I first got braces some 30 years ago (when I was 12) and had them for 2 1/2 years. The old school metal kind with the headgear (aka the devil), the whole deal. It was painful and generally bad, particularly because junior high/middle school (we had a conversion at 8th, so I got out after serving two, thank goodness) sucked, but I'm thankful my parents (who didn't have money to throw around) got them for all four of us because they thought it was important (thanks mom and dad!). I wore my retainers for a long time, but they would break (I apparently clench/grind my teeth when I sleep) and since I no longer live in the town where I grew up (hallejuah!), I stopped getting them replaced at some point, I don't even remember when.
So I had noticed that my teeth, mostly my front lowers, had shifted a bit over time, as happens. I had thought about getting them fixed, but it wasn't a high priority in the whole scheme of things. As I noticed one tooth was wearing because of misalignment, I figured that was my sign to do something. I've had this ridiculous desire to die with all my teeth (hopefully in old age) and so far I'm cavity free (it's the little things).
I had gotten a quote for Invisalign from my dentist a couple of years ago, but then didn't do anything. I decided early this year to go to Smile Direct Club and check it out and when they came back with a quote that was the same, but with no dentist visits, I decided to go for it. When I got my plan it was longer than I'd hoped, eight months, but the time goes by.
My only complaint is with invisible aligners, you have to wear them 24/7, except when you are eating/drinking something other than water. As someone who likes to eat small meals and nurse an iced coffee or latte for hours, it's been a big adjustment. You have to brush every single time you put anything in your mouth. Don't be like the guy my dentist told me about who drank black coffee with them IN for months, making his teeth black. They were able to clean them, but that's nasty.
Of course since I got mine, they came out with a night only program (same price, longer treatment), which I would have done instead in a heartbeat. I'm officially done this weekend, but have to wear them at night forever now, or revisit my crooked fate once again.
Just in time for the kids to get their braces next week!
So I had noticed that my teeth, mostly my front lowers, had shifted a bit over time, as happens. I had thought about getting them fixed, but it wasn't a high priority in the whole scheme of things. As I noticed one tooth was wearing because of misalignment, I figured that was my sign to do something. I've had this ridiculous desire to die with all my teeth (hopefully in old age) and so far I'm cavity free (it's the little things).
I had gotten a quote for Invisalign from my dentist a couple of years ago, but then didn't do anything. I decided early this year to go to Smile Direct Club and check it out and when they came back with a quote that was the same, but with no dentist visits, I decided to go for it. When I got my plan it was longer than I'd hoped, eight months, but the time goes by.
My only complaint is with invisible aligners, you have to wear them 24/7, except when you are eating/drinking something other than water. As someone who likes to eat small meals and nurse an iced coffee or latte for hours, it's been a big adjustment. You have to brush every single time you put anything in your mouth. Don't be like the guy my dentist told me about who drank black coffee with them IN for months, making his teeth black. They were able to clean them, but that's nasty.
Of course since I got mine, they came out with a night only program (same price, longer treatment), which I would have done instead in a heartbeat. I'm officially done this weekend, but have to wear them at night forever now, or revisit my crooked fate once again.
Just in time for the kids to get their braces next week!
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