Things I Wish I Knew Before Getting Invisalign... Is It Worth It?

Summary

The video script discusses the personal experience and insights of using Invisalign, a clear aligner system for teeth straightening. The speaker shares that they initially did not realize the need for dental attachments, which can be slightly noticeable but are less obvious when the aligners are in. They also mention the importance of using a straw for dark beverages to prevent staining, and the initial discomfort that lessens over time. The speaker addresses the temporary lisp that may occur and the need to maintain oral hygiene by carrying mouthwash and using Listerine tablets when a toothbrush isn't available. They also highlight the variability in Invisalign costs and recommend consulting multiple orthodontists for the best fit. The summary concludes with the speaker's positive outlook on Invisalign, emphasizing its effectiveness despite the commitment required for daily use.

Takeaways

• 📌 Invisalign requires the placement of small attachments on teeth, which can be noticeable up close but less so from a distance.
• 🍃 Attachments can be stained by dark beverages like coffee, so using a straw is advised to minimize staining.
• 😬 Initial Invisalign trays may cause discomfort, with pain decreasing as you progress through the treatment.
• 🗣️ Some people may experience a temporary lisp when first using Invisalign, which typically resolves as they get used to the aligners.
• 🕒 Invisalign must be worn for 20-22 hours a day for optimal results, which means it should only be removed for eating.
• 🧂 Carrying mouthwash or Listerine tablets is recommended for maintaining oral hygiene when a toothbrush isn't available.
• 💰 The cost of Invisalign can vary significantly between orthodontists, so it's important to get quotes from several providers.
• ⏱️ The process of using Invisalign is a commitment that requires lifestyle adjustments and daily discipline.
• 📈 Invisalign has been beneficial for the speaker, improving their bite and making it more comfortable to chew.
• 📈 The speaker's orthodontist, Dr. Courtney Ray at Playa Vista Orthodontics, was able to provide a less invasive treatment plan using only Invisalign.
• 🌟 Despite the initial hassle and commitment, the speaker finds Invisalign to be worth it for the long-term benefits of straightened teeth.

Q & A

What is the first thing the speaker wishes they had known before getting Invisalign?

The speaker wishes they had known that with Invisalign, they would need to get small attachments on their teeth, which can make the teeth look a bit bulky and are more noticeable up close.

How long do the attachments on the teeth typically stay on during Invisalign treatment?

The attachments, especially the ones in the front, can be removed after the initial phase of treatment, which could last for about 16 weeks or so, depending on the individual's progress.

What is the speaker's advice regarding drinking coffee while having Invisalign attachments?

The speaker advises using a straw with dark-colored beverages like coffee to minimize staining on the attachments.

How painful is the initial phase of Invisalign treatment according to the speaker?

The speaker mentions that the first few trays of Invisalign can be quite painful, but the pain lessens as the treatment progresses and the later trays are not as painful.

What temporary side effect might one experience when first getting Invisalign?

One might temporarily talk with a slight lisp when first getting Invisalign, but this usually goes away as one gets used to the aligners.

Why is it recommended to keep mouthwash or Listerine tablets handy when having Invisalign?

It's important to keep mouthwash or Listerine tablets handy because you need to wear Invisalign for 20-22 hours a day, and maintaining oral hygiene while on the go can be challenging without a toothbrush.

What is the speaker's suggestion for maintaining oral hygiene when you can't brush your teeth after eating?

The speaker suggests using mouthwash or Listerine tablets as a convenient and effective way to maintain oral hygiene when you can't brush your teeth.

How does the cost of Invisalign treatment vary?

The cost of Invisalign can vary greatly depending on the orthodontist and the complexity of the case. It's recommended to get quotes from several orthodontists to compare.

Why did the speaker choose Invisalign over traditional braces?

The speaker chose Invisalign because it seemed like a better and less invasive option than traditional braces, especially after having jaw surgery.

What is the speaker's overall opinion on whether Invisalign is worth it?

The speaker believes that Invisalign is worth it despite the day-to-day commitment and initial hassle, as it has significantly improved their bite and they have seen positive results.

What is the key commitment required for successful Invisalign treatment according to the speaker?

The key commitment required for successful Invisalign treatment is to wear the aligners for 20-22 hours a day to achieve the best results.

What does the speaker suggest for those who are interested in Invisalign and live in the LA area?

The speaker recommends Dr. Courtney Ray at Playa Vista Orthodontics for those in the LA area who are considering Invisalign or jaw surgery.

Outlines

00:00

🦷 Getting Started with Invisalign: What You Need to Know

The speaker shares their experience with Invisalign, highlighting the unexpected aspects they discovered after starting the treatment. Initially, they were unaware of the small attachments placed on the teeth as part of the process, which can make teeth appear bulkier, especially when the aligners are in. The speaker also discusses the social investing app Public, which sponsored the video, and its features like zero commission fees and community aspect. They emphasize the temporary nature of the attachments and the importance of using a straw when drinking dark beverages to prevent staining. The orthodontist explains that attachments are typically removed after the initial phase of treatment.

05:02

😖 The Challenges of Invisalign: Pain and Speech Adjustments

The speaker talks about the initial pain experienced when starting Invisalign, with the first few trays being the most uncomfortable. They mention that the pain lessens with subsequent trays. Another adjustment is the temporary lisp that may occur when first wearing Invisalign, which improves as one gets used to the aligners. The need to wear Invisalign for 20-22 hours a day for effectiveness is emphasized, along with the necessity of maintaining good oral hygiene, especially when on the go. The speaker recommends carrying mouthwash and Listerine tablets for convenience. They also discuss the variability in Invisalign costs, urging potential patients to consult with multiple orthodontists to find the best fit both financially and personally.

10:02

🤔 Committing to Invisalign: The Decision and Its Impact

The speaker reflects on the commitment required for Invisalign, emphasizing the need for a daily routine and lifestyle changes to ensure the treatment's success. They share that while some find the process to be a hassle, especially during the initial period, they have become accustomed to it. The speaker also discusses the cost variance among orthodontists and how they found their orthodontist, Dr. Courtney Ray at Playa Vista Orthodontics, to be a good fit after visiting several others. They conclude by affirming that Invisalign is worth the investment, despite the temporary inconvenience and commitment it requires, as it leads to improved dental alignment and function in the long term.

Keywords

💡Invisalign

Invisalign is a brand of clear aligners used in orthodontics to gradually adjust teeth into a desired position. It is a popular alternative to traditional braces. In the video, the speaker discusses their personal experience with Invisalign, including the process, benefits, and challenges. The theme of the video revolves around providing insights into what one should know before getting Invisalign.

💡Attachments

Attachments in the context of Invisalign are small composite or tooth-colored bumps that are bonded to the teeth to provide additional grip for the aligners to move the teeth more effectively. The speaker mentions that they did not initially realize they would have these attachments and that they can be noticeable up close but less so from a distance or when the aligners are in.

💡Staining

Staining refers to the discoloration of the teeth or Invisalign attachments caused by consuming dark-colored beverages like coffee, red wine, or other substances. The speaker shares their experience of staining the attachments and advises using a straw to minimize this effect. This is relevant as it impacts the aesthetic outcome during the treatment period.

💡Lip

The video discusses the temporary speech difficulties, such as a lisp, that one might experience when first using Invisalign. This is due to the new presence of the aligners in the mouth, which can affect the way one speaks. The speaker notes that this issue diminishes as one gets accustomed to the aligners.

💡Mouthwash

Mouthwash is a liquid used for rinsing the mouth, freshening breath, and assisting with oral hygiene. The speaker emphasizes the importance of using mouthwash or a similar oral hygiene product when on the go, as Invisalign requires the aligners to be worn for 20-22 hours a day, and maintaining cleanliness is crucial to prevent bacterial buildup and cavities.

💡Cost

Cost refers to the financial expense associated with receiving orthodontic treatment, specifically Invisalign in this context. The speaker talks about the variability in cost depending on the orthodontist and encourages potential patients to shop around for the best price and fit. The cost is a significant factor in deciding whether to pursue Invisalign treatment.

💡Commitment

Commitment in the context of the video means the dedication and effort required from the patient to follow through with the Invisalign treatment regimen. The speaker stresses the importance of being committed to wearing the aligners for the recommended duration each day to achieve the best results. This keyword is central to the video's message about the lifestyle changes associated with Invisalign.

💡Orthodontist

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who diagnoses, prevents, and treats dental and facial irregularities, such as malocclusions. In the video, the speaker shares their experience with different orthodontists and the impact of choosing the right one on the treatment process and outcome. The orthodontist plays a critical role in the success of Invisalign treatment.

💡Public (app)

Public is an investing app mentioned as the sponsor of the video. It is described as having a social aspect, allowing users to follow others, including the speaker, to see their investment activities. The app is highlighted for its zero commission fees and focus on long-term investing, which contrasts with the main topic of Invisalign but adds a layer of personal finance context to the video.

💡Pain

Pain is a sensation that the speaker associates with the initial stages of Invisalign treatment, particularly when first changing to new aligner trays. The speaker uses this keyword to describe the discomfort that can be expected at the beginning of the treatment, which is a consideration for potential patients.

💡Retention

Retention in orthodontics refers to the process of stabilizing teeth in their new positions after they have been moved. The speaker mentions 'retainer' in the context of Invisalign, which is a part of the treatment that helps maintain the corrected positions of the teeth after the aligners have done their work. This is an important aspect of the overall treatment process.

Highlights

Invisalign requires the placement of small attachments on teeth, which can make them look slightly bulky and may be noticeable up close.

The attachments are more noticeable when the retainer part of the Invisalign is in use.

Front attachments can be removed after a certain period, making the treatment more aesthetically pleasing over time.

Staining of attachments can occur with dark-colored beverages like coffee, but this can be mitigated by using a straw.

Invisalign can cause temporary discomfort, especially with the initial trays, but the pain lessens over time.

Some individuals may initially speak with a lisp when getting Invisalign, but this typically improves as they adjust to the aligners.

Wearing Invisalign for 22 hours a day is recommended for effectiveness, which may require lifestyle adjustments.

It's important to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing teeth or using mouthwash before reinserting Invisalign trays after meals.

Carrying mouthwash or portable oral hygiene products like Listerine tablets can be helpful for maintaining oral health on the go.

The cost of Invisalign can vary significantly between orthodontists, and it's beneficial to get quotes from multiple providers.

Invisalign treatment involves a high level of commitment and lifestyle changes, including wearing the aligners for most of the day.

The speaker's personal experience with Invisalign has been positive, with noticeable improvements in bite and overall dental health.

Invisalign is considered worth the investment despite the initial hassle and daily commitment.

The speaker adjusted to the daily routine of Invisalign and no longer finds the process bothersome.

Invisalign has a significant impact on the user's life, improving not just appearance but also functionality like chewing.

The speaker recommends Invisalign, despite the initial challenges, for its long-term benefits.

The importance of finding a good orthodontist who can provide a personalized and effective treatment plan is emphasized.

Transcripts

i have had invisalign now for a few

months and there are some things i did

not realize

when i got myself into this so today i'm

gonna go over

everything you need to know before

getting invisalign and

if it's worth it but before we get into

everything you need to know about

invisalign

i want to thank the sponsor of this

video which is public

if you're not familiar with public it is

my favorite investing app it's a little

different than other apps because it

does have a social aspect to it so you

can follow me on there and i share

different stocks that i'm investing in

there's a lot of different celebrities

and youtubers on it so

it's fun to see what other people are

investing in to get ideas of what you

might want to invest in

they have zero commission fees on

standard and fractional trading so you

can invest with as little as five or ten

dollars

public is all about long-term investing

and investing in companies that you love

so they don't promote risky trading or

margin trading things like that

public is more of a community of

long-term investors so you can comment

on other people's trades ask questions

it's cool it's actually pretty

supportive and

i've learned a lot on it so i really

like public for that you don't get that

on other stock trading apps and the best

part you get a free stock when you sign

up so i will have my link down below if

you guys want to sign up for public

and you should totally follow me on

there and now let's get in

to what you need to know about

invisalign the first thing i wish i knew

is that you actually have to get little

attachments on your teeth like you see

here

when you get invisalign it's not just

the retainer

so before i got invisalign i did no

research

at all about what it really entailed

because

i just had to get it after i got jaw

surgery it just to me it seemed like a

better option than regular braces

and so i did not realize that when you

get invisalign you get a bunch of little

attachments on your teeth

so from far away you don't really notice

them but up close

you can probably tell right here

here here here so this is a close-up so

you can see them

they do make your teeth look a little

bulky and it's just

kind of a little bit awkward looking but

i think that i'm the only one that

notices

it like i see other people with

invisalign and i never even noticed that

they have it until they tell me

they are actually more noticeable as

well when you have the retainer part in

too

here i have it without the retainer and

you almost can't even see them they just

make my teeth

look a little bulky so when you have the

retainer out

it really is way less noticeable people

don't

really notice the attachments so say

you're doing something important

and you don't want to feel like

self-conscious like you look like you're

wearing a retainer

you could take it out for a couple of

hours i've definitely done that

so whenever i take photos i'll usually

just take the retainers out for a second

so the attachments aren't the best

looking but the good news is you only

have to have the ones that you can see

in the beginning the front ones can be

taken off after a while so here's my

orthodontist

explaining a little better how that

works so with the attachments that you

have on your teeth

how long typically would people expect

to have them on in the front four

so we don't always need to do them in

the front four and we try not to do them

in the front if we don't have to so that

it's like as aesthetic as possible

yeah um if there's specific reasons why

we have to to get the best result then

it's worth it so i put them on your

a few of your teeth in the front just to

start and it was for like what this

first

like 16 weeks or so and then the teeth

moved where we wanted them to go and

then today we just removed them and we

can go forward without them

so it's usually like the first initial

round of aligners and then when we scan

for a case refinement a lot of times we

can remove any of them that we don't

need to and we try to keep them like

out of the aesthetic zone so that it's

not um

you know trying to keep it as as

discrete as possible

so the attachments lead us to our necks

that you need to know and that is to use

a straw with dark colored beverages

if you're like me and you love to drink

coffee well that is quickly going to

become evident

on the little attachments i only

recently realized i need to start doing

this because

mine have stained a lot i drink coffee

every morning

and these ones over here are looking

just kind of yellow

and it's just not a good look so this

isn't a huge deal because just remember

the attachments

are temporary they will get taken off

eventually but i feel like when

you don't use a straw it makes them a

little bit more noticeable

you can still drink coffee or red wine

or whatever it is

but if you drink it through a straw you

can kind of avoid those teeth

if from the start you just use a straw

you are really going to minimize the

staining

and it won't look like mind you at the

moment

however if you have an appointment

midway through your treatment

you can ask them to redo it they

actually redid some of mine because they

were looking pretty stained

they were replacing a couple of the

attachments because they're staining a

lot from coffee

so that's good the next thing you need

to be prepared for is that it actually

does

hurt at first but the later trays do not

hurt as much as the first ones

so you just gotta tough it out through

those first ones okay i'm being dramatic

but honestly the first few

they hurt so bad every time i had to do

that

do not miss that the first few trays are

definitely the worst and

i remember thinking i even have this

vlog clip where i was worried that this

is how it was gonna be

for the whole year that i have

invisalign

i totally forgot you guys how invisalign

makes your teeth hurt

and i have to change the trays every

single week

so i'm like dang i'm just gonna be like

in a very subtle pain

most of the time for the next six months

aren't i

so what i learned now that i've had it

for a bit longer is that the first trays

are really the most painful

and then sometimes i switch it out now

and it really doesn't even hurt at all

the next thing i wish i knew is that you

might talk with a little bit of a lisp

when you first get them

but as you get used to it it does go

away

i have my invisalign in right now and i

think you

can kind of tell when i edit it back i

can usually tell

when my invisalign is in but it's

definitely not as bad as when i

first got it it was it it sounded like

really pretty

lispy i was not used to it it was like

the best match i could find

but i'm not like 100 thrilled with it

okay honestly that did not sound that

bad i think this is just another one of

those things kind of like the

attachments where

you're gonna notice it a lot more than

anyone else will but you probably will

notice it at first

as you get used to it you adjust a

little bit how you speak and

it sounds more normal so now my

invisalign is out and this is how it

sounds when i speak i feel like it is

pretty similar but it is just a little

bit easier to talk with it out

and now i have it back in and you can

tell i'm speaking

just a little differently there's like a

little bit

more of a lisp but just the slightest

amount but

it is temporary so it's fine next thing

you need to know is to stock up on

mouthwash and have

a little to go one with you at all times

i didn't realize with invisalign you

have to wear it

22 hours of the day for it to be

effective so you can basically take it

out to eat and that's

it you need to put it back in right

after although i am convinced that

nobody

actually wears it 22 hours of the day i

definitely don't but

20 aim for 20 hours of the day i just

try and wear it as much as i can

and then i add on a couple days if i you

know

don't wear it one evening so because of

this you really do have to put your

invisalign

in sometimes while you're on the go

after you've eaten

and it's just not realistic to bring a

toothbrush with you everywhere like

sometimes you don't even have

a bathroom nearby to brush your teeth so

i always keep a little bit of mouthwash

in my car

and one of these in my bag because it

really is better than nothing

not only is it just like kind of gross

to put the invisalign back

in if you haven't brushed your teeth or

at least

used mouthwash it also is really bad for

your teeth it traps

in way more bacteria and everything

you're way more likely to get cavities

as it is when you have invisalign so

yeah you should definitely at least have

like something

another thing i really like to use are

these little listerine

tablets you just chew them they're super

convenient very portable

not as good as actually brushing your

teeth but better than nothing

sometimes you can't use mouthwash like

if you're on an airplane

in the window seat where are you gonna

put it you know so these are just little

tablets

you chew it swish it around and then

swallow it it's similar to a breath mint

but it actually is way

stronger like your teeth feel pretty

clean after but they're not

100 clean i definitely like to get

somewhere where i can brush my teeth

you know as soon as i can after so i

would recommend them it's really not

like

a substitute for brushing your teeth but

it's better than nothing

and the last thing i think you really

should know is that the cost

for invisalign can vary greatly

depending on which orthodontist you go

to

i went to three different orthodontists

before i got jaw surgery and invisalign

and the quotes were very different the

first orthodontist i went to so long ago

i honestly don't remember what they told

me but the second orthodontist i went to

was in brentwood and they told me it

would be

11 000 for braces before

i had jaw surgery and invisalign after i

really thought that sounded like a lot

and when i googled the cost of

invisalign that was

even more than what they estimate online

and i just got a weird vibe from that

place it just

it was not it the last orthodontist i

went to gave me a quote

of about five thousand dollars for

invisalign

and my insurance ended up covering 1800

of that because i actually started

invisalign before i turned 26

they were able to cover part of my

invisalign cost

the cost probably is also different case

by case but i would recommend going to a

few orthodontists to see what

the pricing is like and which ones you

like what i didn't realize is that it

really can depend

on which orthodontist that you're going

to they can up charge it a little bit

more

and i didn't realize that until i went

to several different orthodontists

that's not to say

that the more expensive one isn't worth

it they might be a really amazing

orthodontist but i found that my

orthodontist was the right

fit i just got a good vibe there they

were able to make it so i didn't have to

get braces before i had jaw surgery

and i only had to get invisalign so that

was like the least invasive way to do it

and so far it has really worked out so

honestly i'm gonna plug my orthodontist

because she is awesome

if you're in la and especially if you

are looking to get jaw surgery

my orthodontist is dr courtney ray at

playa vista orthodontics is there

anything that you find

people are surprised to learn about when

they get invisalign that they didn't

realize was a part of it

i think that you know the day-to-day

commitment of

invisalign is a lot you know i think

that you need to be

ready for it you need to be ready to

make like the lifestyle changes and

um you know really be committed to

wearing it the 20 to 22 hours a day

because that's how it works the best you

know we do have

some patients that slack off and don't

wear it quite as much and you just

you may not get as full of a result as

possible invisalign is amazing it can do

like such incredible things and it

really takes a partnership so like you

can't just you know leave it out for

hours and hours at a time or forget

about it or fall asleep without it you

have to be like pretty much on point to

wearing it all the time and it's amazing

so i think

it's just having like that commitment

and that mentality of like this is

something i'm gonna do i'm gonna

be committed to it i'm gonna get in a

good routine and then you know

it's pretty awesome and seamless i will

link them down below

i actually made like a little video for

their office so if i hadn't gone there

i probably would have to have normal

metal braces right now

but she knew of a way to do it with just

invisalign which is amazing and i'm

i'm so happy about okay so all in all

is invisalign worth it i would say in

short

yes it is worth it i had no idea

how involved it was going to really be

and how

it day-to-day it is kind of a hassle to

deal with i won't lie

especially the days that your teeth are

sore but at the end of the day it's a

temporary thing

you'll have it for like a year or two

years maybe and then your teeth will be

straightened out

for me personally i've already seen my

bite improve

so much since i've gotten it and i can

chew

a lot better just that in combination

obviously with the jaw surgery

after i had jaw surgery things were

pretty much aligned

but not completely my teeth were

straight and everything but the bite was

just

still not quite there and they have to

finish it

with braces or invisalign i just can't

imagine honestly if i hadn't gotten

invisalign because my bite would feel so

so weird

the parts that are kind of a hassle you

actually get used to i feel very

adjusted and used to just brushing my

teeth like all the time

really that first month when you're

adjusting to doing that is kind of

annoying but now at this point it's very

automatic and i'm

very much used to it and it doesn't

really bother me very much

so that's pretty much everything that i

wish i know about invisalign

some of it might be obvious again i

didn't do

like any research at all so i didn't

know i thought you really only had to

wear it at night

like i didn't know you had to wear it so

many hours of the day

but um it's not that bad you get used to

it and i hope that you guys enjoyed hope

you learned something if you have more

questions

comment them down below and i will try

and answer them and i will see you guys

in my next video

bye