Probably not quite the experience people would expect for this one, but I thought I would blog about my Invisalign experience.
I've always had insecurities when it comes to my teeth, in particular the gap in my two front teeth. I had braces years ago but unfortunately years later that gap opened up once more. Invisalign is something I had always wondered about, but always put off doing, despite having the savings there to do it. After Jill passed, it evoked the 'Life is too short' mantra in me, so I said an enthusiastic YES (at least internally) and hence my Invisalign journey began.
At my initial appointment, I was informed of the reason why the gap in my teeth opened back up. Apparently, I have a low frenum (the bit of skin that attaches your gums to your lip) which can exert a pull or tension that prevents your front teeth from coming together the way they should. My dentist was quite surprised that this was not addressed when I had braces years ago. So, I felt somewhat validated by the fact it was not my fault that the gap opened back up! But this did mean I had to have a minor surgery (Frenectomy) to remove the frenum so this would not happen again in the future. So, I was slightly deflated when it meant more money, stitches and a delay to my Invisalign treatment.
My Invisalign treatment plan went for 7 months. 14 retainers in total, changed every two weeks. They put little 'buttons' on most of your teeth, which normally are put on at the time of your second retainer so you can get used to the retainer first, but for some reason Invisalign instructed my dentist to put these on from the beginning, so guess I'm just special. It didn't take me too long to get used to them, but they certainly aren't the most comfortable things to wear, and they are quite different to braces. At least with braces you can still eat at any time. But with Invisalign, it is a little more challenging when it comes to plans that involve eating/drinking. Because you have to take out your retainers before eating, this means you have to carry your toothbrush and chewies (things you have to bite down on to set retainer back into place) with you at all times and ensure you have access to a bathroom to do this discreetly. I think the past 7 months people think my will power to decline snacks is pretty strong, but in reality, it's more to do with my laziness. But the one great thing about Invisalign though, they are, as their name implies, fairly invisible. The day I got mine I didn't tell my family to see if they would notice and they didn't, which is the whole point. I'm not too sure I would have enjoyed having to endure the look of braces a second time round as an adult.
Another great thing about the treatment plan, is that for the most part, you don't have to go in for an appointment. Initially I thought I would have to go back for regular appointments to monitor the progress, but in the 7 months, I believe I only had two appointments before my last appointment. I have however spoken to a couple of other people who are doing Invisalign, and treatment plans/advice/appointments do seem to vary from dentist to dentist.
At the end of the 7 months, they removed the buttons and have now put in a permanent retainer (wire behind front teeth) for both my top and bottom teeth, so my front teeth should not move again. When I had braces previously, I had a permanent retainer but, for reasons unknown, they only gave me a permanent retainer for my bottom teeth. I also have a temporary retainer to where at least one night a week to ensure my other teeth stay in place too. The permanent retainers have been a little challenging to get used to and definitely make it harder to floss but hoping I get used to them soon.
On top of my 6mth regular clean and check, as a final reward (punishment?) to myself I also did an in-chair whitening session. This was a two-hour appointment of have my mouth uncomfortably stretched open with a blue light shining into it, followed by 12 hours of enduring some tooth sensitivity which would come on unexpectedly and intensely - I liken it to a brain freeze but for your teeth.
Although costly, overall, I am very happy that I decided to go ahead, and I am very happy with my end result. Even though it's probably not a big noticeable change to others, it's something now I can feel confident in about myself and that was worth the money alone. And I now have a beautiful white & straight smile ready for Christmas! So, if anyone else is putting off things they want to do that will make you feel happier, I would encourage you to do it today, because once again...life is too short.
P.s. I also said YES to booking an 8 Day South Pacific Cruise aboard the 'Quantum of the Seas' in 2025. A cruise is always something I have wanted to do, so when my good friend Brodie invited me to join her for her 40th Birthday I decided to seize the opportunity. Although still a while off, I am excited!
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