Not quite invisible but close...

After going the weekend and getting "acquainted" with my aligners Monday at work was pretty easy. Taking them out is much easier today then it has been. (Thanks maybe to the slight movement of teeth already and some key located callouses).

Most people really didn't know I had them on. A few people asked if I had a slight cold, or sore thraot. So my speech is still an issue.

I had a button fall off too. I may have to go back to the dentist and get it replaced. If your dentist or Ortho did not mention this in your original talks about invisalign be sure to bring it up!!! I have 5 buttons. They actually are very noticeable without the aligners in. And food often gets caught on them when eating. This will increase your feelings of self consciousness you probably already have...hence getting invisalign.

Day 2 in the iron grips of invisalign...

Actually it is not that bad if you are some sort of sadomasachist....Let me list the complaints in no particular order. I will get into more detail after day two...it may be a bit early to judge.

1) They cost about $4,000. This seems pricey but I have to be in them over a year.
2) They are not easy to get off. I look like I am trying to extract a tooth by myself each time I want to take off the lower set. It is pretty comical other then the...
3) PAIN. They hurt while they are on. Obviously they are moving teeth. But they hurt worse when off. It actually feels like my teeth are weaker. That is normal I guess. I do hope that gets better. Also for the cost I am surprised they couldn't sand down the edges instead of leaving the razor blade finish. My cheeks and tongue are taking the brunt of the treatment so far.
4) Inconvenience. Not being able to drink hot coffee for me is torture. These certainly will help in weight loss also, considering taking them out is painful and annoying. I would most times just rather not eat then go through the whole ordeal.
5) Salivating and lisp. I now feel a bit like Sylvester the cat or should I say "th-ilveth-ter

This is a bit early to really get to critical of them. Time will tell. And a year of this should lend some very insightful opinions to others who are considering these as an option.

The Beginning (May 14, 2006)

A trip to the dentist last month opened a discussion about the use of Invisalign to straighten my teeth. This is a clear plastic retainer that fits over your teeth and slowly begins to move them into what I hope at least is a perfect smile. I didn't know much about the process, but wanted straighter teeth so basically just said yes.
So now I have my first set and decided to document the the whole process not only for myself to look back upon when I try to recall why putting hard plastic shells in my mouth sounded like a good idea...but to also inform anyone else that was thinking of doing the same.