Painless IPR and broken attachment

Today was so quick and easy, it's a shame work has been getting me down!

Last night I switched to the second aligner for the top set due to the tear/rip/split in the first set, it was tight and when I removed it for my final floss-brush-rinse I snapped an attachment in half, I heard a subtle pin dropping noise as it pinballed across the sink and down the plughole. I wasn't worried because I'd read about them coming off and I knew I was seeing Stephanie today.

I had more shaving and today it was more like a manicure in for my teeth, a denticure! Just some simple back and forth with the diamond emery file, I can barely see the gap. So much nicer than the reprox with the bur. No pain at all. Then I popped the fresh bottom set aligners in and hey presto. I like the feeling of them being 'encouraged' to move.

It's amazing how much the old aligner discolours when you compare it with a new one, it's only little by little and you can't see it when they are in. I think it would be great if Align gave you two of each, one for backup or just to replace in a week so it's fresh. It kinda makes me think of dentures, denture wearers would never leave them in for 22 hours a day, they are disinfected every night. But then again, Invisalign isn't for life, it's for 2 weeks at a time!

I've been wearing the top set for about 20 hours and the bottom set of second aligners for about 3 hours. I can feel the pressure.

I have a month before the next IPR/shaving/reproximation which is good, also because I may have to travel abroad for work.

I'm trying to get around to buying a new webcam because my old one won't work on my laptop and when I do I'll post on you tube.

My Ortho has said she'll send me the pictures with the Mouth-Opener in (my friend-not) so you can see the 'before' pictures soon

Splitsville

Well my holiday wasn't great but that's another story. I found going all-inclusive with an Invisalign a lot easier than I thought. Mainly because the hotel would fill my water bottle with club soda so I felt like I was having a treat, but it was just water. at mealtimes I'd have beer or raki or gin and tonic then, floss, brush, rinse and back in with the invisalign.

Once I did swig some cherry drink as I completely forgot about the device in my mouth, but I rushed to the room and cleaned my mouth, they didn't stain.

The sensitivity died down on Tuesday probably thanks to the Sensodyne and just time passing.

I'm surprised at how much 'gunk' gathers on the Invisalign itself I though scrubbing it with a soft toothbrush would be enough, but I've taken to using some washing-up liquid too.

Disaster struck yesterday when the upper set split by my right canine. i think it's because it's a prominent snaggle-tooth and maybe it's been splitting ever-so-slightly for a while.

I called Stephanie, my Ortho today and she said I could switch to the next set, I can't do that for the lowers as I have some more *shudder* IPR- AKA shaving, slenderizing or reproximation. I may ask for the needle because it wasn't painless not matter what Align Technologies say!

As for the tooth movement, I kind of like it. it's a very slight pressure. No pain so far.

I'm concerned I keep waking up grinding my teeth, well the aligners. But I'm stressed at work so it's probably that.

Ok, I'll post you tomorrow after the IPR.

The first 24 hours

Well 1 set in, 26 uppers and 13 lowers to go.

Yesterday took such a long time to come around. I got to my appointment on time no thanks to road closures on the A2 and some swift driving by my workmate.

First thing attachments, I wasn't a big fan of the pumice, especially as it gathered in my throat and I eventually swallowed it, oh well it's fibre eh? then the acid, and the bond, then the composite (B1- see my previous post) in a premoulded shape so the attachments are in the right place. A few of the attachments broke off immediately so I needed the last few steps again.

Then I needed my middle lower teeth 'shaved' by .4mm 'Shaving' is a misnomer it's a bit of drilling and then some shaping with a mini emery board. I seem to have sensitive teeth so I think I'll be asking for the needle for the next ten I'll need.

Because my appointment overran my Ortho had to give a quick checkup to a patient, it was a little bit of respite for me!

Then my dentist filed the 'flashes' of rough composite.

Next step, finally putting on the Invisaligns. They are pretty simple to put on, but because I have attachments from the outset they are hard to take off. I'm sure I'll get used to it.

OK, now the downside. My gumline is so sensitive from the acid and constant on-and-offing.

My fingernails hurt from pulling the invisaligns too. But you know I'm just being a baby

My attachments meet my overbite, so I'm having to change my mastication pattern. I'm worried I'll break them off when I chew, I'm sure that won't happen but I don't want it to.

On the upside, the Invisalign doesn't hurt at all, I quite like it, it's like getting a tooth hug.

I was a little naughty and opened my very last package. I wanted to see the end result, and I really like it :-)

Well I'm going on holiday for a week. So I'll keep you posted and I will do some video blogging when I get back.