Monday, January 14, 2013

Tray 36

It is once again time for an update. It's actually a little overdue. I wasn't able to post after tray 34 because I got so busy with finals and packing to go home for the winter break. I have some pretty good information for this post though. Not only is it time for one of the bigger posts in which I include more pictures from different angles and some comparisons from when I first started, but I also have something else I want to talk about first. So let's get started.

When I was first doing research on Invisalign, an interesting topic came up that caused a fair amount of concern for me. I read that many people get cavities while using Invisalign. And when I say they got cavities, I'm not talking 2 or 3. Some stated that they got 8 to 10 cavities during their treatment. This was a little scary because I had never had any cavities and I always took pride in that. So when I decided to get Invisalign, it was actually time for me to get a dental checkup, but I was unable to go. Then I was never able to get an appointment in the short times that I would go home, so it has been two whole years since my last checkup, which is absolutely HORRIBLE. But I finally went this week and I just kept thinking to myself, "Please, no cavities. PLEASE, no cavities." I got all of my x-rays done and my dentist came in and poked around in my mouth as did the hygienist. And after two years without any checkups, and a year and a half of wearing Invisalign, I am extremely proud and ecstatic to say I still have no cavities!!!!!! In fact, the hygienist was very impressed with how clean my teeth were. She even asked if I had been getting cleanings done at the orthodontist because she just couldn't believe how little buildup had accumulated over two years. I think Invisalign actually helped me with this. The frequent brushing and flossing just had to be a factor in the cleanliness of my teeth. I was so relieved when they said I had no cavities and very happy when they said I did an excellent job of cleaning my teeth. So if anyone were to ask my opinion on whether Invisalign causes cavities or not, I would have to say absolutely not. Even my orthodontist was surprised when I brought this up during the initial consultation because he said he had never had any patients have problems with this. This is still something to think about when deciding on Invisalign because if you aren't committed or simply able to brush your teeth several times a day, it may not be for you. Not brushing before putting the trays back on could lead to cavities, which will only make the treatment more expensive.

Before I put up the pictures, I wanted to mention that I wasn't able to have my teeth smoothed out yet because my orthodontist was at his other office when I went in for my appointment. So I just got two more sets of trays and will have them smoothed out at my next appointment.

And now the pictures...

Facial


Center


Left


Right


Upper



 Lower





     Upper Trays                             Tray 1                                 Tray 36


Lower Trays                               Tray 1                                  Tray 36

9 comments:

  1. I cannot believe the difference in the shape of the trays from the first to the last one.

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    1. It really has been a huge transformation. I still can't believe it myself sometimes. Thanks for the comment!

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  2. These great, I really like your blog, I think it helps people to make an important decision with your perimso I mean all the people who read this blog if you want to see how this treatment will pass me by my new http://invisalign-funciona.blogspot.com.es/ blog, greetings.

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    1. Thanks so much for your comment. I'm glad you like what I've written and I'm glad you found it helpful.

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  3. I must say that you were braving for pushing through with the Invisalign despite of what you read. Nonetheless, the secret to having less to no cavities at all is regular and proper brushing of our teeth. Also, by having a healthy lifestyle and healthy eating habits, cavities and other teeth problems will be prevented. I’m happy that everything is going well with your Invisalign. For how long will you wear it?

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    1. Hi Bettye! Thanks so much for your comment. I really appreciate it. I have to say I didn't do anything special with my teeth in order to prevent cavities. I just brushed and flossed them a little more than usual. I am not 100% sure when I will be able to stop wearing the trays. I have an appointment after my 47th tray (next month) to see whether I will need to wear anymore trays.If I do end up wearing the rest of my trays, a total of 51 trays), I will have worn them for a little less than two years, which is very comparable to traditional braces and I would get done early May. Feel free to ask anymore questions!

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    2. Hi Brandy! I think you really did something special when you brushed your teeth “a little more than usual.” Hehe! Anyway, negative publicity might be spread in regards to some dental treatments. What's important is that you have a trustworthy orthodontist by your side to perform your Invisalign adjustments. It's been a year now, and I hope you're loving the changes your Invisalign frames give you. How are you now? :)

      Jairo Chavez @ SpringBranchDental

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  4. how long did it take from tray 1 to tray 34? I have 34 tray for upper and 22 for lower

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  5. Thanks for sharing the tray by tray process. The photos are just amazing to see the difference from tray 1 to tray 36. Have a great upcoming weekend and keep up the wonderful posts.
    Dentist Philadelphia

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