Got 'em in!

Well, I got 12 attachments, three on each side, top and bottom (you can see them in the photo here). Everything went no problem except maybe 10 seconds of pain at the site where the extraction was Friday. An interesting thing was that as I was leaving I had a question, my own ortho had just stepped out so the other ortho came over, and when she leaned in close to check my attachment I saw she had them on! She said her experience has also been very positive so far.

When I came home, our au pair thought I'd had something happen and not gotten them on after all - yep, they ARE invisible! The lisping is very minor, I would be comfortable if I had to give a speech at work right now. They gave me wax and instructions on the best way to file my aligners if I need to smooth an edge that bothers me. Right now they feel tight but not painful, and I was able to take them out no problem for the hygienist 3 times (thanks to Anne for the paper towel trick, it REALLY helped!) Hopefully it will be as easy tonight at dinner.

So far the experience is very positive, and I'm so happy I decided to do it. Let's see how I feel tomorrow when I have to get the stitches out from my extraction! Here's how they look from the front:

July 28, tooth removed (don't look if squeamish!)

I got that tooth out this morning. It wasn't horrible, but it bled a lot for hours because of how it had been located (left a large hole) and I also have a stitch or two that will need to come out next Tuesday. The freezing is almost gone, it's a bit sore but it's feeling the stitches that is driving me nuts!

The BEFORE pics

I took some pics myself yesterday in case I don't get the clinical ones my ortho did. That way I can (hopefully) compare it to new ones each month and see how wonderfully it's all going (ha ha!). I've actually always liked my teeth, in that they are quite white, and I like the shape of them. I just never liked the one top eye tooth being so high up. Now my 2 top incisors have shifted, and rather than being flush with one another they now have an overlap. So, my eye tooth is coming down, but my 2 front teeth are getting more and more crooked. Time for professional help!

In the pic of the bottom view, the tooth right next to my index finger's knuckle had to come out to since there was room anywhere for it.

Welcome to my dental Journey!

Well, I've decided to keep a journal of my upcoming Invisalign experience. I'm hoping it will provide me some encouragement during the times I may feel that 'what the hell was I thinking?!' feeling during my treatment. My ortho has estimated it will take about 2 years, I will find out more on Monday when I go get my first aligners. I do know I have a 4mm overbite, and a 4.5mm overjet, so I guess it will be a while till that's corrected.

So, what I'm going to try to do is write about any significant happenings, and also take some pics now and again.