10 Things I Wish I Knew BEFORE Getting Invisalign!

Summary

The speaker shares their mixed experience with Invisalign, noting that treatment duration is often longer than expected, averaging 16-18 months. They highlight the difference in treatment approaches between dentists and orthodontists, with the latter focusing more on bite correction. The need for lifelong retainer wear, constant cleaning, tooth pain during rapid treatment, and potential headaches are discussed. They also mention that Invisalign doesn't change tooth shape or smile, and that some trays didn't fit well. Despite these issues, they don't regret the decision, appreciating the health benefits and the subtlety of treatment for their YouTube channel.

Takeaways

• 🕒 Invisalign treatment duration is often longer than initially stated, with final trays needed for 2-6 months post-treatment.
• 🦷 The experience can differ significantly between dentists and orthodontists, with the latter potentially providing a more thorough approach.
• 🤔 The long-term commitment of wearing trays for life after treatment is often not fully understood before starting Invisalign.
• 🧼 Rigorous cleaning of trays is required throughout the treatment and even after it's completed.
• 🍎 Speedy treatments can result in more tooth pain due to quicker movement of teeth.
• 🥗 Contrary to expectations, wearing Invisalign does not necessarily lead to weight loss.
• 🤕 Headaches and swallowing difficulties can occur due to teeth clenching induced by the trays.
• 🦴 Straightening reveals stains between teeth that were not apparent before.
• 😁 The shape of teeth and smile are not altered by the process, and some may require additional procedures like IPR for better aesthetics.
• 🔧 Some trays might not fit well, requiring adjustments by the patient themselves.

Q & A

How long does the actual Invisalign treatment last?

The actual treatment is longer than initially stated. You will have to wear your final trays for at least 2 months after the completion date, but it's more likely 4 to 6 months, and possibly longer if a refinement stage is needed.

What is the difference between getting Invisalign from a dentist versus an orthodontist?

Dentists may focus more on speed and aesthetics, while orthodontists take a slower approach focusing more on bite. The speaker's personal experience suggests dentists rush the process, whereas orthodontists work more closely with patients.

Why might someone need to wear trays for the rest of their life after Invisalign treatment?

Trays are needed to maintain the new position of the teeth. The final set of trays will wear out over time, necessitating replacements, and not wearing them can cause the teeth to shift back to their original positions.

How often do you need to clean the Invisalign trays?

During treatment, trays need to be cleaned after every meal. Even after treatment, thorough cleaning is required every morning, which can be time-consuming.

Does a faster Invisalign treatment plan result in more tooth pain?

Yes, a quicker treatment can lead to more tooth pain as the teeth move faster. The speaker experienced bruised feelings in their teeth for the first few days after starting new trays.

Can Invisalign treatment help with weight loss?

The speaker and their spouse did not lose weight despite the inconvenience of having to remove trays and clean teeth after every meal. It's suggested that some people might eat more to compensate for the不能吃时间.

What kind of side effects did the speaker experience during Invisalign treatment?

The speaker experienced headaches and difficulty swallowing, which they attributed to clenching their teeth at night due to the trays causing their jaw to sit farther apart.

Are there any revelations about teeth stains after Invisalign treatment?

Straightening teeth with Invisalign can reveal stains between teeth that were not apparent before. The speaker's wife had some stained teeth that became more visible after her treatment.

Does Invisalign change the shape of your teeth or your smile?

Invisalign does not change the shape of the teeth or how you smile. The speaker's wife was not satisfied with the egg-shaped appearance of her teeth after treatment, which did not occur with the speaker's teeth.

What issues did the speaker have with the fitting of the trays?

Some of the trays did not fit well, requiring the speaker to modify them by cutting and filing to prevent discomfort and potential damage to their gums or teeth.

Did the speaker develop a lisp while wearing the Invisalign trays?

Yes, the speaker experienced a lisp, especially in the beginning, which required them to enunciate more clearly when speaking.

Would the speaker recommend getting braces instead of Invisalign?

The speaker does not regret getting Invisalign and would not choose braces instead, as they believe braces would have been more distracting for their YouTube channel and would still require a retainer afterward.