If you’ve been following my Instagram stories for a while, you might have seen me getting Invisalign! Whether you’re new or have been following along with my Invisalign journey, I’m so excited to share my experience with you all!
Quick Backstory About My Smile
After a lot of convincing my mom, I got braces when I was 12 years old. In 2012 with the world supposedly ending, she saw no need for me to get braces. Who needs braces when the world is ending – right? While my mom sure was funny – I’m pretty sure that’s where I get my sense of humor from. I still managed to convince her to let me get braces. After braces, like most responsible teenagers, I lost my retainer within the first year of getting them off. I was really scared to tell my mom because I knew she was going to be upset with all the money she had invested in my teeth.
Fast forward to now, my teeth are one of the things I’m self-conscious about. I know it doesn’t look that bad since my top teeth hide the crowding on the bottom. But, because I absolutely love to smile, I want it to be something I feel completely confident in! My bottom teeth are a bit on the crowded side, but in certain angles and depending on the reflection, one of my top teeth creates a shadow.
Even though getting traditional braces was an option, I felt too old for braces. Because of that, I’m glad that I’ve been able to use Invisalign in order to get the perfect smile. Through this treatment, I’ve come to better appreciate my first round of orthodontics. While I definitely shouldn’t have lost my retainer- I suppose commitment is something I struggle with, haha. Invisalign has been such a great alternative to braces for me!
Great Big Smiles Orthodontics
I decided to get Invisalign through Dr. Bowen at Great Big Smiles Orthodontics. The process so far has been nothing but a breeze. The staff at Great Big Smiles Orthodontics are super helpful, kind and even one of my friends has been to Dr. Bowen for his teeth! Small world, haha. Great Big Smiles has a community of patients that consider themselves family, and I am excited to be a part of it!
Getting Invisalign
During your initial consultation, the staff takes photos of your teeth, does an x-ray exam, and walks you through the length and cost of the process. My initial appointment was a breeze and it took less than an hour to get everything sorted out.
My teeth before getting Invisalign treatment in November 2019.
Afterward, you wait roughly 4-6 weeks for the Invisalign to be made. This process felt like a year since I was so eager to start my treatment, haha. During the appointment, there are attachments being added to a couple of your teeth. For me, it was four teeth that had attachments. Manny, who is the clinical orthodontist assistant, showed me how to take the Invisalign trays on and off, which I struggled with at first, but after probably five or so times, I felt like a pro.
Side note: I learned that acrylic nails originated from dentistry. Having worked in a nail salon, I’ve seen the similarities between the two fields a few times, including how both industries sanitize their tools!
The way Invisalign works is that there are different sets of trays each week and you change them after a week of wear. You have to wear Invisalign for 22 hours a day, which is quite a lot, to be honest. I would say that the first 3 days I was able to maintain that time schedule, but after a week, I did not do a good job (oops!). From this treatment, I was more aware of my eating habits. I love eating little snacks throughout the day and found that it was difficult to wear the Invisalign tray during the day.
For the first two weeks, I was only wearing them at night, but I knew that if I was committed to having the perfect smile, I would have to wear them throughout the day and not just at night. Not wearing them for the suggested 22 hours a day could cause a delay in your treatment.
It’s hard at first, but it definitely requires dedication.
Overall Thoughts & FAQs
I definitely recommend getting Invisalign, especially if you’re an adult. Since sharing my journey, I have received so many messages from people asking what the process has been like, prices, and if I can see them.
Here are my most frequently ask questions:
Is Invisalign painful?
Nope! It is not. I would say that when you change into a new tray, the morning after feels a bit weird. I don’t know how to describe it but it feels sore. You’re still able to brush your teeth and eat normally. My teeth felt weak every time I took the Invisalign trays off.
How much does Invisalign cost?
The price for Invisalign varies depending on each patient and their case, but Great Big Smiles Orthodontics offers amazing flexible financing and they work with each patient to ensure monthly payments that work with your budget.
The initial consultation is complimentary and if you mention my name (Demi Bang) – you can get $300 off your treatment.
Can you see the Invisalign?
Honestly, you can’t see it from more than 10 feet, I would say. When you’re taking selfies (because I always do), depending where the light hits you, you can see the glare. But if you’re more than 10 feet away from someone, you can’t even tell! Just make sure if you’re wearing lipstick, there isn’t a smudge of lipstick on your Invisalign because that happened to me, haha.
Can you speak normally?
The first couple of hours wearing them, I did have a lisp. However, since I talk a lot (I was awarded Most Talkative in high school), I was able to adjust quickly and minimize the lisp.
Overall, I definitely recommend getting Invisalign and this has been on my bucket list for the past three years now. I’m so excited to be on this journey and be part of the Great Big Smiles Orthodontics family.
Where to Find Great Big Smiles Orthodontics
Scottsdale:
7032 E Cochise Rd., Ste.100
Scottsdale, AZ 85253
480-948-4200
Glendale:
6611 West Peoria Ave Ste F7
Glendale, AZ 85302
623-937-4000
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