My personal experience with Invisalign

About 5 years ago I noticed that I was starting to wear down my lower front teeth and they were starting to chip on the edges. I decided to fix the problem by going into orthodontic treatment. What better way could there be than to fully experience what it’s like to wear braces myself.

This gave me the opportunity to really test the assistants’ work and it was a challenge for myself to put my own braces on with a mirror. I could critique their technique placing the bands on my teeth under my direction. I could feel exactly how sore your teeth get the first evening. What it is like having to brush your teeth immediately following eating a meal so you are not wearing your lunch (Boy, salads are tough to eat out!). How long it takes for the initial soreness to subside. What it feels like to add a button on the inside, or a coil spring which irritates your lip or cheek. I understand how wax can make the adjustment period bearable. I learned that sometimes you can try to add two ties on the brace (or a spacer) to act as a bumper. I am more aware of tucking the inside cleats, or pushing a tie (ligature) wire underneath the archwire so it will not poke and clipping the ends of a wire.

Following the braces I decided to try the Invisalign trays. This is a series of clear trays that make small incremental movements of the teeth utilizing removable retainers. This technology requires extreme compliance by wearing these trays 22 hours a day. Surprisingly, your teeth are slightly sore for 2-3 days only so the adjustment period is much quicker than with fixed braces which take a week. Very few people noticed my lisp when I first started wearing the trays.

After that phase I had some cosmetic bonding to restore the small teeth and replace the worn edges. None of that would have been possible unless I had shifted the teeth ideally with braces. That entire process took about two years. I believe the experience has made me a better orthodontist today having gone through it as an adult. I am able to express exactly what it feels like and what to expect. I have to tell you that our staff does a fantastic job executing the procedures, and making the patient feel comfortable. It helps me do my job by knowing what it is like and what you are thinking on the other side of the chair. I now have a greater appreciation for my staff and the patients.