Hi everyone, it’s Anna here with another update about my progress with Invisalign.
This week I started on aligner number four. It’s been pinching a little, especially on the lower set where most of the pain is when I take off the aligners. But overall it’s been an easy transition. After last week’s visit to the dentist to check on my teeth, I’ve just been settling myself into the routine of replacing my trays every other week or so. I’ve been finding it really easy to take them in and out to eat, brush my teeth and then clean the aligners before putting them back on. It really is just second nature to me now!
I can’t help but think about how great my teeth will look at the end of treatment and I’ve been doing some research about ways to retain my teeth in order to keep their final position.
One way this can be done is to have a metal wire discreetly bonded onto the back of my teeth. This is a more permanent solution and is ideal for those who don’t want the inconvenience of forgetting their clear retainer. Some of these wires are specially shaped to make flossing easier, which is another benefit.
Here is what the metal wire looks like:
The other option is a plastic retainer similar to that worn during treatment. However, instead of trying to move the teeth, this final clear retainer is designed to keep the teeth in the final position. This has to be worn daily for a year or two, eventually reducing to one or two days a week – some people even choose just to wear it at night over one or two days a week eventually.
Here is what the clear Invisalign retainer looks like:
It could be more a more convenient option to have the metal wire bonded onto the back of the teeth, so you can’t forgot to wear the retainer or have to replace it if lost.
It’s completely up to the individual which they choose. I know before I started I was adamant that I wouldn’t be able to carry an aligner around, in case I lost them, but I’ve learnt since starting this whole experience that wearing and carrying your Invisalign aligners around is pretty easy. I think wearing the retainers is a small inconvenience to bear for having a dazzling smile!
What option would you go for?
Until next time,
~ Anna
Tags: aligners, dentist, invisalign, liverpool, liverpool dental spa
