Million Dollar Smile

 Gals, for the past week I've smiled so big my cheeks are sore. I completed 18 months of Invisalign and now I have the prettiest teeth!

Backstory: I was born without lateral teeth, baby and permanent leaving my two front teeth very gapped. My mother worked very hard to put me in braces as soon as she could. My top teeth were all moved forward to close the gap and reshaped to look like I wasn't missing teeth. 

Fast forward 30 years, a lot of shifting occurred resulting in misalignment and bite/jaw issues. Atheistically they were also not their best.

I can NOT believe I'm sharing this!!!

I find that we all have areas of insecurity in our appearance. My teeth were just one of mine. 

I'm still the same lady on the inside, but gracious I am more confident on the outside. My teeth are also healthier now that my bite and teeth are aligned. 

Note: it's important to know that even with this new confidence, my relationships did not change as they are NOT dependent on my appearance nor possessions. They are built on how we treat each other!

Invisalign or any orthodontic appliance is a commitment and must be in the care of a board certified Orthodontist! Mine was conservative and thorough which is very important. 

I wore my trays 22 hours a day!! I brushed and flossed nearly every single time I ate something.

I carried zip lock bags, toothbrush & floss in my handbags where ever I went. 

I cleaned them every day in RetainerBrite

Having plastic in my mouth was not fun and I was self conscious about it!

Note: It's also a financial commitment! I used our HSA account which helped. 

About half way through I got very antsy to be finished but I'm so proud I stayed the course as it is 100% worth it! Here's a post I wrote nearly a year ago in the midst of treatment where I shared what you're getting in to. 

My tear stained, very happy and proud face leaving my final appointments!

Technology today is far superior to when I originally had braces. If you are considering orthodontics, I encourage you to schedule a consult with your dentist and orthodontist!. 

My dentist played a role too in keeping my teeth clean, healthy and finishing the treatment with some cosmetic work. 

Going forward I have two veneers giving me teeth that look like laterals for the first time in 41 years!

I cried in my car leaving my final appointments!

I have permanent retainers on my top & lower teeth and will sleep in retainers at nighttime for my lifetime. Again, worth it! 

I believe in dressing your outsides beautifully

but remember, know and believe that

dressing your inside beautifully is what shines so bright!

Dress Your Smile Beautifully

XOXO Sarah Louise

Invisalign: What You're Getting Into

Your smile is the prettiest thing you wear and there’s so many reasons to wear it!

Here I am at 40 working to turn my smile to its brightest with Invisalign!

Back as a teenager my Mama worked hard to give me a straight smile with braces. I however didn’t wear my bottom retainers like I should have (I had a permanent on top) so I found myself with shifting teeth, a misaligned bite and even gum recession. 

Fun Fact: I’m was born missing both upper lateral teeth!

I was intrigued by the close-to-invisible option of Invisalign for years but never pulled the trigger.

For nearly 9 months I’ve been under orthodontic care (~ half way) and I want to share all about my experience in hopes it’s found helpful to others!

What you get into with Invisalign (IMO) …

QUALIFIED PROVIDER

BOND ORTHODONTICS

The MOST important piece is to entrust your care to a board certified orthodontist! 

Note: not all orthodontists are board certified. 

Ask your dentist for a referral and have an honest consult to begin. Personally, I prefer a conservative approach with all my medical care. My orthodontist is thorough, so much he referred me to a periodontist for consult on gum health/recession before we begin any movement and is shifting at a snails pace due to my age and to ensure good health. 

Note: moving teeth is not simple, blood flow/vascularization - bite contact etc will affect the health of your gums and teeth greatly and require a professional to oversee. 

INVESTMENT

Day 1

This is a significant financial investment. Most practices accept FSA/HSA accounts which was to my advantage as we had 6 years worth of contributions available making it an great option for me. They also offer financing and payment options.

APPLIANCE

The clear tray design functions with brackets or ‘buttons’ adhered to your teeth that allow for anchoring/leverage for movement during the process. The placement and quantity is specific to each patient. 

These are a source of insecurity to me as I have so many (17) and up front/central placement.

I also feel like my speech is mildly affected.

COMMITTMENT

The protocol calls for 22 hours of wear each day! To break that down it is 4 - 30 min breaks which is not a lot! 

You can drink water with them and that’s it. You must remove the trays for eating which I have found to be inconvenient, particularly when out. Along with removal you must maintain sanitary environments (hand washing, storage & brushing/flossing after each and every consumption). This becomes exhausting!

I carry floss, ziplock bags and a spare toothbrush with me at all times.

ADJUSTMENTS

I have become more intentional with my eating - it requires so much effort. I brush and floss so much which makes my hygienist very happy.

I no longer drink an afternoon cup of coffee. I’d done so for years but quit cold turkey to decrease staining and time without the trays in.

Note: I also drink my piping hot coffee with a straw in the mornings to minimize stains!

Each and every time I eat - I brush/floss after! 

I also soak the trays each morning to sanitize. Ryan teases me and calls them my dentures LOL

PROCESS

Unlike my teenage years in traditional braces, results are a bit slower. 

I change the trays every 10 days and have follow up appointments every 3 months. 

The technology is amazing and I’m grateful for it but I also won’t miss them! 

Fun Fact: I’ll never forget the first time we had communion at church after getting Invisalign  - I was mortified to have to pop the trays out (spit on my fingers) during the prayer hoping no one heard or saw me.

BEFORE

FINAL GOAL

I feel very vulnerable sharing these! 

But you can see the misalignment & bite issues I have especially due to missing teeth.

Invisalign is definitely something I’ll be happy I did!

Despite being more self conscious about it than I should be and the inconvenience - it’s an amazing, and a fairly discrete way to restore my bright and healthy smile!

I look forward to sharing the final results hopefully next Spring before my 41st birthday!

PS sorry for soooo many car selfies :)

Dress Your Smile Beautifully in Invisalign 

XOXO Sarah Louise