As most teenagers, I felt extremely awkward. I didn't like the skin I was in and the fact the ortho told me I needed full braces and full headgear at night sounded horrific. My bite was my biggest issue- I could have cared less at the age of 14. I looked at my dad and said "no thank you." And yes, my parents let me say no. I actually had very straight teeth. It was my overbite that was the issue. The doctor at the time did not sell us the fact I should really have braces and headgear.
Fast forward to the age of 36 and I am signing up for braces. If Invisalign was a thing when I was 14, you can bet that I would have used them. The fact is, invisalign is just as good, if not better, as old fashioned metal braces. I was very lucky and only used Invisalign for 16 weeks. I really do not regret the fact that 14 year Tara said no to braces.
Worth it for Teens
Not only are adults using Invisalign but so are teenagers. Do your teen a favor and opt for Invisalign. Do they have to do more work with the trays and instead of the metal? Yes. Do they need to keep them in at all times? Yes. Will they be in Invisalign in less time than metal braces? Yes. Will this make your teen more confident than in metal braces? Undoubtably Yes.
PROPEL (damn, that hurt)
I had done the Propel (which means they numbed my mouth in order to move my teeth around). It felt horrible (I really do not want to sugar coat any of this) Propel aloud my time in the Invisalign trays to be less time than it could have been. Braces simply move the teeth around so my dentist made the process much faster by, as I would say, "loosening those bones up."
Here is the technical way to explain Propel- PROPEL® provides innovative devices and procedures for shifting teeth as quickly and painlessly as possible. The PROPEL® System can be used in combination with current orthodontic treatments, including Invisalign® and traditional braces, to help move teeth into their desired position 50% faster than teeth can move with Invisalign® and traditional braces alone.
I undoubtably suggest asking about Propel- Your days in trays will not be as long!
OMG, What did I do?
Let me be honest. The first 2 weeks were hell. My mouth felt like it was fire. I asked myself, "What the hell did I get myself into? I am actually paying for this awful pain in my mouth?" Like any change, its tough. Eventually my mouth (including my tongue) got used to the foreign object(s).
Unlike metal braces, you change your Invisalign trays as needed. I was able to change my trays every 5 days. I have a friend that changed hers every 11 days. Everyone is different. If you have more severe issues it is very likely you will keep your trays in up to 11 days. I loved changing my trays, but every tray hurt for the first day. The reason being is that every tray is just a little different. Every tray is designed to move your teeth so they are naturally going to be a little uncomfortable.
Be prepared to see the Dentist/Ortho more often.
I didn't expect it, but I was at my Dentist at least once a month to get new trays and for them to check how the progress was going. Its not a process you just want to be left out on your own. It was tough to move around my schedule to be sure I was there on the proper days but I made it work. The visits are not long at all- maximum time for check ups were about 30 minutes.
I was so happy I got to whiten my teeth! Do you know why it costs so much to Whiten your teeth? Its due to the trays. The trays are so expensive and the whitening they give you is $13 a tube. I can now just request a couple of whitening tubes and whiten my teeth whenever I want to- as long as I keep my last tray- which I full intend on doing. I drink too much coffee and wine to not use this huge perk.
Can you tell I am in Invisalign in these pictures? You really have to look closely!
Here is a Before and After
If you are in the Seattle/Bellevue, Washington area- I go to the offices of Dr Oleg and Nikole Shvartsur Right now they are having a deal on Invisalign as well. I completely took advantage of it! I love their office- everyone is very nice and inviting. Going to the dentist has always been rough for me and they made it simple- apparently I have some sensitive teeth.
OH! Did I mention Dr. Nikole offers Botox? Thinking I am going to need to check this out and report back on here.
If you are uncomfortable about your teeth and you can pull it off, I suggest talking to your dentist about Invisalign. I can say that you will be very happy with your results!
Where I shop
Saks 5th Ave
Shop My Instagram