have had Invisalign for almost a year and a half. I began the process in December of 2014, and got my first set of trays in March of 2015 so I am in the middle of my treatment. I went through the rite of passage known as regular braces as a teenager and had them for two years. However, when I got them off, my retainer never fit. I told my orthodontist, but nothing was done. When my wisdom teeth began to set in, my teeth reverted back to being crooked. It was something I was really self-conscious about, so when I had the opportunity to get Invisalign I jumped at it. I have a new orthodontist who is great about working around my schedule while I’m at school. I have been so impressed with the program, and I love the convenience of it. I’m a theater major, and while Invisalign is easy to wear when you’re acting and singing having two pieces of plastic can kind of be a hassle. During shows, I’ll take out my trays and just add an extra day to that set of trays. I’m a huge fan of my invisible braces, and I’m looking forward to seeing what my teeth will look like once I’m done with my treatment!
