I chose invisaline because I am a junior in college and just turned 21 so normal braces weren't even an option to me really. I really didn't have many dental issues besides crowding and some alignment issues. I have had my wisdom teeth out but it didn't help reduce the crowding.
I didn't really read any reviews or stories before I actually got my first set which I am glad because they all sound so awful.
I got my first set the second day of my winter break of Junior year of college. I knew it was gonna hurt and I didn't plan for the "buttons" attached to my teeth but I expected something similar to regular braces. I should also say that I watched both of my older sisters go through the standard braces and the clear braces, both had multiple issues and very much hated their experiences.
The day that I got my first set on I went straight to work at a retail store without any Advil or Alieve which was on my part an awful move. The first day is definitely the worse but I could talk normal, aka no lisp, and no one at my work could tell I even had them in.
So the first day hurt, not a stabbing pain but just an ache and pressure feeling. The second day was better. I was flying to Boston for Christmas and of course had a 3 hour delay in the airport. The ache continued but I took some Alieve and it was gone by lunch time. I was nervous about the warning of not eating or drinking anything but water especially while in the airport and on the plane. Also, I knew once I got to Boston my sister was going to treat me to wine and cocktails all week. I had no idea how I was going to manage taking these things in and out during this whole trip.
Its so much easier then people let on, but maybe that might be because of my circumstance and how fast my teeth move. But after the first twoish, three days I had no pain, my retainers weren't hard to get in and out of my mouth, and I had learned a routine which at least by this point had lead to no stains or discoloring.
Tips for the beginning
- Drink lots of water.
- It keeps you from gaging or having dry mouth and keeps your lips from being so chappe
- Take something for the pain before you think you are gonna need it
- Wish I would've know this the first day but it really saved my during my delay at the airport and the flight to Boston
- Brush your retainers out at least twice a day
- Seriously, no soap, NO TOOTHPASTE, just you and your elbow grease with a toothbrush. It has left no stains or discoloring.
- Brush and Floss after every meal but don't over use your toothpaste.
- I feel like everyone's horror stories about cavities are because they use toothpaste every time they brush their teeth and they don't actually take the time to make sure there is nothing on or around their teeth. I only use toothpaste in the morning after breakfast and right after dinner. Anything else I just use water, a toothbrush, and a flosser.
- Don't be afraid to drink something other that water.
- Now don't take this to mean that means anything is free game. I never drink coffee or dark sodas with them in. But as long as I know I can brush my teeth within an hour or so I don't worry about drinking clear liquids like sprite, white wine, and an occasional beer. This means the retainers can stay in my mouth the optimal 22 hours without sacrificing the fun things in life.
- Always take the retainers out to eat
- self explanatory.
Well that's it for me until I put in my new set in about a week. Only 37 more sets to go right! Maybe post some pictures of the progression once I can see a difference!
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