Good for you, Elina, wearing yours straight away at work. Well done.
I had my 3ish week since starting appointment this afternoon. Having chickened out of wearing it at work (except when I can be sure I have some uninterrupted time) I was expecting my doctor to be annoyed with me. But when he asked if I was getting the full 18 hours in (I thought I was supposed to do 20!?) and I said, "Well, up to 18" he seemed happy enough, and went on to say that the minimum should be 16 hours. By my calculation that's 8 hours off a day so I can stop feeling so guilty about not wearing it at work. I am slightly perplexed though as to why the 4+ hours of non-wear is actively recommended rather than just expected...? Could always ask, I suppose! Maybe I should, as on days off I wear it up to probably about 22+ hours, and if this is a Bad Thing it would be good to know...
Anyway, as I've mentioned before I held out no hope of me spotting early movement, and so it has proved- it was only when I asked to see the original cast of my teeth that I saw there has been a significant movement of at least one of the teeth already. I asked if I can expect movement to speed up, and he said that the more teeth make contact with the outer bar and the inner assembly the more dramatic the movement will become.
I had to get some teeth shaved as well, and I really didn't enjoy it. No pain at all, but the feeling of brute force I found very unpleasant. However, I was relieved that there is no visable sign of the shaving at all. Also, he only shaved off enough so that there was enough space between the teeth to floss, which seems ok to me. Next appointment in 3 weeks and there will probably be more shaving, which I'm obviously not looking forward to, and also I thought it was a one-off necessity... Either I should be listening more closely, or asking more questions...
Still, I am happy that things are moving along.
Inman aligners
Moderator: bbsadmin
I'e had mine for 9 days now and I'm sure one of my teeth has moved. Thing is, like you Elina, I'm constantly looking in the mirror so it's hard to notice things moving - I did take a photo on my mobile of the 'before' shot so I can compare though.
Mine isn't hurting at all now - I tightened up the expander last night but I'm a bit worried that it isn't working as I can put it in without pain as well now!
I haven't got my follow up for another 2 weeks as I am going away so will have to wait and see!!
Mine isn't hurting at all now - I tightened up the expander last night but I'm a bit worried that it isn't working as I can put it in without pain as well now!
I haven't got my follow up for another 2 weeks as I am going away so will have to wait and see!!
Morning Everyone! 
Well, this night wasn't so good. IN the evening i noticed that one of the metal wires on the side is sticking out a bit and is very sharp, it was hurting my cheek a lot, i even have a sore now, i still decided to sleep with it, only to wake up at 3 in the morning with terrible sore inside
had to take it off-it was so bad.
Now i put it back on, but that piece is still bothering me. I think i will have to call my doctor and ask if it is normal and can he fix it or not.
Other than that, i don't feel any pressure on my teeth or pain at all, even when i take it out, so also makes me think: is actually working or not? But i am sure it is!!
Second day at work with it, i practice alphabet this morning and i think (so does my bf) that i sound a lot better than yesterday. People at work also said that i sound a lot better today-or maybe they are just trying to be nice
anyway, hopefully after practicing on weekend i will sound even better on Monday
Have a nice day everyone!
Well, this night wasn't so good. IN the evening i noticed that one of the metal wires on the side is sticking out a bit and is very sharp, it was hurting my cheek a lot, i even have a sore now, i still decided to sleep with it, only to wake up at 3 in the morning with terrible sore inside
had to take it off-it was so bad.Now i put it back on, but that piece is still bothering me. I think i will have to call my doctor and ask if it is normal and can he fix it or not.
Other than that, i don't feel any pressure on my teeth or pain at all, even when i take it out, so also makes me think: is actually working or not? But i am sure it is!!
Second day at work with it, i practice alphabet this morning and i think (so does my bf) that i sound a lot better than yesterday. People at work also said that i sound a lot better today-or maybe they are just trying to be nice
anyway, hopefully after practicing on weekend i will sound even better on MondayHave a nice day everyone!
Elina - this is something I was told to do by my ortho if I had that problem with the wire. 
You let the area get a sore - you managed that already. Take the IA out, chew some SUGAR FREE gum, take it out of your mouth and (this is the ucky bit) roll it in your finger till it goes smooth. Then, place it over the area on the IA wire that is irritating you.
This stops it getting worse and enables your mouth to heal over which in turn will make the area immune to further sores. (you know like when you have new high heels, you have to get the blister so it heals over and doesn't hurt anymore). He said you can use salt water to heal it up quicker but should only take one day.
Then take the gum off the IA and all should be ok.
PS I'm not saying this works just what I was advised, I was concerned the IA would get sticky but if it helps that's great -I didn't need to do it myself. Let me know.
You let the area get a sore - you managed that already. Take the IA out, chew some SUGAR FREE gum, take it out of your mouth and (this is the ucky bit) roll it in your finger till it goes smooth. Then, place it over the area on the IA wire that is irritating you.
This stops it getting worse and enables your mouth to heal over which in turn will make the area immune to further sores. (you know like when you have new high heels, you have to get the blister so it heals over and doesn't hurt anymore). He said you can use salt water to heal it up quicker but should only take one day.
Then take the gum off the IA and all should be ok.
PS I'm not saying this works just what I was advised, I was concerned the IA would get sticky but if it helps that's great -I didn't need to do it myself. Let me know.
Hi all!
I have been a silent reader on the IA post for a while now- I have been through the should/shouldn't I phase 
, BUT I have taken that plunge and have the IA in my mouth as I type and I couldn't hold back on posting on this forum any longer! 
Its my 3rd full day wearing it, and I must say it has made me rather insecure- especially the 'attachments' at the front of my teeth (which btw I am curious as to whether everyone has them? 
)
I wore it at work for the past couple of days- and if it wasn't for my very understanding colleagues- I would not have even attempted wearing it at work- they have all covered my phone, as my speech is awful at the moment. I am actually getting frustrated with myself over it!!!
I mean does it get any better?!!!
All the comments on here have been most helpful- particularly Jules and your advice on the 'gum thing'- my IA was sticking out a little as well and it was scraping the inside of my cheek, so I had to try it and although it's a bit sticky- my mouth is thankful!
Please everyone keep updating- especially those who are far ahead.
*R*
, BUT I have taken that plunge and have the IA in my mouth as I type and I couldn't hold back on posting on this forum any longer! Its my 3rd full day wearing it, and I must say it has made me rather insecure- especially the 'attachments' at the front of my teeth (which btw I am curious as to whether everyone has them? )I wore it at work for the past couple of days- and if it wasn't for my very understanding colleagues- I would not have even attempted wearing it at work- they have all covered my phone, as my speech is awful at the moment. I am actually getting frustrated with myself over it!!!
I mean does it get any better?!!!All the comments on here have been most helpful- particularly Jules and your advice on the 'gum thing'- my IA was sticking out a little as well and it was scraping the inside of my cheek, so I had to try it and although it's a bit sticky- my mouth is thankful!
Please everyone keep updating- especially those who are far ahead.
*R*
Welcome *R*, and congrats on doing the sensible thing and getting straight into the habit of wearing it at work. You lot are going to shame me into doing the same, aren't you?! 
What sort of "attachments" on the front do you mean? I know there are different versions of the appliance to meet different needs...
I was going to take a picture of mine to show you all what I have, but I can't figure out how to put photos up via net links.
What sort of "attachments" on the front do you mean? I know there are different versions of the appliance to meet different needs...
I was going to take a picture of mine to show you all what I have, but I can't figure out how to put photos up via net links.
By attachments I mean- I had to have two composite fillings at the front of my teeth? It's tooth colour so you can barely see it- but if you were looking at my teeth from the side, it is noticeable! . It holds my aligner up and apparently makes it work better and of course will be removed once treatment is complete. Hmm none of you have anything extra on the teeth for the IA? I was having more trouble getting used to that rather than the IA to be honest.... because I knew I could always take the IA off but these attachments would always be there. Also I am going on holiday soon and was just having horrible day dreams of everyone thinking 'what is wrong with that woman's teeth!' 
I am most likely over-exaggerating over how much anyone can see them BUT I spoke to my dentist and he will make them less noticeable. (Having said this- none of my family members have spotted them- and I do not intend on pointing it out to them either! )
. It holds my aligner up and apparently makes it work better and of course will be removed once treatment is complete. Hmm none of you have anything extra on the teeth for the IA? I was having more trouble getting used to that rather than the IA to be honest.... because I knew I could always take the IA off but these attachments would always be there. Also I am going on holiday soon and was just having horrible day dreams of everyone thinking 'what is wrong with that woman's teeth!' I am most likely over-exaggerating over how much anyone can see them BUT I spoke to my dentist and he will make them less noticeable. (Having said this- none of my family members have spotted them- and I do not intend on pointing it out to them either! )*R*
IA and I have a long way to go, but I hope its an almost painless and speedy journey!
IA and I have a long way to go, but I hope its an almost painless and speedy journey!
Hello *R*, my ortho mentioned he might put composites on mine at a later date too, but I was a bit overwhelmed with wearing the IA for the first time and didn't ask what he meant. Now I know and I must admit I don't fancy it.
Coming up to 2 weeks now and a tooth that hasn't hurt before did last night, it seems to have come into contact with the inner bow so I suppose that's why and it shows my teeth are defo moving.
Anyway, I'm on hols tmrw for a fortnight so will catch up with everyones news when I get back. Glad the chewing gum thing worked, I've packed some just in case mine starts playing up!!
You can drink Pina Colada with the IA in right??? lol
Coming up to 2 weeks now and a tooth that hasn't hurt before did last night, it seems to have come into contact with the inner bow so I suppose that's why and it shows my teeth are defo moving.
Anyway, I'm on hols tmrw for a fortnight so will catch up with everyones news when I get back. Glad the chewing gum thing worked, I've packed some just in case mine starts playing up!!
You can drink Pina Colada with the IA in right??? lol
I don't have any attachments nor were they ever mentioned to me as a possibility. Will you need them the entire time?
One of the wires was poking me a bit, too, but either it stopped or I got used to it.
I've gotta say I'm quite shocked by my progress, especially as someone who is only wearing the IA for really at the most about eight hours a day, give or take. When I got up this morning my teeth were practically straight. They shifted again as I mentioned before throughout the day, but it was a surprise. I guess they won't be able to get fully straight without the further refinements, but I'm pretty impressed. I don't have the option of wearing this thing to work nor to work functions and assumed it would take double the normal time and was and still am totally fine with that, but I'm getting results a lot faster than I ever thought I would be. How are you guys doing on movement?
One of the wires was poking me a bit, too, but either it stopped or I got used to it.
I've gotta say I'm quite shocked by my progress, especially as someone who is only wearing the IA for really at the most about eight hours a day, give or take. When I got up this morning my teeth were practically straight. They shifted again as I mentioned before throughout the day, but it was a surprise. I guess they won't be able to get fully straight without the further refinements, but I'm pretty impressed. I don't have the option of wearing this thing to work nor to work functions and assumed it would take double the normal time and was and still am totally fine with that, but I'm getting results a lot faster than I ever thought I would be. How are you guys doing on movement?
oh I am sooo having a word with my dentist- I hope you guys don't mind if I mention you- why do I need to have the composites, when there are so many who don't?!! Frustrating! I really just feel that I don't even have the option of smiling when my IA is out- because I am too conscious of the stupid composites! 
As far as movement is concerned..... I am pleased as it hasn't even been one week and my teeth have moved- ofcourse the two front teeth are the most stubborn and will take a lot more time. BUT man am I praying for a miracle that I can be done with this in 4 weeks! (I will learn how to fly before then, I know I know!! )
My speech has only improved a little- but I still feel I need a translator with me everywhere I go!
As far as movement is concerned..... I am pleased as it hasn't even been one week and my teeth have moved- ofcourse the two front teeth are the most stubborn and will take a lot more time. BUT man am I praying for a miracle that I can be done with this in 4 weeks! (I will learn how to fly before then, I know I know!!
)My speech has only improved a little- but I still feel I need a translator with me everywhere I go!
*R*
IA and I have a long way to go, but I hope its an almost painless and speedy journey!
IA and I have a long way to go, but I hope its an almost painless and speedy journey!
Hello all
Just got my IA right now and have it in. they don't feel very tight although the specialist who fitted them for me said he adjusted them quite tight. Did anybody else feel they werent super tight upon getting them?
I really like the design of them. there is no 'connector' plastic part between the two side of the arch so i can actually feel the roof of my mouth with my tongue. quite an improvement from the hawley retainer I had after my braces (which i had 10 years ago)
My ortho seemed to be in a huge rush when he was fiting them for me and I missed what is the "safe" way to take them out. If anybody can advise that would be great
*R* I dont have any extra attachments or compsites in my teeth either...just the appliance. I did have some filing/shaving done though while I was getting them fitted
I will wear them 10 hours a day so results wont be that fast. Also, if anybody mistakenly damages or breaks their IA please post it so we can try to avoid doing the same things
Just got my IA right now and have it in. they don't feel very tight although the specialist who fitted them for me said he adjusted them quite tight. Did anybody else feel they werent super tight upon getting them?
I really like the design of them. there is no 'connector' plastic part between the two side of the arch so i can actually feel the roof of my mouth with my tongue. quite an improvement from the hawley retainer I had after my braces (which i had 10 years ago)
My ortho seemed to be in a huge rush when he was fiting them for me and I missed what is the "safe" way to take them out. If anybody can advise that would be great
*R* I dont have any extra attachments or compsites in my teeth either...just the appliance. I did have some filing/shaving done though while I was getting them fitted
I will wear them 10 hours a day so results wont be that fast. Also, if anybody mistakenly damages or breaks their IA please post it so we can try to avoid doing the same things
Ursa- my composites are just tiny tooth colour fillings that is on my two main front teeth- it basically holds the IA up and tight, because when I first put the IA on it was a little loose? Now please don't tell me that it wasn't made properly?? I trust my ortho- but I am now having some doubt because no one else on here has had the same! I have my next appointment on Saturday so will ask him to explain, break it down to me like I am a 5 year old! However, I would be REALLY grateful it next time someone sees their ortho they could ask whether the IA is meant to be tight fitted for everyone? Are composites normal?
I did not have any shaving done to my teeth.....yet, but I think I will need to next time.
Daneo- safe way to take the IA out I think is lead by the less painful way to take them out. So far for me, it does not hurt or cause me any discomfort taking it out....I sort of loosen the bar across my front teeth first then I clip the right side out and then the left and hey presto out it comes!
I trust my ortho- but I am now having some doubt because no one else on here has had the same! I have my next appointment on Saturday so will ask him to explain, break it down to me like I am a 5 year old! However, I would be REALLY grateful it next time someone sees their ortho they could ask whether the IA is meant to be tight fitted for everyone? Are composites normal? I did not have any shaving done to my teeth.....yet, but I think I will need to next time.
Daneo- safe way to take the IA out I think is lead by the less painful way to take them out. So far for me, it does not hurt or cause me any discomfort taking it out....I sort of loosen the bar across my front teeth first then I clip the right side out and then the left and hey presto out it comes!
*R*
IA and I have a long way to go, but I hope its an almost painless and speedy journey!
IA and I have a long way to go, but I hope its an almost painless and speedy journey!