Invisalign

Hello there!

     I've been debating writing this post for a while, but coming from a recent orthodontics appointment, now seemed like a good time. I have Invisalign braces, which are clear orthodontic devices used as a braces alternative. I started the treatment in July of 2012 and am only on tray 6 of 30.
Each case requires a different number of tray sets, and not everyone is eligible to use the devices. A consultation with an Invisalign certified orthodontist will tell you whether or not your dental problems can be solved in this manner. The process is fairly simply. From consultation, molds are made and sent in to Align.

Truth? Its kind a gross to do. Painless and easy, but gross. I was picking bits of dried purple goo off of my tongue afterward. Yuck.
The molds are then translated into computer imaging. Align computerizes your teeth movement to determine whether or not teeth need to be pulled, filing needs to be done, buttons are needed, etc. This also determines how many trays will be needed. In my case, no teeth need to be pulled, but in areas of crowding, mu orthodontist will have to file down a few milometers of tooth to create minuscule spaces. Its painless as well, though can be a little uncomfortable to hear happen, as its a bit like sandpaper. I also have 8 buttons. They are small, tooth colored attachments that anchor the trays to teeth and help with movement. They are not very visible and are comfortable.
As far as visibility of the actual devices is concerned, unless someone knew you had them, it looks like you have very shiny teeth. When kept clean, they stay invisible.
There is a lot of maintenance involved. The trays must be cleaned with each removal, and teeth must be brushed and flossed before replacing them. Nothing can be consumed with them in, with the exception of filtered water. That being said, it becomes a routine that is well worth the results.
My main goal in this post is for it to be a PSA of sorts. There is a possibility that one can have an allergic reaction to the trays. I did, and was not told it could happen. My orthodontist did not know it could occur. It seems to be infrequent, but it would be in your best interest  if you are looking into Invisalign, to ask for the hypoallergenic version, which they do make. Symptoms appeared within the first few days for me. It was like having an extreme upper respiratory infection. I also broke out in baseball sized hives all over my body, that began in my joints. After a visit to the ER and a call to my ortho, who contacted Align, we discovered that Invisalign was really the cause. New trays of the other material were ordered. and I restarted my treatment a few weeks later, after a course of steroids and antihistamines  Be wary of this possibility when pursuing Inivisalign.

I hope the brief background is helpful to some!

Thanks for reading,
Rachel