All you need to know about Invisalign Braces.

I decided back last summer that I could take the plunge and get braces here is why:

I Always knew I needed braces since my teenage years but it wasn’t the cool thing back all them years ago ( I’m Not that old Lol). After school I really wanted to get braces but the years past between Beauty therapy training, Make-up diplomas and starting up my own business all my money went into that area.

Last year I did my research on braces but since I was a bit older and been a Make up Artist I felt a bit paranoid getting metal braces as I have close contact to my clients everyday. I remembered Suzanne Jackson posting up a picture of her with Invisalign Braces a while back so I started researching more into it.

So how do they  work?

Invisalign are clear braces that slowly move your teeth week by week. They are clear plastic retainers that you keep in 22 hours of the day, which you clip in and out when you are having meals. Invisaligns are changed every 14 days, each new set has a new mould of your teeth which is how they gradually move your teeth.  I have 27 sets which is one year and one week, at present I’m on set 5 so in total its been 10 weeks.

How much does it cost?

Each case is different depending on whether you need both upper and lower aligners and the severity of your teeth. The length of time required ranges from 8 months to 2 years. My teeth have a  cross bite and I have Dracula fangs which need to be moved down and they caused overcrowding in my mouth. Mine in total cost 3500 euros, yes I know it’s a lot of money compared to metal braces roughly costing 2500 euros again it depends on each individual but I keep telling myself it will be worth it. 

The procedure

I went for a consultation to see if I was eligible for Invisaligns which consisted off getting an x-ray and an examination of my teeth, with all the information, the dentist had to send it away to the Invisalign company to design me up a plan. He then explained the Pros and cons and how they work.

During my second consultation I got moulds done of my teeth which were sent away to create my 27 sets of aligners. I was also shown a 3D virtual version of my teeth and how they would change week by week.

It took about 6-8 weeks for my sets to come back, I was getting a bit impatient as I just wanted to start them. So I was super excited to get a phone call to come in. In that session the dentist had to use a small strip of a metal file to file in-between my teeth to create space, that actually process wasn’t sore it was afterwards that was the problem.

week 1-2

The first 3 hours were fine ,I thought I escaped all the pain well  I was so wrong…

It was a total nightmare, I felt weird speaking and I felt as if my lips were protruding out.  I was finding it impossible to remove the alingers the more I pulled the worse the pain got. My gums were bleeding and then when I eventually did get them off, It was nearly as sore to try eat but look that is my rant over lol it does get better I promise

As new areas of my gums were newly exposed it was very uncomfortable especially even eating certain foods, the alingers themselves were fine but I just felt constant pressure on my teeth, no pain no gain.

The hardest part was getting into a routine it literally added an extra 15 mins each morning before I started my day. After each meal you need to clean your teeth, clean your alingers, floss your teeth and pop them back in. It sounds easy but doing this 4 times a day and especially been in public it can be a pain I have a little bag that I bring everywhere i go with all my essentials.

I was very happy to get my new set, as the alingers can become stained and to be honest I was missing the pressure on my teeth as I know they are working with the pain kicks in.

Set 2-5

It became easier each week , it became apart of my routine everyday. Set 2,3 and 4 were very sore for the first 3 days but then they settled in. Set 5 were probably the easiest set, I had a slight tight pressure but I think our bodies just quickly adapt to the change.

I can see a massive difference already even though they are small changes I notice them in my face shape and when I smile.

Are they Invisible

Yes they are, rarely anyone notices I have them on unless I was in very close contact. I have little buttons attached to my teeth to help the alingers shift my teeth and They are more noticeable then the actually alingers they are completely clear sheath over your teeth

Where I got them Done

I attend Dean street Dental in Kilkenny after a lot of research I felt instantly at ease in my first consultation with Paul he is super nice and thoroughly explained every detail and they have fantastic payment plans. I would 100% recommend them.

I would recommend getting Invisalgn even after all the crying and complaining I knew before I started the treatment it wasnt going to be a breeze and they are apartently not as sore as braces my friend is going through the procedure with metal braces and to be honest I think i got away lightly she was in serious pain ,so overall I would give Invisalgn a big thumbs up and I will post updates throughout my procedure

Thanks

Melissa xx