Finishing set 13+ shortly; only 1 set to go. The over-correction (noted by the "+" sign) has been a bit uncomfortable. Over a week into this set, and my teeth still hurt. I haven't helped things much - have been leaving them out more than I would like, so I will keep them in a few more days before moving on to my last set.
I am really ready for treatment to be over. Still not sure about fixed versus removable retainers, but I am fairly sure I will keep my existing veneers for a while more. They still look decent, and I am in no rush for such a big expense.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Catching Up
Wow - time has flown since my last post. Things have been going so easy that I didn't really have anything to say.
I am now on set #12 of 14 of my refinements. The set actually says "12+" - ortho says that means it is "extra" refinement. A quick web search said it means certain teeth will be over-corrected so that when treatment ends (and my teeth have some movement) they will move back into the correct position.
Whatever it means, this set is the most painful I have had for quite a long time. I put them in last night before bed. Today I had the old "my teeth are being torn out by the roots" feeling whenever I removed my aligners. I am using Sensodyne toothpaste at every opportunity, and hopefully the pain will turn into a dull ache quickly.
Will have to make some important decisions soon. First, whether to replace the veneers on my upper incisors now, or wait a while. They are in decent shape, but I'm sure new veneers would look much better. Not sure I want that expense wight now.
Second decision will be fixed versus removable retainers. Ortho seems to favor fixed retainers. I'm not sure - I certainly have enjoyed the freedom to remove my aligners throughout treatment - might be nice for that to continue. Will have to think about it for a good while before making any decision.
I am now on set #12 of 14 of my refinements. The set actually says "12+" - ortho says that means it is "extra" refinement. A quick web search said it means certain teeth will be over-corrected so that when treatment ends (and my teeth have some movement) they will move back into the correct position.
Whatever it means, this set is the most painful I have had for quite a long time. I put them in last night before bed. Today I had the old "my teeth are being torn out by the roots" feeling whenever I removed my aligners. I am using Sensodyne toothpaste at every opportunity, and hopefully the pain will turn into a dull ache quickly.
Will have to make some important decisions soon. First, whether to replace the veneers on my upper incisors now, or wait a while. They are in decent shape, but I'm sure new veneers would look much better. Not sure I want that expense wight now.
Second decision will be fixed versus removable retainers. Ortho seems to favor fixed retainers. I'm not sure - I certainly have enjoyed the freedom to remove my aligners throughout treatment - might be nice for that to continue. Will have to think about it for a good while before making any decision.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Experiment
The first 2 sets of refinements have been really easy - little discomfort, even the first day or two, and after a week they feel, maybe not loose, but they certainly go in and out really easily. So I am going to experiment by moving on to the next set at day 11 instead of the full 14 days. Now this is not a real experiment - my orthodontist gave me the option - but I have worn every past aligner for at least 2 weeks, and sometimes longer. If this is successful, the remaining refinements will go that much faster. I'm not counting on it, but it would be nice to be through with treatment already. The weeks I spent wearing aligners only at night (while I waited for the refinements to come in) were quite pleasant. It was good to feel my real teeth all day, and my bite began to settle in.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Refinements are In
Refinements are in. I was surprised to learn that there are 14 upper and lower aligners - was expecting 10 to 12. Two positive developments - (1) No attachments. The aligners go on and off so much more easily, and removal was far less painful this first day; (2)My ortho said that some of his patients change aligners after 1 1/2 weeks instead of two full weeks. He left it up to me whether to attempt to accelerate the process. I am unsure - while I would like to have the process over faster, the materials I have read suggest that 2 weeks is ideal.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Phase 1 Complete; on to refinements
Finished the last of my 23 upper and lower aligners. Orthodontist says there are a couple of teeth he would like to move a bit more. He also said that it looks like some of the upper incisors needing to come down more are not likely to move much - that type of movement is generally tough for Invisalign, and with my veneers it makes it even more difficult. He said he will try, but not to expect much; that new veneers will make everything look great (though I am not looking forward to the expense of all new veneers).
Meanwhile, he ground off my attachments and took new impressions for refinements. He expect 5-10 aligners for round 2, followed by retainers which he will make in-office. They also took new photos. Will post when available.
The last aligners feel strange without attachments - there is no "click" to know they are properly placed, and they are much easier to remove. He told me to wear the aligners only at night until the refinements are in - he is hoping some of the teeth in the back will "settle in" - with Invisalign the aligner prevents full contact of the teeth, so they need time without aligners to get into final positions.
Meanwhile, he ground off my attachments and took new impressions for refinements. He expect 5-10 aligners for round 2, followed by retainers which he will make in-office. They also took new photos. Will post when available.
The last aligners feel strange without attachments - there is no "click" to know they are properly placed, and they are much easier to remove. He told me to wear the aligners only at night until the refinements are in - he is hoping some of the teeth in the back will "settle in" - with Invisalign the aligner prevents full contact of the teeth, so they need time without aligners to get into final positions.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
The FDA and Invisalign
The recent activity between the FDA and Align Technology is concerning. Seems the makers of Invisalign have been neglecting to report side effects reported to them by patients and dental professionals. This is an FDA requirement for makers of medical devices.
This was a concern of mine going in...I have sensitivities to many chemicals, and Invisalign aligners are essentially plastic gadgets you leave in your mouth nearly full time for a year or more. I also read that the aligners are sprayed with a disinfectant before leaving the factory; the disinfectant could also cause reactions.
What should we all be doing about it? First, keep an eye out for side effects like swelling, sore throats, itching lips or gums. Keep you orthodontist in the loop, and don't be afraid to report to the company or FDA. I also take the precaution of thoroughly cleaning fresh aligners before inserting them. This means soaking in Dentasoak (which I love [unpaid endorsement]) for 15 minutes, then brushing with a toothbrush and a little low abrasive toothpaste, then a good rinsing in warm water. Seems to take away the "plasticy" taste and odor of new aligners.
This was a concern of mine going in...I have sensitivities to many chemicals, and Invisalign aligners are essentially plastic gadgets you leave in your mouth nearly full time for a year or more. I also read that the aligners are sprayed with a disinfectant before leaving the factory; the disinfectant could also cause reactions.
What should we all be doing about it? First, keep an eye out for side effects like swelling, sore throats, itching lips or gums. Keep you orthodontist in the loop, and don't be afraid to report to the company or FDA. I also take the precaution of thoroughly cleaning fresh aligners before inserting them. This means soaking in Dentasoak (which I love [unpaid endorsement]) for 15 minutes, then brushing with a toothbrush and a little low abrasive toothpaste, then a good rinsing in warm water. Seems to take away the "plasticy" taste and odor of new aligners.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Another month; On my soapbox...
October has come and gone. Using my aligners as a Halloween candy defense - the longer I keep them in, the less candy I will eat.
Had an ortho appointment earlier in the week. I am on set 19 of 22. We started to talk about end plans. One lateral incisor and one canine are not tracking/moving as well as the rest of my teeth. My ortho felt that I might not need refinements since my 4 upper incisors have veneers and any remaining cosmetic issues could be dealt with through new veneers. My feeling is to do the refinements and get as much tooth movement as we can, and rely less on the talent of the dentist making the veneers, though I do expect to have to replace at least two of them (if not all). Ortho did not object to my preference,and said to plan for new impressions at my next visit when I will have completed the final set of aligners. He thinks any course of refinement will be half or less the time of my original treatment.
This conversation puts me back on my soapbox. Whether for Invisalign or for any medical treatment, it is incumbent upon us as patients and consumers to play an active role in our treatment, from selecting a doc, to reviewing treatment options, to assessing progress, to deciding an end game. We simply can't sit back and let someone else make decisions for us. A medical professional brings specialized knowledge and expertise to the table, but should be treated as part of your health care team, with you as the leader, quarterback, manager, or whatever other euphemism you prefer. Only you know what you will consider a treatment success or failure. Your expectations are hopefully shaped by the advice of your experts, but ultimately only you will decide if you are happy.
For Invisalign, you should all become armchair experts, as I have. When I had LASIK, I became an expert in laser eye surgery. Be educated, be assertive (but polite), and if the doc needs to be God and can't deal with this, find a new doc.
Had an ortho appointment earlier in the week. I am on set 19 of 22. We started to talk about end plans. One lateral incisor and one canine are not tracking/moving as well as the rest of my teeth. My ortho felt that I might not need refinements since my 4 upper incisors have veneers and any remaining cosmetic issues could be dealt with through new veneers. My feeling is to do the refinements and get as much tooth movement as we can, and rely less on the talent of the dentist making the veneers, though I do expect to have to replace at least two of them (if not all). Ortho did not object to my preference,and said to plan for new impressions at my next visit when I will have completed the final set of aligners. He thinks any course of refinement will be half or less the time of my original treatment.
This conversation puts me back on my soapbox. Whether for Invisalign or for any medical treatment, it is incumbent upon us as patients and consumers to play an active role in our treatment, from selecting a doc, to reviewing treatment options, to assessing progress, to deciding an end game. We simply can't sit back and let someone else make decisions for us. A medical professional brings specialized knowledge and expertise to the table, but should be treated as part of your health care team, with you as the leader, quarterback, manager, or whatever other euphemism you prefer. Only you know what you will consider a treatment success or failure. Your expectations are hopefully shaped by the advice of your experts, but ultimately only you will decide if you are happy.
For Invisalign, you should all become armchair experts, as I have. When I had LASIK, I became an expert in laser eye surgery. Be educated, be assertive (but polite), and if the doc needs to be God and can't deal with this, find a new doc.
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