Kelsey’s Invisalign Journey – Day One

 

My name is Kelsey and I am 28 years-old and a second time patient of Dr. Pitner. I had braces for years when I was younger. I got them in the third grade (I was the first of my friends and thought they were the coolest.) This photo of me is days after I got my braces put on and I couldn’t have been prouder at the time.

Fast forward to high school and college: After I got my braces off, there were years that went by that I didn’t wear my retainer. my teeth shifted noticeably. However, I was interested in a less obvious way of fixing my teeth that didn’t involve metal and wires as I was pushing 30. Invisalign had been something I thought I would do eventually but I never made plans to talk to someone about it. My last dentist appointment confirmed that it was a solution for fixing a gap between molars that was created when I got my wisdom teeth out, I thought it was a good time to speak to someone about my options. After all, it was going to fix a potential dental health problem as well as improve my smile cosmetically!

When I sat in the chair at Dr. Pitners office I was feeling a little nervous and excited. I had been for a consultation visit about a month ago when a few x-rays and photos were taken and had been patiently awaiting the day to come back and get the retainers.

Throughout my consultation I was unbelievably impressed with how seamless the process was. It had been 15 years since I last saw my orthodontist and technology has changed so much! The x-rays and photos took minutes and I was qualified shortly for being a good candidate for Invisalign. I met Dr. Pitner and she was so friendly and answered any questions or concerns I had about starting Invisalign as an adult and shortly after decided to get started!

DAY ONE.

Fast forward three weeks later, I walked into Dr. Pitners office to pick up my Invisalign retainers and attachments put on. I was first shown a rendered photo of where attachments would be glued to my teeth and it increased the nervousness because I was surprised by how many there were and feared they would be so noticeable. Glueing them on took all of 5 minutes – they put the attachments on my teeth all at once using a pre-made clear retainer and when I looked in the mirror, they really were barely noticeable. I could feel the small bumps vaguely but I knew I would get used to the new feeling in no time. Next I was given my 12 weeks of retainers and put the first one on. It fit snug right over the new attachments on my teeth and I practiced taking them in and out like I would before I ate.  I was completely surprised at how fast and seamless this whole process had been because I remembered braces appointments taking much longer and being more intense as a kid (but that’s also just my 9 year-old memory).

Dr. Pitner then met with me to go over what to expect. She said there would be some expected soreness for a day or two and also some adjustments talking with the retainers in. She showed me digitally how my teeth would straighten during the 9 months and it was amazing to watch my teeth on the screen. To end the appointment, she gave me her cell number if I had any questions and really just put me at ease.

 

I’ll be updating this blog regularly along my 9 month Invisalign journey. Stay tuned!