Hey friends!! Checking in with an Invisalign Update + New AcceleDent Optima info. I wanted to give a little update with how my treatment is going and where I am in the treatment process, plus share info about my new AcceleDent device that I’ve been using. If you haven’t already read my previous posts on my Invisalign treatment, you can read them here:
- INVISALIGN AT CLEARSMILE ORTHODONTICS: THE INITIAL CONSULTATION AND INVISALIGN DELIVERY APPOINTMENT
- INVISALIGN WITH CLEARSMILE: THE FIRST 5 WEEKS
Invisalign Update
So where am I with my treatment?? I am on tray #19 out of #25. I think that means I am in the home stretch!! My treatment has been so great and really easy. I know I didn’t have traditional braces as a kid so I can’t really compare my experience, but minus the first few weeks just getting used to something new being in your mouth and on your teeth, the rest really has just become a habit and runs like clockwork!
At my last appointment, I had to get a few of my bottom teeth shaved down on the sides. This is not necessary for every Invisalign patient, but with the crowding I was experiencing in the front of my teeth, I had to have it done so the teeth would have space to move and fit back together nicely for a perfect smile 🙂 I know that sounds sort of scary but it isn’t at all. Dr. Webb took this tiny piece of what basically looked and felt like sandpaper in between a couple of my teeth and just rubbed the paper back and forth. The actual amount of tooth that is “shaved” down is very minimal…like less than half of a millimeter minimal He did warn me that I may experience some short term tooth sensitivity following that, but I did not, even with my already normally sensitive teeth! So, if you have to have this done, not to worry, it is really quick and painless. And, as Dr. Webb told me and it’s true, after the shaving was done was when I really started to see those bottom teeth move. He was so right. I can’t believe how fast they have moved. I think at this point the final trays are really just perfecting my smile and my bite. But to the naked eye, my teeth are really straight now and I’m not even done with treatment yet. I’m pumped to see the final product and it’ll be here before I know it!!
If you’re thinking about doing it, just bite the bullet and go for it. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll be done and have your perfect smile! (Don’t forget, if you’re in Charlotte and go see Dr. Webb at Clearsmile Orthodontics, he will give you an additional $50 treatment if you mention my name and blog. They also have this Groupon deal right now!)
AcceleDent Optima
If you’ve read my previous posts then you know I’m also currently using the AcceleDent device to minimize discomfort and speed up my treatment process. Well, I have recently upgraded to the AcceleDent Optima.
AcceleDent® Optima™ gives patients faster and more comfortable orthodontic treatment with braces or aligners. AcceleDent Optima is the most advanced accelerated orthodontic device with a comprehensive suite of technology driven features. Simple and easy-to-use, AcceleDent Optima is clinically proven to speed up tooth movement while reducing orthodontic discomfort.
I just use it for 20 minutes a day. It’s hands free so you can go about your business reading, watching TV, cooking dinner, whatever it may be. There is also a new app for your phone that syncs up directly with your device and it sends you push notifications as a reminder to use it, a clock that counts down how much time you have left during your 20 minute cycle, and it tracks your daily usage too.
How does it work?
“AcceleDent Optima’s patented SoftPulse Technology applies precisely calibrated vibrations called micropulses that transmit
through the roots of your teeth to the surrounding bone. This gentle vibration helps increase the cellular activity and speeds the rate in which your teeth can move.
I have no doubt my AcceleDent devices have shortened my treatment time. It will be interesting to see at my final appointment how long I was actually in treatment versus how long I would have been in it if I had not used an AcceleDent device. I know it shortened it and I am so glad for that!! I will let y’all know 🙂
xo,
Bess
How long did you have a lisp for or did you not have one at all? I am about to start my treatment and reading up on it a lot of people complain about a lisp and I am really worried now as I am a fitness instructor so always speaking over a mic when conducting classes.
I had a little bit of one just for the first day or two maybe? But it wasn’t bad at all and then it goes away as you get used to talking with the invisalign in your mouth! It probably differs for everyone but I didn’t have an issue!