My Invisalign
I would never encourage anyone to feel that they should change themselves for their wedding day, so I was apprehensive about posting this. However I think there’s a world of difference between, say, quick-fix dieting (boo!) and your wedding prompting you to make that change you’ve been thinking about for ages - starting a sensible exercise regime, for example. After all, everyone wants to feel absolutely wonderful on their wedding day…
So I decided to share my experience just in case it helped someone. Six months ago I resolved, at the age of 30, to get braces. This is the second time in my life that I’ve had them. I was about 11 or 12 the first time and because I wasn’t given retainers my teeth moved. Don’t get me wrong – my teeth weren’t that bad. But I was worried that if I didn’t do anything they’d just keep on getting worse. I didn’t really consider braces until one of my best friends (who also had them when we were little) had them fitted. This made me realise three things 1. they weren’t that noticeable 2. a year went reaaally quick, and 3. that I could actually DO something about mine…
My friend went with ceramic train tracks, but after some research I discovered Invisalign, primarily through Carrie’s blog Wish Wish Wish. Having already gone through the pain of train tracks once, I decided that these ‘invisible’ braces were worth a try. I found Total Orthodontics through Invisaligns search tool and went along to their open day. I felt nervous and apprehensive on the day (WHAT am I doing?! I’m too old and it’s too expensive and my teeth really aren’t THAT bad…etc etc) but the staff were super friendly and efficient and put me right at ease. I went away, discussed it, did some more research, and took the plunge!
I’m now nearing half way through my treatment (it’s gone stupidly quick) and wearing them has become second nature. It was hard to get used to them at the beginning, and I’m still well aware that I have them in, but now I actually feel weirder without them! The great thing about them is that you can remove the gum shield when you need to; so for events or social occasions it’s like you haven’t got braces at all. They are not however ‘invisible’ when you have the gum shield in, and if you have a lot of attachments (permanent tooth coloured bumps on your teeth - I have looooads!) they’re not totally invisible with them off either… But, I figure if you’re changing your teeth it’s a bit much to expect absolutely no-one to notice, right?
At my latest appointment with Total Orthodontics they took photos so we could compare now to the start – I was surprised and thrilled to see how much of a difference there was already! I can’t wait to see what another 6 months will do. I think of this as a gift to my older self and I’m really pleased that I did it sooner rather than later. And this time I’ll be getting fixed retainers so there’ll be no more moving!!
There are lots of blogs out there debating which is better - traditional braces or Invisalign. I think it firstly depends on how many attachments you will need with Invisalign. If you need a lot, and on your front teeth, then looks-wise there really isn't much of a difference between the two. If you don't need many then fab - if you go with Invisalign no-one will really know! The second thing to consider is how busy you are... Invisalign depends on you wearing them for at least 20 hours a day, so if you're super social most nights (you can't drink or eat with them in) I'd stay clear; student's beware! I hope that this might have helped anyone feeling nervous about all that wedding day smiling... And if you are considering getting Invisalign I’d be more than happy to answer any questions ❤
Photo credit: Wish Wish Wish