Happy Halloween! Off with #1 and on with #2!

Unfortunately, I can't snack on my kid's candies while they're sleeping!

First of all, after about a week with the first aligners, they became pretty loose and easy to get on and off. It became so routine and comfortable, I forgot they were even on - until I kept finding myself grinding my teeth ALL THE TIME! It did become harder to chew since my bite alignment became completely messed up... This happened much quicker than I anticipated. I also couldn't bite into foods directly with my front teeth as they stayed fairly sensitive. I even ventured out to dinner a couple times and it went well! It's kind of awkward brushing and flossing and taking care of business, but thankfully, I don't get embarrassed easily.

I've also been around quite a few people while taking my son to school and Halloween parties, and as far as I could tell, no one noticed! I do have the lisp when I'm talking, but that's a small price to pay. My good friend Veronica told me she could only tell when we were speaking really close together. Sweet!

After all of our Halloween festivities tonight, I tried on the 2nd set of aligners. They weren't difficult to get on, just tighter. I feel the same amount of pressure in the front of my mouth as the 1st set during the first few days. Hopefully these aren't too difficult or painful to get off in the morning!

Well, I hope you all had a safe and fun Halloween! Time to go browse through pictures!

Tray #1

After many years of torment and self confidence issues stemmed from my jacked teeth, I'm finally able to end the agony. Kind of. This week I started my Invisalign treatment! Exciting! Terrifying!

... and after 4 weeks of googling and reading and watching youtube videos since my dental impressions were taken, I've faced my anxieties in the dentist's office. Monday I was fitted into my first trays of 18! A few of my teeth needed to be filed in order to create more space for shifting. This was no big deal - only slightly uncomfortable. She also attached 9 "buttons" on my side teeth - 3 upper, 3 lower (R) and 2 upper, 1 lower (L). These attachments are tooth colored and help keep the trays in position and apply more pressure to certain teeth. 2 days later, I had most of my buttons break off and had the dentist try again. She assured me that if they come off, it won't mess up my treatment plan but to come in if this happens. As it stands right now, I should have 18 sets of retainers/trays, changing them every 12 days. You do the math. Then there will probably be refinements.

Anyway, the first day wasn't terrible... just a bit of pressure in the front of my mouth, both upper and lower. At least, I thought it wasn't terrible until I went to pull the things out for dinner. Youch! Putting them back in wasn't as painful but there was definitely pain. Once the trays are in or out, however, the pain subsides and all is well.

Day #2 is when I lost those attachments. The pain subsided when removing or replacing trays but was still there, along with sensitivity while eating and brushing my teeth.

Day #3 the trays became a bit looser and more comfortable. That said, I couldn't leave them alone! I grind my teeth (err plastic?) together to relieve the throbbing and pressure. After having the buttons replaced, now a back portion of the upper tray sits a little lower causing it to touch my bottom teeth while my mouth is at rest. Annoying! I'm getting the hang of taking them on and off but it's still pretty awkward.

Things to mention:

The trays collect a lot of saliva. You can SEE the saliva while you have them on. Yuck. The plastic is also kind of shiny and noticeable, but I guess still better than a mouth full of metal... and while the trays collect saliva, my mouth & lips are left incredibly dry. I'm using a ton of chap-stick and drinking a lot of water (the only thing you're supposed to intake with the trays on).

They say the 1st week is the worst, and the 1st 3 days of that week are the hardest. According to my short experience so far, I'll say I'm living by the rule. They also say the first 3 days of any trays are hard.

We'll see when I get there! For now, I'm sticking to soft foods and taking the trays out only when necessary to eat & drink. No snacking! :( So there's another idea - the Invisalign Diet. Let's hope I don't lose any weight. The kids find my removable "teeth" pretty amusing. Hopefully they don't tell people Mommy has dentures or anything one day. :)

I feel great so far. I haven't lost any sleep... and I can still drink Dr Pepper!