Are you unhappy with the alignment of your teeth but don’t want to have metal braces?
Treatment coordinator Maria Landayan has given us an insight into what it’s like to have invisible braces!
The treatment process
When I tell my friends I’ve decided to go for my third course of orthodontics, they usually think I’m crazy. But when you’ve worked in the dental industry for almost 10 years, you tend to be a little bit particular about how a “perfect smile” should be. Yes, I’ve had braces in the past, but unfortunately (like most teenagers) I wasn’t very diligent with wearing my post-orthodontic retainers- and my teeth started to move back to how they had been before. My parents, of course were not too pleased about it with the amount of money spent and time they took to take me to my appointments!
I had heard about Invisalign™ in the past however, North Sydney Dental Practice was the first surgery I had worked in that offered the treatment.
Dr Cigdem Kipel kindly took me on as a patient and recommended that I do Invisalign Lite™. This is a shorter course and is suitable for teeth requiring only minor movement. During my consultation, Cigdem allowed me to be open about what I wanted aesthetically, but also gave me her professional advice on what was suitable for the functionality of my teeth. Impressions were taken to be sent to the laboratory and ‘before’ photos recorded.
At my next appointment, Cigdem and I went through my ClinCheck™ results. ClinCheck™ is a computer program which is able to use the impressions taken to show a simulation of the progress of the Invisalign™ course, allowing me to see how my teeth were to begin with and how they would look once finished. Seeing the end result on the program got me really excited to start! ClinCheck™ was approved on the spot and I waited 2 weeks for the custom aligners to be made.
Initially, my Invisalign™ trays were little bit uncomfortable which was to be expected and much to the humour of my colleagues- I did develop a slight lisp, which I later managed to train my tongue to eliminate. Like anything new in the mouth, it did take a little getting used to.
Compliance is probably my main problem. Here’s the thing- I like to eat… and I mean a lot! Knowing these trays must be worn 23hrs a day, this ultimately means I have to limit my eating or resign to the fact that I will have to brush my teeth 10 times a day. Let’s just say… I might be a couple of kilos lighter. Thanks, Invisalign™!
Pros
- Aesthetics – almost invisible. Because who wants to have a metal mouth in this day and age?
- Does not impede with regular hygiene routines. Being able to brush and floss without wires and brackets everywhere ensures I’m able to maintain my oral hygiene standards.
- ClinCheck program – When I see the computer stimulated final outcome, I”m more motivated to be compliant and to reach that end result.
Cons
- Compliance – especially for the lazy or forgetful type like myself.
- Slight soreness after aligner change this usually only lasts a few hours after switching to the next aligner.
- Slight speech change – for the first day or two I had a slight lisp, but it went away
- Removing and cleaning aligner after each meal. Requiring a toothbrush (and floss for those who are diligent with their hygiene) after each meal.
Invisalign results
So at the present time, I’m almost about two thirds through my course and I’m thrilled with the results so far!
There are dentists that do Invisalign courses for patients all around in Sydney. How expensive is Invisalign compared to braces? Prices will definitely vary between clinics and dentists, but it’s considered a cost effective form of orthodontic solution for those wanting to avoid traditional braces. Feel free to consult our professional dentists to see how they can help, or call us if you need more information!
