Hello Friends!
We are so excited to share the completion of our Invisalign journeys with you all today! We are so thrilled with our results and can’t wait to give you all the details. As you all may remember, we both decided to get Invisalign with Orthodontic Arts in Oklahoma City. Our treatment has been completed for a bit now so it’s the perfect time for us to recap our full experience and answer all of your most asked Invisalign questions!
As a quick reminder, we both had traditional metal braces around the age of 11 or 12 {at a different orthodontist that is now retired}. Our treatment process seemed typical and we both did a good job of wearing our retainers as required. However once in our 20s we got a little more relaxed with wearing them and shifting started to occur. All through our early 30s we had talked about straightening them with Invisalign but kept putting it off. But thankfully we both finally took the plunge after seeing the amazing team at Orthodontic Arts and are SO glad that we did!
Why We Chose Invisalign Treatment at Orthodontic Arts:
Over the years both have had several friends use Invisalign and they’ve been so happy with it! We both knew that it would be the best option for us compared to traditional wire braces. With taking photos and videos several days a week for our jobs it also made Invisalign the easy choice since it’s hardly visible! Plus we wanted to still easily be able to floss and brush my teeth like normal.
We started looking around at different provider options in our area as well as talked with many friends. Time and time again we kept hearing “you should go to Orthodontic Arts”! So after checking out their detailed and helpful website we scheduled a free consultation with them!
During our consultations at Orthodontic Arts, we were both very impressed with Dr. Birdwell’s depth of expertise, knowledge and individualized treatment plan that he put together for us both based our our specific needs and desired outcomes. We both immediately knew Orthodontic Arts was the place to complete orthodontic treatment!
Their office is modern and super clean and we 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!
Orthodontic Arts Tour
Before we get to answering all of your Invisalign questions, here is some additional information about Dr. Birdwell, Dr. Wilson and Dr. Hunt at Orthodontic Arts!
They are all incredible orthodontists that we know you all will loving for yourself or a loved one!
Dr David Birdwell
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.
A Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, Dr. Birdwell is also a member of several regional and local ongoing study groups in advanced child and adult orthodontic treatment. Dr. David Birdwell is a founding member of the Oklahoma City Metro Seattle Study Club, which promotes excellence in dentistry and orthodontic treatments. Dr. Birdwell is a part-time faculty member of the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. He is very active in Oklahoma City and service on several nonprofit boards.
Dr. Brian Wilson
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 in 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 Orthodontics.
In addition to being a member of the AAO, Dr. Wilson is an inaugural member of the Oklahoma City Metro Seattle Study Club, which promotes excellence in dentistry and orthodontic treatments. In his free time, Dr. Wilson enjoys the outdoors and spending time with his wife and son. Dr. Wilson is well equipped to provide any of our great orthodontic services!
Dr. Chris Hunt
Dr. Chris Hunt is a native of central Oklahoma who graduated from Jones High School. Dr. Hunt attended Oklahoma Christian University for his undergraduate degree, where he competed four years in track and field. Upon graduation, he worked two years as a pharmaceutical microbiologist before attending The University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry for both his dental studies and specialty training in orthodontics. While in residency, Dr. Hunt established a special interest in the growth and development of children, performing research on the benefits of early treatment in achieving ideal skeletal correction and soft tissue balance.
Dr. Hunt is a member of the AAO, ADA, and Oklahoma City Metro Study Club. He enjoys being involved and building relationships in the local area through community and non-profit events. Dr. Hunt spends much of his free time with his daughter Hazelee, and outside of orthodontics, he likes spending time with family/friends, golfing, and fitness.
During our initial research, we both 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 our individual consultations we reviewed the treatment plan and Dr. Birdwell answered all our questions about the changes that would take place to help us get to the desired end result. We each presented with an overbite, some crowding and need for expansion. Getting to see the projected after treatment images {the 3-D model video is so helpful} was very exciting! The Invisalign process from start to finish was pain free and truly so easy! I can’t believe we both took so long to start the journey!
Invisalign Q&A
Why did you choose Invisalign
There are many reasons why we chose Invisalign but the main two would be that they are virtually invisible and that you can remove the aligner trays if needed {for special events, family photos etc}. We 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! We both had no discomfort at all. You will feel gentle pressure on the main teeth that need to be moved when putting in a new tray but it didn’t bother us 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.
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.
Did you have attachments?
Yes, we both had several tooth colored attachments on some 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 with Invisalign?
Yes, you can use rubber bands with Invisalign like traditional metal braces use. Each person’s treatment plan will be different when it comes to wearing elastics.
How many months / years do patients have to wear their aligners?
This is dependent on each person’s treatment plan so it can vary. An estimate will be provided during your consultation.
Did you notice your aligners during the day or night?
Not at all! They never caused any issues and you will 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. 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. Your Orthodontist Arts provider will decide what time range is best for you during your treatment.
Are they noticeable?
We both feel like they are pretty much invisible! Many of our friends didn’t even know we had them until we mentioned it! We love how they don’t even show up when taking photos or videos.
How do you keep up with when to change your trays?
We suggest using the Invisalign app to keep up with when you 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. We 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.
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. Do they accept patients of all ages?
Yes! Orthodontic Arts sees all age ranges of patients! Our amazing Mom never had braces and actually just started her treatment with Dr. Wilson!
4. 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 your orthodontist to track your progress without leaving the comfort of your home.
5. What age should my child be seen for an initial consultation?
The orthodontic team at Orthodontic Arts recommends children be seen at the age of 7 for a free consultation. Bringing your child in at this age allows for early intervention for a variety of potential issues and allows you and your child the opportunity to receive an orthodontic treatment timeline at no charge. You will be so glad that you did!
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 our new Invisalign final review post! We are both so pleased with our new smiles that corrected crowding and overbites! Thank you so much to the amazing team at Orthodontic Arts for the incredible treatment experience from start to finish. They definitely become like family and we know you will all will love your experience there just like we both did!
If 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 {or your loved one} on your journey to a beautiful smile!
Have a great day!
Whitney & Lindsay
Photos by Brooke Ashley Photography