REFINEMENTS - WTF??

So, I still do not have my new aligners, yet, but I did finally find out what I'm in for, and it's not pretty! I need 10, yes 10 aligners on my bottom teeth! This is refinements? I mean, I was only supposed to have 15 aligners in the original program. Not only that, the ClinCheck said I need three more on my top teeth. Anyway, since they haven't arrived at the dentist's office, I need to wait to see her to discuss. The last I was in her office, she agreed they looked perfect on the top. I just want to be sure that the top aligners are needed. I'm worried, because my teeth look so good, and I don't want to start wearing new aligners on the top just to find out that they for some reason screw up what is a great result. Anyway, I am seriously, seriously bummed out about this latest development. I counted and 20 weeks puts me into September before this mess is done. I just was totally looking forward to being done by the summer, and now that's not going to happen. So, at some point I will update this blog with hopefully some good news about my teeth. At least it's good to know that I was not crazy, and my bottom teeth really weren't anywhere near where they should be.

Uh-oh - Refinements already

Well, the excitement of being done with my top teeth is sort of downplayed by the fact that it's official, I need refinements on the bottom teeth. I put on aligner 14 of what was supposed to be 15 total on the bottom, and it just didn't fit. I went to the dentist, and she agreed that my teeth just aren't where Invisalign thinks they should be on the bottom. She also agreed that my top teeth look perfect. I guess the good news is that I didn't have to needlessly go through the entire program and find out later that it just wasn't done. So, last Monday, I got new impressions, and will soon know just how much longer I will have to finish the program. I am really hopeful that the round of refinements will be all there is, and I can look forward to not having to wear the aligners all day anymore. I should hopefully get the new aligners very soon, as they said that the refinements only take 1.5 - 2 weeks to come in, so it won't be long before I can start on the path toward being done for good!

Done with the top teeth!

I'm posting a picture of the final product of my top teeth - well, sort of. I am getting the gingivectomy on May 6th, so my gumline will be evened out. Honestly, they look perfect in person as far as being straight is concerned, though, so I'm super happy with the result of my top teeth. On my last visit to the dentist, she said it's likely I'll need refinements on my bottom teeth, and I tend to agree. With just two scheduled aligners to go, I can't see how they'll come out looking perfect at the end. So there's that to consider. I am just looking so forward to the day when I can have a day free of wearing the Invisalign. It's so silly going on vacation with them and always looking out for brushing and putting them back in. I just want to feel normal again. The same goes for scheduled eating. Anyway, here is a picture of my top teeth result. I will post again after the gingivectomy and let you know if I need the bottom teeth refinements. I suppose I could just reject getting refinements, but I have come so far and paid so much money that there is no turning back.

4 months and onto the 10th aligner!

I'll be moving onto the 10th aligner on Wednesday, and I'm officially 4 months into 6 months total on the top teeth. It's so exciting to be moving onto double digits!! Anyway, I know everyone is interested in pics, so here we go!

The halfway point and 7th aligner!

Before

3 months / halfway

I'm so excited to have made it to the halfway point (on my top teeth)! Three months to go. I'm liking the way my teeth are shaping up, but I'm very anxious to be done. Sometimes the side of my mouth gets so irritated that I just take them out at night for 45 minutes to an hour. I also left them out for 6 hours on New Year's Eve. I just couldn't see a way around it, so I left them at home. Anyway, here is my halfway / three month photo!!

Sixth Aligner

Well – finally on number 6, with less than 10 aligners to go on both the top and bottom! I was a little dismayed seeing the dentist yesterday, as she told me the retainer time is 3 months, and I only thought two. Of course, it’s a nighttime retainer forever, but I was thinking the full-time bit was a little less. I mean, really, that’s half the time of the overall program! And I am anxious to not have to wear them and deal with the constant brushing and flossing! I am really hoping that refinements aren’t needed. I guess no one knows. I also did not know that over-correction sometimes happens, which my dentist also informed me about. She said if I had a couple aligners to go, but I felt as though my teeth looked perfect, I should consult her, as I may not have to continue to the end. That would be so great!
Today at lunch, I felt one of my front teeth move when I bit into my taco. That was a bit strange, and not in a good way. I guess they are in a fragile state with the movement.
Also today, a co-worker that I don’t see that often said, “WOW! Your teeth look great!” I’m really happy that others are starting to notice.
I finally thought today that if my teeth looked like they do right now, I would not have been motivated to get Invisalign and would have been mostly satisfied with them. I mean, they are far from perfect, they are just at the point where I am no longer embarrassed by my smile. I can’t believe I am almost at the halfway point!

2 Month Photo Update

Before treatment

One month into the program

2 months into the program