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POPPY’S INVISALIGN BLOG

I hope you’re all soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the beautiful weather!

I’m so excited to share that it’s time to kick off my Invisalign journey! After years of dreaming about the perfect smile, I’ve decided to take control and start working towards my dream smile. So, if you’ve ever been curious about Invisalign or are on your own smile journey, follow along with me as I document the process and share my results.

From a very young age, I never had a dummy, but I did have a thumb-sucking habit that I leaned on for comfort. While it was soothing, it did leave a lasting mark on my teeth – especially my top front teeth, which shifted over the years due to the pressure. At age 12, I was fitted with fixed braces in an attempt to straighten my teeth, and I wore them for around 3 ½ years. The moment I got them off, I was ecstatic to see a noticeable difference in my smile. But, I still wasn’t quite there yet. My smile wasn’t perfect, and I was determined to get it there.
Being so young at the time, I decided to wait until I was a little older to revisit my teeth alignment – knowing I’d be able to maintain that ideal smile once I got the treatment I needed.

Fast forward to November 2022. I joined Christchurch Dental, and that’s when I first heard about Invisalign. I had never considered it before, but I found the concept fascinating. The idea that Invisalign aligners are clear, comfortable, and removable made it sound like a fantastic alternative to traditional fixed braces. Over the past few years, I’ve seen many others go through the process and achieve beautiful results – and now, it’s my turn!

After an initial consultation with Dr Abdullah and a few minor treatments in 2024, it was finally time to move forward with Invisalign. This time last year, my dental journey took its first step, and now, my first aligners have arrived! My dental monitoring system is all set up, and I’m ready to begin the process.

It feels so exciting to officially begin this journey, especially knowing I’m doing it just in time for summer! There’s something incredibly motivating about starting fresh when the season feels full of possibility.

I’ll be sharing my experiences with Invisalign along the way, from the highs to the challenges. Whether it’s the process of getting the aligners, seeing the gradual changes in my smile, or just the day-to-day experience, I want to keep you all updated. I’m looking forward to the next few months of this journey and can’t wait to show you the final result!

Thank you for following along with me.

Stay tuned for updates, tips, and everything in between as I work towards my perfect smile. If you’re considering Invisalign or have any questions, feel free to leave a comment or get in touch – I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Tabby’s Invisalign Journey – Part 4

Hi everyone and I hope you have all had a wonderful Easter period! (Although this feels like a lifetime ago now!)

I spent the Easter bank holiday weekend down in Devon with my partner and his family which was lovely, although the weather wasn’t the kindest to us but we still had a wonderful time together. The week before Easter, I was away in Val D’Isere in France skiing for a week with my partner and my family – somehow the weather there, at 2,000m above sea level within a valley of mountains with snow all around, was much more pleasant and I even came back with a slight ‘goggle tan’!

Obviously, during the days and times when you are out of your normal routine is when you must adapt to make things work, and being on holiday can make things very difficult. I found that this was especially the case whilst being away during my Invisalign journey. I found my evening meals were extended during my time in France because of the various food courses we were having, so this did mean my time wearing my aligners was reduced. However; I think even Derek would choose the cheese and wine course over wearing the aligners for an extra hour!! Going on from this, it’s extremely important to use the chewies as this is what seats the aligners in place. As I was averaging about 20 hours a day in my aligners instead of the 22 hours as suggested, I was very cautious to use the chewies at regular intervals to make sure my aligners were seated as much as possible even in my reduced time of wearing them.

This is now my 4th Invisalign update for you all and I am currently in my 4th stage of aligners in my refinement process. I only have 7 aligners for this refinement so essentially, if my maths is correct… this leaves me with just 3 weeks to go! The whole process has gone by very quickly and I am still so impressed with how the treatment has worked. I remember when my attachments were first fitted to my teeth, I thought how am I ever going to get used to these, especially as I have one attachment on my tongue side of the tooth! But it’s crazy how the mouth, being such a sensitive area, adjusts to its new normal. Although, I say the attachments feel normal to me now, I am still very much looking forward to the sensation of running my tongue against polished, smooth teeth!

I hope you are all enjoying these updates and it has given you an insight to the Invisalign process and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me and I will be more than happy to help you!

Tabitha’s Invisalign Journey

Hi everyone!

It’s been just shy of a month since I started my Invisalign journey here at the practice. It’s been something I have wanted to do for a long time and after seeing so many amazing results, I finally thought it was my turn to play patient!

At the time of writing, I am currently in my fourth aligner and so far, so good.

For those of you that are unaware, Invisalign is a clear aligner system that straightens your teeth. The aligners are removable and you change them either weekly or two weekly. There are tooth coloured ‘attachments’ which are placed on the teeth and these cause the tooth movement into the desired position.

Although I have seen many happy patients go through the Invisalign process I was worried about what the aligners would feel like and how they would affect my day-to-day life, e.g. talking, sleeping, eating etc, However, Invisalign had already considered this because the first set of aligners anyone is given are purely just clear retainers to help you get used to the sensation and adjust to what is going to be your ‘new normal’. This helps you to get used to the feeling of the aligners without having the added extra of the attachments causing the teeth to move.

At the start of November, I visited Dr Abdullah’s surgery where he placed the attachments on my teeth where required. The location and position of the attachments vary from person to person, depending on your case requirements. The attachments are in essence a small piece of tooth coloured filling that is placed into the inside of the aligner, then that aligner is placed into the mouth and the attachment is set into the correct place on your tooth. Once the attachments are on and the aligners placed into the mouth, the Invisalign process is underway and in a matter of just over 20 weeks my treatment will be completed (everything going to plan).

In my first week of wearing my aligners, my teeth did feel delicate, which I noticed more when I wasn’t wearing my aligners so my compliance with ensuring I wore my aligners for 22 hours per day was great! Since then, my teeth have only been tender on the days when I change my aligners, but this is as expected, and these symptoms do not last long.

I will be documenting my journey during my Invisalign process through the Christchurch newsletter and our social media pages, so be sure to check these out over the next few weeks!

Tabitha

20 frequently asked questions about Invisalign

Here are the top 20 frequently asked questions about Invisalign, along with slightly in-depth short answers:

1. What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a clear aligner system used to straighten teeth without traditional braces. It involves a series of custom-made, removable aligners that gradually shift the teeth into their desired positions.

2. How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign uses 3D computer imaging technology to create a treatment plan. The aligners exert gentle, controlled forces on the teeth to move them gradually over time.

3. Are Invisalign aligners visible?

Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible when worn, making them a popular choice for people seeking a discreet orthodontic treatment option.

4. Is Invisalign painful?

While some people may experience temporary discomfort or mild soreness when switching to a new set of aligners, it is generally considered less painful than traditional braces.

5. How long does Invisalign treatment take?

The duration of Invisalign treatment varies based on individual needs, but it typically lasts between 6 to 18 months, depending on the complexity of the case.

6.Can I remove Invisalign aligners for special occasions?

Yes, Invisalign aligners are removable, allowing you to take them out for eating, drinking, and special events. However, they should be worn for about 20-22 hours per day for effective results.

7. Do I need to clean my aligners separately?

Yes, it’s essential to clean your Invisalign aligners regularly. You can use a soft toothbrush and clear, anti-bacterial soap or the recommended Invisalign cleaning system.

8. Can I eat with Invisalign aligners on?

No, you should remove your Invisalign aligners before eating to avoid damage and staining. It’s also essential to brush your teeth before putting the aligners back in.

9. Will Invisalign affect my speech?

Some people may experience a slight adjustment period during which their speech is temporarily affected, but most individuals adapt quickly and find no significant impact on their speech.

10. Can teenagers use Invisalign?

Yes, Invisalign offers specific treatment options designed for teenagers, including features like eruption tabs to accommodate growing teeth.

11. Is Invisalign suitable for complex dental issues?

Invisalign has evolved and can now address various dental issues, but severe or complex cases may still require traditional braces or other orthodontic treatments.

12. How often do I need to visit my dentist during Invisalign treatment?

Generally, you’ll have check-ups every 4-6 weeks to monitor your progress and receive new sets of aligners as your teeth move.

13. Can I smoke while wearing Invisalign aligners?

Smoking can stain the aligners, leading to discoloration and potential damage. It’s best to remove them before smoking and thoroughly clean your teeth and aligners afterward.

14. What happens after completing the Invisalign treatment?

After finishing your treatment, you’ll likely be provided with retainers to wear, which help maintain the new position of your teeth and prevent them from shifting back.

15. Is Invisalign covered by insurance?

Invisalign may be partially covered by dental insurance, depending on your policy’s terms and the specific treatment requirements.

16. Can I whiten my teeth while using Invisalign?

It’s generally recommended to whiten your teeth before starting Invisalign treatment, as the aligners may not be as effective on stained teeth.

17. Are there any dietary restrictions with Invisalign?

Unlike traditional braces, there are no significant dietary restrictions with Invisalign since you can remove the aligners while eating.

18. Can I play sports with Invisalign?

Invisalign aligners may be worn during sports activities, but it’s essential to wear a mouthguard for added protection

19. What if I lose or break an Invisalign aligner?

Contact your dentist or orthodontist immediately if you lose or break an aligner. They will advise you on the best course of action, which may involve using the previous set or getting a replacement.

20. Is Invisalign suitable for everyone?

Invisalign is an excellent option for many people, but it’s best to consult with an experienced Invisalign provider to determine if it’s the right choice for your specific dental needs.

If you have any other questions about Invisalign or would like to start your very own Invisalign Journey, contact our front of house team on 01473 250977 or frontdesk@christchurchdental.co.uk to book a complimentary appointment with one of our Treatment-Coordinators.