Committing to the treatment

[hannahmarie]

Hi, I'm thinking of getting invisalign braces to correct my crossbite causing TMJ and to close some gaps that I don't like the look of. My NHS dentist (who obviously isn't trying to sell me the braces for profit) told me that many people who start invisalign treatment don't commit to the whole process and end up wasting all that money because they don't wear them enough and the teeth move to a whole new position and the process is ruined. Has anyone here had invisalign for a cross bite? Do most people give up before the end of treatment time (2 yrs for me)? Is it really hard to commit to wearing them? Are they really invisible?

[Bekster45]

I can't answer your questions re: TMJ, Crossbite, etc. but can comment on the commitment. I have been in Invisalign for almost ten weeks (on trays 5 of 28) and having Invisalign is a huge commitment and also requires a large amount of self-control. I read alot on this board as well as another before getting mine (for large overjet and overbite as well as large spaces on top, tight crowding on bottom) and thought I was ready. I've actually surprised myself (and others) with no snacking, drinking only water with them in, wearing them close to 22 hours a day (average), brushing after every meal, etc. After talking with a friend and thinking about it this weekend I didn't realize I had it in me!
I haven't noticed a big change yet, but others around me have commented. I also had my first dental check-up since getting them and both the hygienest and the dentist commented on the change as well as my great hygiene. So it is working and is mostly painless. They aren't completely invisible, especially if you have attachments, but are pretty close. Even friends who knew I was getting them didn't notice and others who I've told had to look REALLY close (like in my face) to see them.
Good luck with your decision. I think browsing this board as well as any others you can find will definitely help prepare you.

[Noaa]

Hey Hannahmarie!
Like Bekster45, I can't answer the parts regarding TMJ etc. but definitely would like to add my two cents on commitment.
I'd been toying with the idea of getting invisalign for a long while before I actually went through with it. I read A LOT - both the good and the bad.
It is quite a commitment, but in my opinion, the end result is worth it.
Getting used to them took a little while. I still am always running my tongue over them (this is tray 7 in). It's something foreign in you mouth and it's in your thoughts most of the time.
Taking care to brush them and your teeth, not snacking or eating whenever you want isn't the most fun of adventures but not horrible.
Make your choice when you know you're committed. Weigh all the pros and cons that are on your mind and be 100% happy with your final decision.
Your mind set is what'll get you through your treatment in the end!
Good luck!

[GoofyGG]

I've had mine for almost a year now and I think after refinements it'll be 2+ years for me. I suppose it depends on what type of person you are and if you have cash to burn... There have been times when I haven't worn them as much as I should have e.g. weekend music festivals where there is no running water in the arena is a COMPLETE nightmare - avoid these is you can. I have 2 this year LOL!

But it's not that bad really, the thought of it is worse. But there are people on this forum that despise their invisalign & would imagine that these people are more likely to give it up. I'd say go for it as long as you're willing to flash them off and let people see how amazing they are vs. traditional methods. They are not invisible - close up you can see. You may also lisp sometimes & you definitely have to brush after eating/drinking so you won't be able to keep it a secret I love mine.

[InvisaNewbie]

Hi HannahMarie,

Just a couple of comments really. I'd say the Invisalign commitment thing is really up to the individual - if you don't put the hours in, you won't get the result. I'm only tray 5 and it's so easy to let time slip when they're out. It's also a lifestyle thing like GoofyGG says. If you have a very active lifestyle, or do lots of activities that'll make life harder, it just makes it that little bit trickier to comply. But there are people on this board who've had long treatment periods and stuck with it because of the promise of what's at the end, and it's that that keeps people motivated.

Just a brief mention on the TMJ thing. If you have problems in that area, I'd make sure you go for an orthodontist that understands the problem and has good reviews from previous patients. It's an expensive process - I've belatedly realised that the orthodontist I've gone with has some reeeeally bad reviews online - but I was blinded by the cheap price before doing enough research. My treatment has been ok so far but it's another layer of anxiety. I also had TMJ problems a few years back, way before I was thining about Invisalign. It's now cleared up but I was told it was because I was grinding my teeth at night. I don't generally grind my teeth when I'm awake, but I've noticed that with my aligners in I do tend to clench/grind my teeth a bit. Just thought I'd mention in case it's at all relevant...

p.s. I'm blogging about my treatment and have pics of the attachments etc if that's help - I have a really big one on my front tooth so you can't really get more visible than that! You can find my blog here - I'm a bit overdue for a post...!