I did wear my retainers (Invisalign's own brand) pretty much round the clock for the first 3 months so that part wasn't much different in my habits. If I were out for an evening, I didn't worry so much about getting them right back in after eating is all.
I've since eased back on wear time to about 12-14 hours each day - I'll put them in before bed at about 11 p.m. usually; take them out to eat breakfast & then replace them until lunch time. From lunch until bedtime, I'm a free woman.
Wearing them even 14 hours is no biggie - it's just become such a habit I really don't mind at all. It did take about 6 months before my one lower central incisor seemed to get steadier though (not that it ever felt loose or wiggly, just that I could feel the pressure bearing it downwards whenever my retainers were out for the extended period). Again - that was the one slightly intruded with my refinement's last trays, so I'm not surprised.
Recently, Invisalign has developed a new "Retainer System" that you pay for a year's worth of retainers, with a new set automatically sent to you every 3 months, so that would be 4 sets in total. So much for the original sales pitch of their Retainers lasting "up to 2 years". Well, they might - but will not likely keep your teeth from shifting in that time if you keep wearing the same set. I did switch to the brand new set after 6 months wear time of my original set & I was quite aware of some slight shifting by the way this new set fit - tight!
Obviously, Align Tech's original claim of their Retainer's longevity is in question. You can get the low down on Invisalign's new Retainer system here:
http://www.viveraretainers.com/
I also have some questions regarding their cost & how they differ in thickness or material (if at all) into my dental office.
I did do a touchup whitening a year after the first attempt - didn't use it as long since it was a stronger 22% solution. Only had to leave the solution on for one hour each day for a week, so it wasn't quite the all-compassing endeavor the first go round was (2 separate hour sessions daily for 11 days straight) last year when my buttons were removed. My teeth will never be movie star white, but I can proudly say they're all mine anyways.
No gaps have reopened. I still have a slight, but very acceptable overjet - did not have any delusions regarding that & still no problems with my bite when chewing (never did). My last checkup/cleaning got me an A+.
So - just for the record:
8 comments:
So, you'd definitely say it's worth it???
I'd definitely, DEFINITELY say it's worth it!
You've seen what my teeth looked like before I had Invisalign (shudder - ohhhhh) & that should be proof enough.
Anyone - if you're considering Invisalign:
get a couple of opinions; do your homework; ask lots of questions; know what your treatment will include for how many $$$ & then be compliant in wearing your aligners - & be aware of how important retainers will be after you're finished your initial treatment & any refinements. You want to keep your smile as is after all that hard work.
Best of luck!
Hope all goes well.
It is SO worth it!
Anne
Hey Anne! I'm about to begin my Invisalign treatment this week (Wed, to be exact) and I was wondering if the Invisalign trays also mold to your gums so they're not straight across? I'd greatly appreciate your response! Thanks.
Vicky - they are not straight across: the cut edges of the aligners follow the contours of your teeth where they meet your gums.
They don't go over onto the gums really at all. There's some pics of Essix type retainers on my blog that do appear to go straight across & up onto the gums - even over the palette somewhat. Those are a totally different product than Invisalign.
Tommorrow's the big day, huh? Just remember you'll be "hypermode" for the first coupla weeks while you get used to the feel of the trays & adjusting your routine. It all gets better...much better.
Best of luck with your treatment!
Regards,
Anne
Well, the isn't cool. I was so exited about having the retainer and being free. I won't be able to have these things shipped to me every 3 months since I will hopefully be traveling and doing study abroad for a whole year after my treatment is complete.
Grrr invisalign! Just when I get happy with you!
Glad to hear your teeth are still looking and feeling great Anne! Thanks for the update!
You're welcome!
You could possibly get all 4 sets of your Vivera plan sent to you right at the beginning - afterall, you pay for the subscription up front & you will have extenuating circumstances.
More to consider...
Hope you make out all right.
Anne
I just want to say thank you for taking the time to write this blog about your experience, I was so ready to get invisialign until I started reading horror stories online. Then I found your blog and it made me realize that 1) every one's experience is going to be different and 2) that it is worth it in the end for the boost of self confidence and the beautiful smile you will get.
I started writing my own blog of my "adventures" with invisalign.
http://www.myinvisalignadventures.blogspot.com/
I talked about your blog and put a link to your blog. Just to let you know. I haven't got my invisalign yet but am going for my impressions and record soon.
Once again, thank you for writing this blog!!
Glad you're finding it helpful, Aims
- will be following along with your adventure in your blog. Hope all goes well with your treatment -
It's SO worth it!
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