Hello Friends!
I am so excited to share all about my Invisalign journey with you all today! I’m going to share all of your most asked Invisalign questions plus my feedback on what I think about the treatment process so far!
Background:
When I was 11 I had traditional braces for two years and headgear {at another practice} to correct an overbite and crowding. My smile turned out great and I had no issues at first. But within a year I had a bottom tooth that started shifting even with wearing my retainer almost every night. Fast forward to college and I often forgot to put my top and bottom retainers in. Nothing major happened but I definitely wish I had worn them!
But later on in my 20s my teeth shifted significantly and it was too much for retainers to correct. All through my early 30s I wanted to straighten them with Invisalign but I kept putting it off. However 2020 was the year I decided to take charge and finally straighten my teeth and alleviate pain from TMJ!
Why I Chose Invisalign Treatment at Orthodontic Arts:
Over the years I’ve had several friends use Invisalign and they’ve been so happy with it! I knew that it would be the best option for me compared to traditional wire braces. With taking photos several days a week for my job it also made Invisalign the easy choice since it’s hardly visible! Plus I wanted the easily be able to floss and brush my teeth.
I started looking around at different provider options in my area via google and talking to friends. Time and time again I kept hearing “you should go to Orthodontic Arts”! So after checking out their detailed and helpful website I scheduled a free consultation with them.
During my consultation at Orthodontic Arts, I was very impressed with Dr. Birdwell’s depth of expertise, knowledge and treatment plan that he put together for me. I immediately knew Orthodontic Arts was the place for me! Their office is modern and super clean and I loved that the team members were very friendly. The office is centrally located as well and easy to get to. Everything is so bright and open, the private consultation rooms are spacious and their treatment areas are very comfortable. It’s so neat that the treatment area overlooks the Oklahoma City skyline!
Before I get to answering all of your Invisalign questions, here is some additional information about Dr. Birdwell and Dr. Wilson at Orthodontic Arts!
Dr. David Birdwell is a native Oklahoman who attended Oklahoma State University and University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. After practicing general dentistry in the United States Air Force for four years, he returned to the University of Oregon to complete specialty training in the field of orthodontics. Dr. Birdwell has been in the specialty practice of orthodontics since 1987 in Oklahoma City.
Dr. Brian Wilson is a native of western Oklahoma who attended The University of Oklahoma for both his undergraduate and dental studies. After receiving his dental degree, Dr. Wilson practiced general dentistry in Oklahoma City for one year before returning to complete his specialty training in orthodontics at St. Louis University. While in residency, Dr. Brian Wilson was nominated to serve as a representative for residents across the US through the American Association of Orthodontists.
During my research, I really liked hearing Orthodontic Art’s approach to orthodontics and more. They definitely go above and beyond to take care of each patient!
Our approach to orthodontics is similar to that of skilled artists: We start with a blank canvas and a vision; we use a palette of the most advanced tools and techniques; and, with expert care, we craft a beautiful, timeless masterpiece.
At Orthodontic Arts, we emphasize healthy smiles. From braces and Invisalign®, to collaborating on surgery for skeletal disorders, we specialize in exceptional quality orthodontic treatments for a variety of dental needs.”
During my consultation we reviewed my treatment plan and Dr. Birdwell answered all my questions about the changes that would take place to help me get to my end result. I have an overbite, lots of crowding and need to expand my bite. So getting to see the after images {the 3-D model video is so helpful} was very exciting.
My treatment trays were ready a few weeks after my appointment and I was so excited to get started on my teeth straightening journey! These photos below are from when I had my attachments placed on my teeth. My dental tech, Morgan, did an amazing job and it took no time at all! I appreciate how she explained the process to me and made sure to answer any questions that I had. Their comfortable chairs definitely put you at ease as well! Once your attachments are on they make sure your trays fit well and provide you with a group of aligners that you will need before your next appointment.
Next up, time to for start my invisalign treatment!
Invisalign Q&A
Why did you choose Invisalign
There are many reasons why I chose Invisalign but the main two would be that they are virtually invisible and that you can remove them if needed {for special events, family photos etc}. I also love that you don’t have to go in for monthly visits like you do with traditional braces.
Does it hurt?
Not at all! I’m on tray 6 and I’ve had no discomfort at all. I prepared myself for a few days of pain like I had when I had braces back at a teenager. But I was so shocked I felt nothing! I do feel a gentle pressure on the main teeth that need to be moved when I put in a new tray but it doesn’t bother me at all.
How many hours a day do you wear the clear aligners?
It’s suggested to wear your trays for 22 hours a day. Wearing them less means they won’t be as effective and you will possibly delay the completion of your treatment plan. I try very hard to wear mine 21-22 hours a day and it hasn’t been an issue at all.
How often do you go in for checks?
Typically you go in every 6-8 weeks to get a check and receive your next set of aligners. Each treatment plan will vary so do keep that in mind.
Do you have attachments?
Yes, I do have some tooth colored attachments on some of my lower and upper teeth. This allows the aligners to work extra well and do what they need to do! The attachments are barely noticeable at all and easy to brush with when you take your trays out.
Do you have rubber bands?
Yes, you can use rubber bands with Invisalign like traditional metal braces use. I haven’t used any yet but my treatment plan does call for them later on.
What tray are you on?
I’m currently on tray 6. I’ve already seen some change which is so exciting!
How many months / years do patients have to wear their aligners?
This is dependent on each person’s treatment plan so it can vary. However I will be wearing aligners for a year and then will move into my refinement trays.
Do you notice your aligners during the day or night?
Not at all! They haven’t caused any issue and you forget that you have them in.
Can you drink and eat with them in?
You can’t eat with them in but you can drink water. I don’t drink coffee or tea so this hasn’t been an issue at all for me. Make sure to brush and floss after your meals before you put your trays back in. Just like regular braces, you definitely want to keep good care of your teeth during the treatment process so you don’t get any cavities.
What are chewies?
Chewies are little foam things that you bite on for 60 seconds when replacing your trays in after brushing and cleaning. They help the trays really form to your teeth so they can work the best.
How many days do you wear each tray?
Typically you start out with 10 days for each tray. If you are wearing your trays really well each day / night then you may get moved down to 7-9 day range. Dr. Birdwell and Dr. Wilson will decide what time range is best for you during your treatment.
Are they noticeable?
I think they are pretty much invisible! Many of my friends {and my kids} didn’t even know I had them until I mentioned it! I love how they don’t even show up when I’m taking photos. I actually have on my attachments and aligners on in the two photos below and they aren’t even noticeable!
How do you keep up with when to change your trays?
I use the Invisalign app to keep up with when I need to change trays. The app is very useful! It also has a special timer that you can use to keep track of your daily out of mouth time. I definitely recommend using this free app!
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Now for some more details about getting your Orthodontic treatment at Orthodontic Arts!
1. Are Orthodontic Arts consultations free even if I’m not able to start treatment right away?
Yes they are! Even if you aren’t ready to start right away, Orthodontic Arts will still provide a free consultation and treatment plan for you that will include length of time and cost. I actually visited with them back in 2019 but wasn’t able to start my treatment until last month since I had to take care of a gum graft I needed done on a tooth that had a receding gum line. Once I let that heal for a few months then I was ready to go!
2. Do they offer payment plans?
Definitely! Orthodontic Arts will work with you to set up the best payment plan to meet what is best for you and your family. They also take HSA cards which is great too!
3. Is the office taking COVID precautions?
Yes! Orthodontic Arts has implemented a rigorous list of additional precautions to keep patients and their employees safe. Patients wait in their car until the dental staff is ready for them to be seen. All patients have their temperature checked and will need to use provided hand sanitizer. Large clear partitions are in place at the check in / check out area as well as in each treatment bay. All office employees are wearing masks as well.
4. Do they accept patients of all ages?
Yes! Orthodontic Arts sees all age ranges of patients!
5. Is there a way to track my progress between my scheduled in person appointments?
Yes! Orthodontic Arts uses a special device called Dental Monitoring. This innovative tool allows you to scan your teeth at home with a special app! It’s very easy to use and it allows Dr. Wilson and Dr. Birdwell to track your progress without leaving the comfort of your home.
If you all would like more details regarding the consultation and steps for getting Invisalign please see Lindsay’s post HERE! She shared a step by step overview of the easy process that I know you all will find helpful.
I also wanted to mention that in addition to Invisalign, Orthodontic Arts also offers an in-house aligner system called Nudge. Nudge is the perfect solution to upgrade your smile with minor movements. Starting at just $890, their trained orthodontists adjust your smile with a clear aligner treatment. This cost-effective and convenient treatment is PERFECT for patients with less significant misalignment issues. Nudge is for both teens and adults!
Thank you all so much for stopping by my new Invisalign review post! I can’t wait to share my before and after photos with you all next year! I will keep you all updated on my progress on our Instagram stories too. Make sureIf you all have any questions please feel free to leave a comment below. Or you can call Orthodontic Arts at 405-604-3745 and get in touch with their fabulous treatment coordinator and visit their website here! They will be so excited to help you on your journey to a beautiful smile!
Have a great day!
Whitney
Photos by Alicia Cargill Photography
