The reality...

Completion date will be Dec. 17/06 if all goes according to plan without delays: 23 trays @ top & bottom = 46 weeks in total, then possibly a "refinement" to fine tune any movement at the end. That is less than a year & I'll be done my initial plan in time for Christmas.



A permanent retainer or trays similar to what I'm wearing now will keep my teeth in their new positions. I've had no problems to speak of so far - no dry mouth - no problem removing/reinserting - no whitish film buildup or funky odour on the trays - no pain really at all.


Helpful tip:  to remove them a whole lot easier use a piece of paper towel to grasp them.
I just use my thumb & forefinger of my right hand to get a grip on the back left, then pop that part off first. Next, using my left hand - I pop off the back right, then lift from the front. I do the same thing for both top & bottom tray. I hope each subsequent tray is as easily removed. I have all my buttons right from the start, so that should help make it easier.



The only strange feeling was the slight pressure during the first few days most apparent upon removing them - then I could really feel that it was there. A bit of tooth tenderness when eating, but fine  really. I was given the first 3 sets of trays & have an appointment booked for a checkup in 6 weeks to make sure all is progressing accordingly. Then, I'll be given my next 3 sets & so on, until the treatment is finished.



I've been taking the best care of my teeth that I ever have, brushing, flossing & rinsing after every meal. Thankful for the Colgate Motion electric toothbrush - that certainly makes life easier. Only drinking water & no snacking between meals. I haven't had the challenge of eating in a restaurant with them in yet, but I'm sure it won't be such a big hassle as I once thought it might be.



No one else can tell I have them in - even when I point them out, most just get this puzzled look on their face while trying to find "invisible" brackets or something - they just don't know what they're supposed to be looking at. I just have very shiny teeth.



My only complaint so far: time FLIES when you're eating a meal, then cleaning your teeth/trays to get them back in. I figure I'm averaging 40 min. each meal. No more lingering over coffee in the morn.