I was hesitant about sharing my Invisalign before and after results, as it diverged from the typical topics I cover on my blog.
However, after my dental cleaning appointment yesterday, I felt inspired to create a post showcasing my Invisalign results.
This experience has changed my smile for the better, so I knew it would only be fitting to share my story in hopes of helping someone out there who is still debating whether or not they should go down this path.
Prior to starting my treatment, I extensively searched online for Invisalign before and after photos to help me decide whether or not to proceed with it.
Given that only a handful of people were sharing their Invisalign before and after experiences, I promised myself that upon finishing my treatment, I would share my Invisalign before and after photos to possibly aid others.
So, if you want to know what this experience has been like for me, keep reading.
My journey with imperfect bite
Before I dive into my Invisalign before and after results, I want to share my backstory of why I decided to undertake this journey.
My dental saga began in elementary school when my permanent teeth started to emerge. My mother noticed that my front two incisors were growing oddly, so she suggested that I start wearing braces to correct the misalignment.
However, being a stubborn 7-year-old, I refused.
Why? Well, the thought of being targeted by the bullies at my school who preyed on kids with braces was so scary. And you BEST BELIEVE my ass was not trying to get bullied.
I figured I’d rather rock crooked teeth than wear braces and get bullied. So, I let my teeth do their wild thing.
Fast forward to high school, I realized the foolishness of my earlier decision. Ironically, my misaligned teeth became a source of bullying, much to my dismay.
Over time, however, I grew to LOVE my crooked teeth. They didn’t bother me, and if someone tried to call me out on them, I honestly didn’t give a hoot.
What’s more, I felt my quirky teeth gave me this cool connection with folks dealing with their own insecurities.
If I could rock my crooked smile, I figured I could maybe inspire others to embrace their quirks too.
My decision to get my teeth straightened
After starting my first big girl job as an engineer after college, I had a coworker who kept talking nonstop about Invisalign and how it changed his life.
He shared his Invisalign before and after photos, convincing everyone, including me, how excellent the service was and why we should think about it to improve our appearance.
Given that I had come to love my crooked teeth, I didn’t seem to care about having the perfect teeth.
Heck, I pulled my tall, handsome, chocolate-skinned husband with my crooked teeth. Why should I give a rat’s ass what anyone else thinks of my appearance?
However, it didn’t take long before I found myself, just like my coworker, recommending Invisalign to everyone willing to listen.
My CrossBite Diagnosis
The narrative took a turn when my husband suggested I switch to his family dentist to complete my pending cleaning and fillings.
I decided to give them a try and scheduled my first cleaning appointment.
During my initial visit, his dentist recommended straightening my teeth with Invisalign.
She stressed on how I had a crossbite, which, if left unaddressed, could lead to more issues down the line.
For the longest time, I had harbored the belief that crooked teeth were merely a cosmetic issue.
I had assumed that the only drawbacks were constant bullying and not smiling much.
But here I was, with my new dentist highlighting how my crooked teeth could potentially lead to jaw problems in the future.
Motivated to maintain a healthy dental profile, I took my dentist’s advice and started researching about Invisalign.
So far, I had only been familiar with traditional braces, and the concept of clear aligners was relatively foreign to me.
Luckily, there was still time to make a change. I had a good-paying job with solid dental insurance. So, I decided to take the plunge.
Why Choose Invisalign?
If you’re on the fence about getting Invisalign, I’d say go for it.
Invisalign aligners are clear and hard to see, so they’re great for people who don’t like the look of braces.
Also, they’re made to fit your teeth making them very comfortable to wear. The smooth plastic and the fact that you can easily take them out makes Invisalign a better pick compared to other aligners I’ve seen out there.
Another cool thing that I love about Invisalign is that you get to see a 3D computer model showing how your teeth will shift over time, even before you start wearing them.
This gives you a good idea of what your smile will look like after you’re done.
Invisalign also straightens your teeth faster than old-school braces.
While some of my buddies spent all of high school in braces, I got my teeth fixed with Invisalign in less than a year.
If I had gone with traditional braces, it would’ve taken longer to get that perfect smile. So, Invisalign is a handy and quick way to fix your teeth, without the hassles you’d get from regular braces.
Invisalign vs. Smile Direct Club
Before starting treatment, I dug around to check out different companies for the best price and to see if I could get the job done quicker and cheaper than what my dentist quoted for Invisalign.
I came across Smile Direct Club and saw they had pretty good reviews online, so I thought I’d give them a shot and went to their office in Washington, DC to see what’s up.
However, my experience there was just terrible. The whole consultation felt like they just wanted to snatch my money rather than really help me out. So, I decided they weren’t the right fit and didn’t go any further with them.
Looking back, I’m super happy I didn’t go with them. Throughout my time with Invisalign, I needed several refinements, which the representatives at Smile Direct Club had assured me wouldn’t be necessary.
Also, Invisalign put little attachments on my teeth to help them move—something Smile Direct Club didn’t offer.
On top of that, my mother-in-law had a terrible time with Smile Direct Club, which scared me off even more. Her situation was so bad, she even thought about taking them to court.
So, all in all, if you’re stuck choosing between the two, I’d strongly vouch for Invisalign.
They have a dentist check on you in person throughout the process, so you know you’re in good hands and not getting ripped off.
Invisalign before and after results for crossbite
Like I said before, I started off with Invisalign because of a crossbite that I really didn’t like seeing in the mirror.
To speed things up, my treatment included using some attachments and rubber bands to help move my teeth and fix my bite.
The combination of these two worked wonders.
Within two months of treatment, I could already see significant improvements. The progress was so notable that even my dentist was taken aback.
In addition to the regular treatment, my dentist suggested Propel and using PropelVPro to further accelerate teeth movement. I purchased the Propel VPro device from my dentist, and although I barely used it, I still noticed significant progress without it.
Research about Propel VPro suggests the device can enhance tooth movement by up to 62%.
So, if you’re considering Invisalign and are inclined towards quicker results, discussing the VPro option with your dentist could be beneficial.
Personally, I found the gadget a bit annoying and only used it when I switched to a new set of aligners, to help with any soreness.
Even so, the Invisalign before and after images show an amazing change in my crossbite, which I’m really happy about.
Invisalign before and after: Tips for Faster Movement in Your Treatment
I completed my treatment within a year, and I’m so glad that my Invisalign before and after results were what I hoped they would be.
My process was fast, and I attribute it to a few things I did on my journey that helped speed it up.
If you’re starting your Invisalign treatment and aspire to see swift results, here are some actionable tips:
Wear Your Aligners Consistently
I’m sure everyone and your dentist will tell you this, but I promise you that wearing your aligners for 22 hours daily will help speed up movement.
Interestingly, my transition to intermittent fasting during this period helped me maintain the aligner wear schedule, contributing to some weight loss. I took it out to eat within my 2-4 hour eating window, and only drank water to stay hydrated if I had the aligners in.
Extract your wisdom teeth
I didn’t have my wisdom teeth extracted before my treatment since most of them were not fully emerged yet. However, as my teeth began to move during the treatment, my wisdom teeth started to emerge, causing a lot of discomfort.
Thankfully, I managed to have them extracted during the treatment, which helped alleviate the discomfort significantly. Therefore, I recommend having your wisdom teeth extracted before proceeding with the treatment.
Ask your dentist about Propel and Propel VPro
My dentist advocated using Propel and Propel VPro to further hasten the teeth movement.
Though I only utilized Propel VPro sparingly, I have known peers who observed significant acceleration in their treatment with its regular use.
Wear Your Invisalign Elastics / Rubber bands:
If rubberbands are part of your treatment, use them.
I was given rubberbands for my treatment, and I SWEAR that stuff helps.
Yes, it looks weird and may feel slightly uncomfortable, but IT WORKS!
Get as many rubberbands as you can from your dentist and wear them every time you have on your aligners.
Endure Through Minor Discomfort:
A new tray might sometimes cause discomfort, but it’s crucial to persevere through it.
A little endurance can bring you closer to seeing your desired Invisalign before and after results faster.
Get an electric toothbrush
I found that an electric toothbrush was beneficial not only for self care but also for alleviating minor discomfort caused by the aligners.
The vibrations seemed to soothe my gums during the brushing process.
However, remember that this is only a suggestion that worked for me, not dental advice, so still consult your dentist with any questions.
Common Questions about Invisalign
Can I drink coffee with Invisalign?
It’s advisable to avoid drinking coffee while wearing your Invisalign aligners. Coffee can stain the aligners and potentially your teeth over time.
It’s best to remove your aligners while drinking coffee or other colored beverages. Make sure to clean both your teeth and your aligners before placing them back in your mouth.
Is Invisalign worth it?
For me, it was worth it. However, the worthiness of Invisalign can vary from person to person based on individual needs and expectations.
Many people find Invisalign a convenient, relatively discreet solution for straightening teeth, while some prefer traditional braces. It all comes down to personal preference.
Can Invisalign fix crossbite?
Invisalign can effectively treat many crossbite cases, depending on the severity and specifics of the individual’s condition.
In my case, Invisalign corrected it. However, it’s essential to have a thorough examination and consultation with an orthodontist to assess whether Invisalign is a suitable option for correcting your crossbite.
Can you wear Invisalign only at night?
Traditionally, Invisalign aligners are designed to be worn for 20 to 22 hours daily, which is how long I wore mine. However, you should discuss with your orthodontist if a nighttime option is best for your case.
For more personalized advice and information, it’s always recommended to consult with an orthodontist who can provide guidance based on your circumstances and dental health.
Invisalign before and After results
In summary, my Invisalign before and after results testify to how amazing this treatment is. It’s clear from the pictures how much a smile can change.
If you are thinking about going down this path, I hope my Invisalign before and after results can give you a good idea of what to expect.
Every person’s smile and journey will be different. Hopefully with these Invisalign before and after results you will feel more ready to make a decision. Your own great smile might be just around the corner!
