I felt like lunchtime totally snuck up on me today. I was buried in catch-up work today and was ready for a little break when my stomach started growling.
I made myself a quick salad, topped with leftover London broil, tomatoes and pomegranate dressing.
Sides included a cup of strawberry banana Greek yogurt and two chocolate truffles.
I spy Sadie!
Invisalign Q&A
Last week I put out a call for questions about my experience with Invisalign and took some time this afternoon to answer the questions you guys submitted. Feel free to ask any follow-up questions in the comments section or, if you’ve gone through Invisalign treatment yourself, feel free to share your experience since I know everyone is different!
For those of you who may be in the dark about Invisalign, it is an alternative to traditional braces. Invisalign treatment uses a series of clear aligners (they look like thin, clear mouth guards) to gradually straighten teeth.
Also, I am obviously not an orthodontist, so my answers simply come from my experience with Invisalign, so be sure to address any concerns you may have with an orthodontist before beginning treatment.
Now let’s get into the details!
- Did Invisalign hurt?
The first day or two after I got a new aligner, my mouth was pretty sore, but the pain wasn’t too intense or unbearable. I also made sure to change my aligners at nighttime so I slept through the worst of the pain and soreness.
- How much does Invisalign cost?
During my research, I found the cost of Invisalign to be $4,000 to $5,000, but read on the Invisalign website that it can cost up to $8,000. I saved for a couple of years before beginning treatment so I could pay upfront in full rather than using a payment plan which allowed me to save nearly $500. I also visited a couple of orthodontists to “shop around” and compare prices. I paid around $4,000.
- Is Invisalign covered by dental insurance?
It depends on the insurance plan. Many dental insurance companies consider Invisalign treatment “cosmetic” and do not offer coverage.
- Is it noticeable?
Yes and no. During treatment, you get “buttons” attached to your teeth to hold aligners in place. Two of my buttons were placed on the two teeth next to my two front teeth and I felt like they were really noticeable, though friends and family assured me they weren’t.
You can kind of see one button jutting out in the picture below, though it’s harder to see the buttons in pictures since they match your teeth.
I also had to use rubber bands during treatment to prevent an excessive overbite, and felt like the rubber bands were very noticeable. I typically just wore them to work and to bed.
- I was told I would have to pull some teeth or shave them down on the side to be a candidate for Invisalign. Did you have to do that?
I did not have to have any teeth pulled, though I know this is necessary for certain patients. I did have teeth shaved a bit to allow my other teeth to have room to move and properly shift into position.
- Do you wear Invisalign aligners all day and all night and just take them out when you’re eating?
Yes. I would also take them out if I was going out and knew I’d be eating and drinking with friends.
- What did your teeth look like before?
I felt like I had two “fangs” that stuck out on either side of my front teeth.
Before:
Now the “fangs” are pushed back and don’t stick out farther then my two front teeth.
After:
- Did you end up doing “refinement” at the end?
Yes. I actually did several months of “refinement” and worked out an arrangement with my orthodontist ahead of time that allowed me to continue to refine my teeth until I was 100 percent satisfied at no extra cost. (For those of you unsure about what “refinement” entails, it occurs after the traditional Invisalign treatment is over and allows patients to undergo additional treatment with more aligners to move teeth a little more.)
- Did you find it difficult to have to remove the trays and brush your teeth so frequently?
No. I struggled to remove the aligners a couple of times, but didn’t have trouble for the most part. I know some orthodontists provide patients with “tools” to help remove aligners if they are increasingly difficult to remove.
- Is Invisalign okay for teens?
Yes! There is actually an Invisalign Teen treatment plan designed specifically for teens. I actually underwent Invisalign Teen treatment myself!
- Did your trays get gross by the end of the time with a specific tray? What did you use to clean it?
Yes. I was always more than ready to throw away my trays when it was time to get new ones. I cleaned them daily by brushing them like I would my teeth.
- Did you feel like your teeth were “perfect” when you were done?
I don’t feel like I have “perfect” teeth (does anyone?), but the treatment did what I wanted it to do and I am happy with the results.
![\"Quantcast\"/](\"//pixel.quantserve.com/pixel/p-1e3-7hOJ_U8Bg.gif\")
I’ve been thinking about Invisalign lately so it’s great to hear your opinion. Your smile is beautiful!
This brings back my Invisalign memories! I had them prior to getting married. I wanted my smile to look great! I had a gap between my two front teeth and Invisalign did the trick (plus straightened the rest of my teeth – just a bonus on top of having the gap closed). I remember thinking my “buttons” were really noticable too but no one ever seemed to notice. Have a great day! 🙂
I got Invisalign because I had braces as a teen and then I was bad and didn’t wear my retainer so my teeth shifted back.
My experiences are similar except one bad, rare side effect: The glue to hold on the “buttons” turned those teeth yellow. So my regular teeth are white, yet my teeth with those invisalign buttons glued on are yellow. Definitely had an epic meltdown….but the good news is that I can whiten them when I get them off at the end of January!
I have been in Invisalign for about 4 months now. My teeth have also yellowed from the glue that hold on the attachments; 16 attachments on 14 teeth which sadly includes one upper front tooth with two and none on the other.
Just wondering if the yellowing went completely away when the attachment glue was removed and if you did in fact have the whitening as indicated in your Q & A.
I’m concerned my front tooth will forever be poka-doted 🙁
Thank you in advance for your reply,
Lori
Your smile is beautiful! I thought about Invisalign. I had braces when I was about 10, which I think was way too early. I’m now 26 and have some slight crowding on my bottom teeth. It’s hardly noticeable, but I don’t like it!
I am going through invaslign right now and I HIGHLY recommend it! It is a bit pricey but if you are an adult or older teen and can’t stand the thought of having braces, then invisalign is totally for you! I am very pleased with my results thus far.
This would have been perfect for my sister. She had to have braces and bands off and on for 7 years! My girlfriend got invisalign and I could never noticed – seems much easier than traditional
Loved this post! Unfortunately I wasn’t happy with the results of Invisalign and moved on to regular clear braces! Not having to think before every bite (ie is it worth removing the brace) was definitely a welcomed change!
Wow – you can really tell the difference between the before and after. You look great. My teeth are (unfortunately) awful and I am thinking of making invisalign a priority investment. Thanks for the helpful post!
And a bonus – you can use the trays for whitening.
This is super helpful! I had braces when I was a teenager, but my teeth have shifted a bit since I didn’t have/wear retainers. Because Invisalign was out of my price range at the moment I opted to get a bottom retainer to wear at night and a night guard for my top teeth (I grind my teeth when I sleep) to keep my teeth from moving anymore. When I save enough money I too will splurge on Invisalign as the results seem great for minor cosmetic changes. 🙂 Thanks so much for your experience!
That’s a helpful QA post–thanks! I had braces and totally made my teeth pretty much perfect. Score!
LOVE Lindt truffles!!!!
I finished mine about 2 years ago and mine was partly covered because it is also considered Orthodontic so some insurance plans will cover it. When i had 2 veneers put in those were considered cosmetic so i had to pay for that.
Is it difficult to talk with them on? I’m kinda nervous about having a lisp!
not at all! it’s kinda strange at first, but i never felt like i talked any differently.
eons ago, i lisped when i first put in a retainer which i imagine feels similar. orthodontist said to try singing with it a bit (ALONE!) and it really made it disappear fast. my mom’s in speech so she def noticed both it happening and it stopping
Although my teeth don’t need straightening… they are rather stained and I would like to whiten them up.
Do you (or anyone) have any recommendations for over the counter teeth whitening that works?
i looove crest white strips!
I used listerine extra whitening pre brush rinse and loved it!
Unfortunatly, Invisalign is not recommended for all orthodontic treatments. Just something to keep in mind. Even though they don’t look as nice sometimes clear or metal “traditional” braces are the better option. As always it is best to discuss with your orthodontist.
I’d like to ask you about organic , etc.
i’m trying to gain weight and do not want to restrict things from my diet. I can’t locate or either its too costly for me to purchase ground meats, pork, chicken, etc as the organic , hormone-free, etc…etc…should I worry about this? or can i just be free from the mental torture? i just want to eat 🙁
How long did the whole process take for you?
18 months!
I think your teeth look amazing – and they always look so white!
Thanks for sharing!
Perfect timing! I am actually going to my orthodontist TOMORROW to get my first set of trays. My treatment will be for a year. How long was yours?
I wasn’t aware of the buttons, refinement, or shaving, so I will definitely ask about them tomorrow. My teeth are pretty straight already, I just have a couple of issues to fix.
Also, a tip for those looking into this: Check out Groupon/Living Social! A $1,000 off coupon was what prompted me to go for it. My total cost is going to be $3,400. Also, Invisalign is covered by Health Savings Accounts, if your employer provides that.
Thanks so much for the tips!
ooh good luck! great timing! 🙂 my treatment lasted about 18 months.
I had my invisaligns put on today. I think the buttons
bother me more than the trays. When I have trays out
I look like I have fangs….It’s awful… Can they not shave
buttons down a bit so the dont stick out so much ???
Your teeth are beautiful!
I’m a fellow fang-er 😉 except mine just hang down really low and are pretty damn sharp, haha! I think you look beautiful with or without the Invisilign fix 🙂
Steak salad for the win!
Enjoy your day, ty for the Q and A!
Thanks for all the info! I would love to get invisaligns one day! My 16 year old brother has them and you can’t even notice!
Both my momma and my Dear are going to get invisalign! My momma is actually starting her treatment in January and is a little apprehensive since she hasn’t had her teeth messed with [other than for cleanings] in a long time… I’ll have to share your info with her, thanks 🙂
Thanks for the info! I want to get invisalign to close the gaps on teh sides of both my front teeth. How long did the treatment take?
about 18 months, but it depends on the patient!
Thanks! As long as it’s not another 3 years like my braces were. I definitely learned my lesson about wearing retainers after getting braces off and now I’m going to have to pay for it 🙁 I’m so glad you did this post!
Thanks for the helpful Q&A! I’ve been considering getting an Invisalign consult, but wasn’t sure. Maybe I should save up for a bit first.
Wow! Ok, I thought invisalign was a scam like “miracle diets” probably because I know Tom Cruise did it and I never noticed a difference in his teeth. Obviously I had no knowledge on the subject, So this was interesting to read.
And I can’t believe it costs DOUBLE what my braces cost back in the day. That’s kinda crazy. But I agree, I think your teeth look much better tho the fangs were kinda charming. 🙂
Found recipe for my mom’s ginger-soy flank steak/london broil
GINGER-SOY MARINATED FLANK STEAK
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons canola oil
1/4 cup grated fresh ginger
2 teaspoons chili-garlic sauce, or more to taste
4 scallions, ends trimmed and thinly sliced
1 1/4 pounds flank steak
Marinate 12-24 hours. Grill to pinkinside/crusty outside.
Cut thinthinthink slices on a daigonal.
Yummmmmmmmm
…. The ONLY beef I eat!!!!
Ps I got regular braces as I grind my teeth—the invisilign would have cracked the first night
YUM! that sounds fantastic!
I want to get these! I recently went to a new orthodontist (my old one from hs retired) and he gave me a brand new wire retainer bc my teeth had started to shift again .. i was not very good about wearing my retainer post college haha. I would much rather have these invisible ones though, even though I only have my retainer in at night.
I want invisalign so badly. I had braces twice as a child for bad bad overbite and now it has come back on one of my two front teeth an both eye teeth. it is starting to affect my bite/closing my mouth.
do you still have to wear a retainer at night now to keep them straight? how long did you wear your trays? a year or so?
I need to just suck it up and go get it done. maybe it will be a 2012 goal. 🙂
yes, i do still wear retainers at night. my trays lasted about 18 months, though they initially predicted only a year. i did several months of “refinement” until i was satisfied.
My husband had invisaline and loved the process and the results! Much less noticeable than braces!
Thanks for the information! I’m starting invislign tomorrow so my teeth will be straight before my wedding. 🙂
my teeth def needed full-on braces, incl 4 perm teeth pulled beforehand. i then “got lucky” and had SIX wisdom teeth which all were impacted. one dentist said he just made a note and used the pediatric tools on me as an adult.
but my real point in posting…not sure if it’d work, but i wear a night guard (grind too…told i am impressively talented at it when i went through a regular and metal temp crown). i actually use denture cleanser to clean it. feels easier and more thorough than when i brushed it. just need to look confident when i buy the stuff (a boss said she’d totally fake a phone call…”yes, grandma, i got your polident”)!!
Hey Julie, I’m just curious…you mentioned having Invisalign as a teen. Does that mean that the results are only temporary, and that’s why you had to do them again?
Another great option is Six Month Smiles..will move your teeth in 6-9 months. It costs less than Invisalign. Clear braces and tooth colored wires….www.SixMonthsmiles.com
Check it out 🙂
I love this post! I’m a dental hygienist by trade so anything with teeth I perk up :D. I get so excited when adults get braces as sometimes people can get a little fearful of what others might think, when in reality their opinion does not matter. My hubby has braces now and I’m so proud of him!
You have a beautiful smile!
Just my 2 cents (from an orthodontist :).
An important point to keep in mind when comparison shopping is that the quality of care received with Invisalign will differ drastically if you go to a Dentist vs. an Orthodontist ( who has 3 years of additional training to specifically straighten teeth). The price from an Orthodontist is generally higher, however find the right Orthodontist and you’ll definitely get what you pay for.
Along with the severity of your case, the handling of your case online via the Invisalign software between the technicians and the Orthodontist has a huge influence on your final result. The “shaving” if done properly is very minimal- between .2-.5mm.
An Orthodontist also generally offers clear (or metal) braces to complete treatment if you aren’t satisfied with the results of Invisalign (as mentioned before not all cases can properly be treated with Invisalign- this will be diagnosed properly by an Orthodontist from the start).
Invisalign is definitely easier & cleaner for most adult patients to handle- however they move teeth differently and don’t offer the Orthodontist the same control of each tooth that standard braces offer. Invisalign moves the teeth in one large movement per tray (which is why it hurts the most when you swtich to a new tray)- while braces gradually move teeth throughout the month until your next adjustment.
Both are great options- however the key point here is to get properly diagnosed from an Orthodontist before making your choice :).
Also to address the 6 month smile shout out: Teeth & the bone which hold the teeth need a 4-6 week period to properly remodel & heal before the next movement is made- otherwise (tooth) root shortening is probable (if severe enough, causing mobility and possible future tooth loss).
Nature can’t be changed. Tooth & bone need the 4-6 week period to remodel and heal prior to moving again. Which is why Orthodontics is such an investment in time (12-24 mos of treatment on average). There is no quick fix when it comes to Orthodontics!
Maybe someone already asked this, but how on earth do you keep your teeth so white? I like to drink tea, and let’s just say it shows. I use a whitening toothpaste but it does nothing. Tips? Your smile is amazing,
Julie, I just got Invisalign on December 19th, just changed my aligners for the first time last night. This post is so timely.
Anyway, it’s nice to read someones Q&A who is already done with their treatment, as I am just beginning it.
I got them because after 4 years of braces when I was a teen, my bottom front tooh is still so pushed back.
Do you still wear your last aligner as a retainer?
i actually asked my orthodontist to make me a real retainer to use instead b/c i felt like the aligners were too nasty! 🙂
I just started my first tray. I will have 11 for upper and 7 for bottom. How many trays did you have and how long was your treatment. I am thinking mine will not be long since they are changed out every 2 and a half wks. Thank you for any input.
Hi! For those who have had invisalign but also had a tooth grinding problem, have the trays cracked? Is there a guard you can wear on top of the invisalign? I am a serious tooth grinder when I sleep. Thank you for your help!
Hi, this is some great information. I just got invisalign and am happy with it EXCEPT when I picked up my first trays I was told in a month I would have to have the “buttons”….which I did know about but was told only two on my top eye teeth would have them. WELL when she showed me the trays for them there are 8 buttoms on top and 4 on the bottom….6 of which are my top front teeth. At this point I am thinking I should have went with cermic clear since they will be just as visable and get the job done faster and better (according the my dentist)…any thoughts? Ceramic clear vs Invisalign with A LOT of buttons! In such a disappointed state with this all. I got invisalign to correct my top front teeth from jetting out due to a tongue thrusting problem. I have fangs too and feel like my over-bite is gross!
I want Invisalign but mostly to pull down my teeth next to my front teeth because they’re so much shorter. Can attachments do this? Also, if you have attachments do they have to stay on for the whole Invisalign treatment, or can they come off once they have done their job and you finish with the regular Invisalign treatment?