So today (ok past midnight, technically yesterday) I changed into tray 17! Seems like such a big number. I've come a long way. And they felt like quite the step up. All day they have felt a little funny. Even when I take them off, my teeth feel funny. And I think I've figured out why. The retainers are placing my teeth in a more natural position. Throughout this process, my side top teeth used to kind of hit awkwardly on my bottom teeth. Something that annoyed me, but I got used to. Now those top teeth are pushed in a more normal spot. Which is now weird to get used to! But when I smile, my teeth feel like they should. The tops and bottom ones fit together like they used to. Except now they're straighter. So I think this is a good step. My teeth must be getting ready to go back to their normal spaces. Only straighter than ever before! I will just have to get used to this new feeling because it's strange, but feels natural.
I haven't heard anything about sanding my teeth down. Which I think was supposed to happen late March- early April. And my next appointment is late April. I believe I should be all done by the end of May. So really not much more time left. And I think my teeth are starting to work their way towards way they will be staying permanently!!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Easy Breezy
Today I had another 6 week check up to make sure everything was going according to plan. One thing I've been forgetting to mention is that the back of my bottom row of teeth where my wisdom teeth used to be were pretty sore. Like the retainers were rubbing against something back there. But it feels fine now, so I'm not too worried.
Anyway I went in and got my favorite hygenist. She always makes sure the dentist gets to see me. And yes, he is a dentist. Who does orthodontics as well. So not sure what his official title is. Besides Doctor! The other hygenist just asks me how things are. I like the dentist actually looking because he's the expert. I tried on my new set even though I'm a day behind. They felt like they are going to be causing me some pain, but they seemed to fit like they should. Then my orthodontist came in and made me smile. I never had to sit down during this process. These check ups are super quick. He said things looked good. Then he smiled and said that it's hard. Which I laughed and said it was so much work. It really isn't that much work on my part, but it definitely does take the dedication to make sure you're wearing them as much as you should. So don't think it's all a piece of cake.
I got 3 new sets of retainers and then scheduled my next appointment. Since I will be starting a full time job soon, my training schedule will be pretty demanding. So I will not be able to go in until after 4. My nice hygenist wanted to switch my day to Wednesday, which makes sense because I'm a day behind! But apparently my dentist leaves early on Wednesday. So we had to schedule it for a Thursday. Which means I will be 2 days behind. BUT that will be perfect because after training my schedule will give me Thursdays off. Perfect timing. And right after my next check up, I have my 6 month cleaning at my regular dentist. So excited for them to see my progress! Last time I was there I had just started treatment. And I hope I will find out my more frequent flossing has been good for my gums. My hygenists and dentist have always yelled at me for not flossing. But since my invisalign, I've definitely been better at it.
Things seem to be right on track. Now just have to switch my retainers and breeze through the rest of my treatment. Kinda sad it's going to be over. As weird as it sounds, I like the retainers because they support my teeth and it feels like they almost keep them in place. But I'm also really excited to be able to whiten my teeth, eat whenever I feel like it without having to worry about taking my retainers out, and having the best smile!!
Anyway I went in and got my favorite hygenist. She always makes sure the dentist gets to see me. And yes, he is a dentist. Who does orthodontics as well. So not sure what his official title is. Besides Doctor! The other hygenist just asks me how things are. I like the dentist actually looking because he's the expert. I tried on my new set even though I'm a day behind. They felt like they are going to be causing me some pain, but they seemed to fit like they should. Then my orthodontist came in and made me smile. I never had to sit down during this process. These check ups are super quick. He said things looked good. Then he smiled and said that it's hard. Which I laughed and said it was so much work. It really isn't that much work on my part, but it definitely does take the dedication to make sure you're wearing them as much as you should. So don't think it's all a piece of cake.
I got 3 new sets of retainers and then scheduled my next appointment. Since I will be starting a full time job soon, my training schedule will be pretty demanding. So I will not be able to go in until after 4. My nice hygenist wanted to switch my day to Wednesday, which makes sense because I'm a day behind! But apparently my dentist leaves early on Wednesday. So we had to schedule it for a Thursday. Which means I will be 2 days behind. BUT that will be perfect because after training my schedule will give me Thursdays off. Perfect timing. And right after my next check up, I have my 6 month cleaning at my regular dentist. So excited for them to see my progress! Last time I was there I had just started treatment. And I hope I will find out my more frequent flossing has been good for my gums. My hygenists and dentist have always yelled at me for not flossing. But since my invisalign, I've definitely been better at it.
Things seem to be right on track. Now just have to switch my retainers and breeze through the rest of my treatment. Kinda sad it's going to be over. As weird as it sounds, I like the retainers because they support my teeth and it feels like they almost keep them in place. But I'm also really excited to be able to whiten my teeth, eat whenever I feel like it without having to worry about taking my retainers out, and having the best smile!!
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Funny Story
So my little sisters have been very fascinated by my invisalign. They just turned three, so they don't understand what orthodontics are. But I try explaining to them. They understand I am not taking my teeth out, which is what they seemed to think in the beginning. Today my sister Karis pointed to my retainers and said "those aren't your teeth" then pointed to my real teeth and said "these are your teeth" so they obviously understand. They are very observant so always notice when I take them out. While they were sitting on the table (as I was having a quick bite to eat) they humorously referred to them as "rainbows" because they are shaped like the arch of a rainbow. It definitely made me laugh out loud.
They were very interested in them today. I don't think they knew why I was using them. So I told them that you put them on your teeth to make them pretty. I think that's a good explanation that they can understand. Sure enough, my sister Klara immediately reached for them and tried putting them in her mouth. "They don't fit," she laughed as she realized they were too big for her mouth. Karis, of course, had to take a turn so she tried as well but didn't seem to like the experience. It was just the cutest thing. They understand things so well. And wanted to put them in their mouths just like big sister.
This really had nothing to do with my progress, but I thought it was so funny I just had to share.
They were very interested in them today. I don't think they knew why I was using them. So I told them that you put them on your teeth to make them pretty. I think that's a good explanation that they can understand. Sure enough, my sister Klara immediately reached for them and tried putting them in her mouth. "They don't fit," she laughed as she realized they were too big for her mouth. Karis, of course, had to take a turn so she tried as well but didn't seem to like the experience. It was just the cutest thing. They understand things so well. And wanted to put them in their mouths just like big sister.
This really had nothing to do with my progress, but I thought it was so funny I just had to share.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
My teeth...
HURT!! Not bad pain, but they still hurt. Which is sort of weird because I have been wearing these new retainers for over a week. I have been wearing them a lot, too. So I wouldn't expect my teeth to be hurting. They still are a bit tight, too. I can get them off now without using my shirt, but it sometimes takes a couple tries to grip it right. Maybe this set is really moving them? I have noticed the attachments are in different positions, so my teeth definitely have moved. (Not like I was questioning the movement)
I have also noticed there is now a small gap between my front teeth! As well as the teeth right next to the front teeth. Still unsure why. Makes me feel self conscious. And honestly I think my teeth look funny without the retainers. But they look kinda funny with the retainers now too. With the retainers off, my front teeth look big and boxy. With them on, the attachments stand out a lot. And I think that's because I haven't been taking very good care of my teeth.
With embarrassment, I am posting this picture of my teeth without retainers. I have a side by side picture of me in real life and me with some edited teeth whitening. Because my teeth really seem to have gotten yellow. I think my habit of drinking pop and other beverages while wearing retainers has taken its' toll. Because they get in the retainers and just sit on my teeth basically. So I am going to make a big effort to stop that. And also I'm going to make a big effort to brush my teeth everytime after I eat/drink. I want to use teeth whitening, but I don't think it's a good idea with my attachments on because then the part of my tooth that is covered by the attachment will not be reached. So as soon as my attachments are off, I will be using whitening toothpaste, whitening mouthwash, and some kind of whitening strips or those trays you put the goo in. So in an effort to motivate myself, here is the cringe worthy picture.
Now I'm sure it's not common to have teeth as white as the computer software allowed me to edit them, but my teeth could definitely use some work. Which honestly, from looking at these and other pictures has gotten a lot worse in the last month. So my new goal is paying more attention to taking care of my retainers. I want to be proud of my smile! Soon they will be aligned and straight all the way. So all I have to do is make them whiter. I get so lazy with brushing, I know I just speed through it because I have an electric toothbrush. But no more shortcuts! My motivation is all in the picture!!
I have also noticed there is now a small gap between my front teeth! As well as the teeth right next to the front teeth. Still unsure why. Makes me feel self conscious. And honestly I think my teeth look funny without the retainers. But they look kinda funny with the retainers now too. With the retainers off, my front teeth look big and boxy. With them on, the attachments stand out a lot. And I think that's because I haven't been taking very good care of my teeth.
With embarrassment, I am posting this picture of my teeth without retainers. I have a side by side picture of me in real life and me with some edited teeth whitening. Because my teeth really seem to have gotten yellow. I think my habit of drinking pop and other beverages while wearing retainers has taken its' toll. Because they get in the retainers and just sit on my teeth basically. So I am going to make a big effort to stop that. And also I'm going to make a big effort to brush my teeth everytime after I eat/drink. I want to use teeth whitening, but I don't think it's a good idea with my attachments on because then the part of my tooth that is covered by the attachment will not be reached. So as soon as my attachments are off, I will be using whitening toothpaste, whitening mouthwash, and some kind of whitening strips or those trays you put the goo in. So in an effort to motivate myself, here is the cringe worthy picture.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Progress
Found an old picture so I decided to put it side by side with a picture I took in my car a couple days ago. You can clearly see the difference. Much straighter and aligned better. And you can get a closer look at my attachments (the white bumps on my teeth that encourage hard to move teeth to move) Seeing them side by side, I can't believe a matter of 7 months could create that change! Especially solely with the use of retainers! Thought it was worthwhile to share!
P.S. The wonderful photo editing program Picnik may or may not have been utilized for a little teeth whitening ;) After invisalign is all done, I'm very excited to be able to use a real teeth whitening system.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Really?
Well I sure had a blast from the past. I changed my retainers yesterday. Now I'm on tray #16. That sounds so far into it! And I guess it really is. I think I'm supposed to have 24? Or somewhere around there. Anyway when I changed into these new trays yesterday they were pretty tight. I guess that was to be expected. Certainly shouldn't have surprised me. But what did suprise me was they got stuck! I couldn't get them off when it was time to eat. I literally had to use my shirt. Something I hadn't had to do in quite awhile!! They literally felt like they were clinging to my teeth. I figured they would be fine by the end of the day. But nope, over a full day later and they are very difficult to get out. I still am using my shirt, or a napkin. It's not a huge deal. It definitely gets frustrating when I want to take them out quick. But I'm sure it won't last too much longer. I have my appointment in two weeks where I'll get my next retainers. I should be finding out soon when (and if) I'll actually be getting my teeth filed. Sort of hoping I won't have to have that done because I don't want my teeth to be very different sizes. I'm sure they'll do it so it looks good, but I'd rather not have to deal with it.
Something that I have been aware of is it looks like (at least to me) that my front teeth are not perfectly centered in the middle of my lips like they used to be...and like they should be. I know my teeth aren't in their permanent positions right now so I'm trying not to worry. But my sister told me when she had her consultation (she didn't go through with treatment because she didn't want to take on another bill as she had several others she had to pay off) the orthodontist told her at the end of treatment her top teeth wouldn't be aligned with her bottom teeth so that the line between the front top and front bottom teeth wouldn't be in exactly the same spot. But they said it wasn't a big deal because no one would notice it. But to me, that is a huge deal. I am very critical of myself and that would bug the crap out of me. So I'm hoping everything will come out aligned. I'm pretty sure if things aren't perfect they can tweak them. I know if for instance right now things weren't going as planned they would have the company make refinements to correct the future trays, because they make all the trays at once. So I'm not too worried about it, just keeping it in the back of my mind.
The more I think about it, the more I stress about flossing. It makes sense that if your teeth are only moving millimeters (or less?) during a set of trays, that tiny things make a big difference. So if your teeth are not clean and there is food or anything in between your teeth they probably can't move like they should. And althought I am fairly good at flossing, I don't do it daily. Which my regular dentist has been yelling at me for years about! I'm definitely better than I used to be. My invisalign has really made me more aware of that. But I should be better at it. I'm only going to get what I put into it. If I don't wear my trays the reccommended 22 hours, my teeth won't be where they should. So I make sure to wear my trays. If my teeth are not clean, they will not move like they should. So my point is I really need to force myself to do it. I use floss picks so they are so simple. There is no reason for laziness. I keep seeing invisalign commercials and I'm so proud to be among those who have made the choice to better their smiles. It means a lot to me as I have been so self conscious for years about my teeth. I would hate for this all to be for nothing. So I need to step it up! But don't think I will stop drinking pop with my retainers in. hahaha. I really should stop that too, but that is not always easy.
Something that I have been aware of is it looks like (at least to me) that my front teeth are not perfectly centered in the middle of my lips like they used to be...and like they should be. I know my teeth aren't in their permanent positions right now so I'm trying not to worry. But my sister told me when she had her consultation (she didn't go through with treatment because she didn't want to take on another bill as she had several others she had to pay off) the orthodontist told her at the end of treatment her top teeth wouldn't be aligned with her bottom teeth so that the line between the front top and front bottom teeth wouldn't be in exactly the same spot. But they said it wasn't a big deal because no one would notice it. But to me, that is a huge deal. I am very critical of myself and that would bug the crap out of me. So I'm hoping everything will come out aligned. I'm pretty sure if things aren't perfect they can tweak them. I know if for instance right now things weren't going as planned they would have the company make refinements to correct the future trays, because they make all the trays at once. So I'm not too worried about it, just keeping it in the back of my mind.
The more I think about it, the more I stress about flossing. It makes sense that if your teeth are only moving millimeters (or less?) during a set of trays, that tiny things make a big difference. So if your teeth are not clean and there is food or anything in between your teeth they probably can't move like they should. And althought I am fairly good at flossing, I don't do it daily. Which my regular dentist has been yelling at me for years about! I'm definitely better than I used to be. My invisalign has really made me more aware of that. But I should be better at it. I'm only going to get what I put into it. If I don't wear my trays the reccommended 22 hours, my teeth won't be where they should. So I make sure to wear my trays. If my teeth are not clean, they will not move like they should. So my point is I really need to force myself to do it. I use floss picks so they are so simple. There is no reason for laziness. I keep seeing invisalign commercials and I'm so proud to be among those who have made the choice to better their smiles. It means a lot to me as I have been so self conscious for years about my teeth. I would hate for this all to be for nothing. So I need to step it up! But don't think I will stop drinking pop with my retainers in. hahaha. I really should stop that too, but that is not always easy.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Quick Update
Ok so I was going to wait until the next trays to write, but I thought this was a legitimate thing to make a post about. I change my trays Wednesday the 15th. It's the 13th now, and for the last probably 4 days at least my current retainers feel like they fit perfectly and I'm ready to switch to the next set. But I can't because I have to wait the full 2 weeks. They feel so ready to change there have been several instances where I freaked myself out thinking I've been wearing them for a week longer than I should have. But after my last missed retainer change a couple months ago I have been super strict about writing down on my calendar what day I am supposed to change them and also making sure I have the new ones next to my toothbrush so I see it's almost time to switch. Very weird it feels so ready so soon. If I'm remembering right these were pretty tight in the beginning. So that's one fast improvement.
Another thing I think it's interesting to mention is today at work we got to eat, but I wasn't in an area where it was safe to take out my retainers. There was literally no place to put them and it wouldn't have been sanitary. Anyway I had to eat my pasta with my retainers in. Thank goodness I didn't need to chew! But still that's generally frowned upon. So is drinking pop with retainers in, but I do that all the time at work because I can't take my retainers out and I get free pop while I'm working. Hasn't caused a problem yet, but it's probably not the best idea. I bought more flossers to make flossing easier and have been really trying to make sure to floss more. It really makes a difference when you have small gaps between all your front teeth. Which I still don't understand, but whatever.
I feel like my teeth having been moving much lately. But I also have sorta lost track of time, so I will have to pay better attention. I have a check up in 2 weeks to make sure progress is going good. I still am very pleased with my smile. I find myself smiling all the time! The other day I was thinking about how I'm halfway done with treatment and have been wearing these for 5 months and I was like wait I have been wearing them for like 7 months! I have about 3 months left I think. So that's really fast!
Another thing I think it's interesting to mention is today at work we got to eat, but I wasn't in an area where it was safe to take out my retainers. There was literally no place to put them and it wouldn't have been sanitary. Anyway I had to eat my pasta with my retainers in. Thank goodness I didn't need to chew! But still that's generally frowned upon. So is drinking pop with retainers in, but I do that all the time at work because I can't take my retainers out and I get free pop while I'm working. Hasn't caused a problem yet, but it's probably not the best idea. I bought more flossers to make flossing easier and have been really trying to make sure to floss more. It really makes a difference when you have small gaps between all your front teeth. Which I still don't understand, but whatever.
I feel like my teeth having been moving much lately. But I also have sorta lost track of time, so I will have to pay better attention. I have a check up in 2 weeks to make sure progress is going good. I still am very pleased with my smile. I find myself smiling all the time! The other day I was thinking about how I'm halfway done with treatment and have been wearing these for 5 months and I was like wait I have been wearing them for like 7 months! I have about 3 months left I think. So that's really fast!
Monday, February 6, 2012
Phew!
So the pain has gone away and treatment is back to normal. THANKFULLY! Because that was the worst pain. For probably 5 days my teeth were really sore. I took them out for a couple of hours the first few days so I hope that doesn't work against the progress. If needed, I can always add an extra day to wearing them. I'm already a day behind as it is. And rushing now is not going to help me any.
One very weird thing that I've really noticed and have NO idea why this is happening is random spacing. My teeth were super crowded. And now all the teeth in the front have small gaps between them. If there was no room for my teeth to fit in correctly, how is there room for gaps? It makes no sense to me. Plus it looks really funny. You can't tell with my retainers in, but when I take them out you sure can. I've tried to make it a point to floss more because now there are gaps for food to get easily stuck in, but I am still very curious as to why this is happening. I would expect spaces in back as the teeth were moving forward. I just don't know.
Otherwise things seem to be good. Next week I change to a new set, and two weeks from then I have an appointment to get things checked and receive a couple more sets of retainers. Seems to be going pretty fast. I'm anxious, yet still super thrilled because the change as of now is great. Here's a quick picture I just took. Not the best quality and the attachment is sticking up on one side, but definitely straighter!
One very weird thing that I've really noticed and have NO idea why this is happening is random spacing. My teeth were super crowded. And now all the teeth in the front have small gaps between them. If there was no room for my teeth to fit in correctly, how is there room for gaps? It makes no sense to me. Plus it looks really funny. You can't tell with my retainers in, but when I take them out you sure can. I've tried to make it a point to floss more because now there are gaps for food to get easily stuck in, but I am still very curious as to why this is happening. I would expect spaces in back as the teeth were moving forward. I just don't know.
Otherwise things seem to be good. Next week I change to a new set, and two weeks from then I have an appointment to get things checked and receive a couple more sets of retainers. Seems to be going pretty fast. I'm anxious, yet still super thrilled because the change as of now is great. Here's a quick picture I just took. Not the best quality and the attachment is sticking up on one side, but definitely straighter!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Oh the agony!
Don't ever do this. Take my advice because I promise you, you do not want to deal with this. Ever. I am in quite possibly the worst pain since I started this. This morning I changed into my 15th set of retainers. The bottom fit really tight, which hurt, and the left bottom side was coming up a bit. After an hour or so, the bottom settled so it wasn't up. Things were fine. Then since I was at my new job (and I didn't get a break or eat for about 8 hours), my teeth started to hurt more and more by the minute. By the time I got out of work, I was ready to cry. I hadn't really had the chance to do anything about it, but next time I will for sure make the time. One thing I hadn't really had to deal with since the beginning was problems taking my retainer out. I used to have trouble taking it out so I just would only eat once a day. But that really made my teeth sore so I realized you need breaks with them out of your mouth--especially when they're new retainers. So now I am in the worst pain. I ate something and am leaving them out. I took some ibuprofen and it seems my tooth pain caused my head to hurt, too. Just waiting for it to kick in. Then I will put my retainers back in. Definitely NOT looking forward to putting them in :( I'll keep it short because well I'm in pain.
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