Should You Get Invisalign?
If you are considering Invisalign, and want to know if you should get Invisalign this is the article for you! I am going answer some of the most frequently asked questions.
How do you know if you are eligible to get Invisalign?
Invisalign primarily corrects overcrowding issues, underbite or overbite and gaps in teeth. However, it isn’t appropriate to correct all kinds of issues so you need to get an evaluation. Before starting Invisalign, my dentist took pictures of my teeth using some kind of scanning technology. The dentist uploaded the scans and assessed them to see if I was a candidate for Invisalign. The dentist reviewed the results of the scan with me to show me the issues with my teeth.
My dentist reviewed the pros and cons of Invisalign with me. To manage expectations, we also discussed the outcome I wanted to achieve, and the likely outcome of using Invisalign. Managing expectations is important. While I expect to see improvement, I should not expect a Hollywood smile as if I had a brand new set of teeth. LOL!
My dentist sent the scans of my teeth to Invisalign. Next, I received my treatment plan and the Invisalign trays.
How Long Does Invisalign Take to Work?
It depends on the issue being fixed. My upper and lower teeth were overcrowded, causing one of my top teeth to be noticeably higher than the rest, I have an overbite, and one of my bottom teeth is twisted. My treatment plan is for 25 sets of trays. I have to wear each set of trays for 7-10 days.
How much does it cost to get Invisalign?
Because each person’s treatment plan will be different, I’m not sure if it costs the same amount for everyone. I have heard it generally costs between $2000 and $3000. Sometimes, your dentist’s office may run specials and you can get Invisalign at a reduced price. I am paying about $2500. My dentist office has a payment plan, where I pay $140 a month. If you have a health care reimbursement plan through your employer like I do, it is wise to plan. I planned ahead and asked for a cost estimate in 2022. I ensured I set aside enough money in my 2023 health care reimbursement account in advance.
What can you eat or drink if you get Invisalign?
You can’t eat or drink anything except water when the Invisalign trays are in! Well, you are not supposed to. Food and drink may stain or tear the plastic trays (although I haven’t experienced this). Take the trays out when you eat or drink anything. Oh and by the way, I was told to wear the trays between 20 and 22 hours a day.
After you eat or drink, brush your teeth (or at least rinse your mouth out) before you put the trays back in. I bring a tooth-care kit with me when I leave the house so I can brush and floss after eating or drinking. The only time I don’t take the trays out is when I am taking communion – I just rinse my mouth out at the first opportunity. I have also sipped some cold beverages through a straw with the trays in. However, my habit of sipping coffee throughout the workday is over.
Does it Hurt to Get Invisalign?
Yes and No. Each tray should be worn for 7-10 days. They are tight for the first few days of each new tray, and then somewhere around day 4 it doesn’t hurt as much.
Tray 1 was the worst! At my first dentist visit after the trays came in, he prepped my teeth (made a little space between my front two teeth, and put little attachments onto some teeth) and put on the first tray. The upper and lower trays clicked onto my teeth around the little attachments. It was very tight and felt like I had a giant rubber band around my mouth! Getting the trays off to eat was tricky, painful, and felt like I was going to pull my teeth out! The dentist warned me that they would feel tight and be hard to get off at first.
I hurt to bite into anything with my front teeth and I didn’t want to eat anything except soft foods. Brushing my teeth hurt. It wasn’t until day 5 or 6 that it felt better, although it still hurt somewhat. By day 10 it was time for Tray 2, which was tight, but not as bad as Tray 1. Now I am up to Tray 3, and it feels tight, but not painful. Also, I learned how to get the trays in and out with confidence. I know just where to grab them and they pop right out.
My First 30 Days With Invisalign
The First Tray Is the Worst Tray
The dentist told me to keep the trays in for the full 10 days for the first 5-6 trays (until my next scheduled dentist appointment). The first 10 days were tough because the trays were tight, painful to get out, and my teeth hurt when I ate. I was vigilant about how long I had the trays out of my mouth because I was supposed to wear them for 20-22 hours a day. The dentist said to keep it as close to 22 hours as possible. I set a timer when I ate, so I could maintain awareness of how long I had the trays out when I ate. I was surprised that wearing the trays when I went to bed did not bother me at all.
By Tray Three It Gets Much Better
Now I am on the third tray (the 3rd 10-day cycle). I am used to having the trays in, and I learned how to easily get the trays in and out of my mouth. I also got the hang of bringing my tooth-care kit with me when I leave the house. The tooth-care kit consists of the case for the Invisalign trays, a travel toothbrush, travel-size toothpaste, floss, and floss-picks. If you don’t want to carry alot of stuff, you can get disposable pre-toothpasted toothbrushes. You can also get a little tool to help you get the trays off your teeth. I will also bring a small bottle of water with some Listerine added so I can rinse out my mouth.
Also, with the third tray, it doesn’t hurt as much to take the trays in and out and my teeth hurt less. I also learned to relax my vigilance regarding timing my meals. After adjusting my behavior (like giving up my habit of sipping coffee all day) while wearing the first two trays, I am confident that the trays are in for a minimum of 20 hours a day. I developed eating and drinking habits that don’t feel restrictive (I take two coffee breaks per day). Every now and then, I forget to put the trays back in for a while after I eat or drink something. However, I don’t beat myself up about how long the trays are out.
Well that’s my first 30 days with Invisalign! I’ll be sure to post an update after several more weeks of trays! I hope you found this article informative and it helps you decide if Invisalign is for you!
Best Wishes on Your Success Journey!
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