55yo just got invisalign. I think I'll need lots of support!

[Farrah]

Hi All, this is my first post. I got the first invisalign trays 6 days ago and my teeth still ache. I even have headache and jaw ache! Is this normal? I'm thinking I'll need a forum like this to help me through the next 39 weeks and 1 day! The eating thing is a little challenging too. I only eat 3 meals a day and feel a bit frantic as I get in as much nourishment as possible - in the shortest time possible! I keep worrying that I will exceed to 2 hour daily limit without the trays. I had braces for 2 years as a kid and don't remember having any issues at all. I hope I haven't 'bitten off more than I can chew' this time

[Jane16]

Don't worry, it's early days yet and you will get used to it in time. The headaches etc. are most probably to do with you tensing up because this is something new and you are still getting used to it. You could give yourself another half an hour a day so it is 21.5 - I find that little bit extra can make a difference.

[Farrah]

Thanks Jane for your reply. I feel much better today and hoping the worst is over! It's good to know that it's okay to go a little under the 22hrs. I'm due to complete this on Dec 24th and I really want to stay on target so I get this all done by the end of the year. Thank you for your encouragement. I really needed it!

[Jane16]

Just to add as well that on the Invisalign web site they recommend that aligners are worn for 20-22 hours per day : http://www.invisalign.com/Pages/Frequen ... tions.aspx

Personally, I feel more confident keeping it at 21 and a half minimum as really want it to work OK!

And just to advise that there is another forum that you might find useful for info and support if you haven't found it already:

http://www.bracesreview.com/forums/invisalign/

[annelou]

Hi,
I know you posted a while ago - hope things are going well. I wanted to respond to your comments about eating - I struggled with that too. My job only allows ten minute breaks/30 for lunch so there isn't time to take out trays, eat something and brush in that ten minutes. I'm used to snacking and it was tough; I was hungry!! I found two things I can have at break. It's worked for me, although it breaks the rules I was told to only drink water when you had trays in your mouth. I either drink a Special K protein drink, with a straw, or eat a container of Greek yogurt - not any kind with lumpy fruit - just honey, vanilla or key lime. While I'm eating or drinking these things I drink a lot of water, and swish my mouth when finished. I brush after eating lunch. Maybe you're not comfortable with that idea, but that nourishment keeps me going and I feel like it's been okay as far as my teeth go. My dentist says my oral hygiene is great. I sure brush and floss more than I ever did before.
I'm like you: a "mature" invisalign user!! I'm 58!! It's been nine months for me, I'll be done in January. It's settled into a pretty easy routine for me, but I'll be glad to be done, too. I'm more comfortable taking them in and out in public places. I try to be discreet but I got tired of running to a corner or bathroom just to get them out of my mouth. Most people don't even notice them in my mouth. I hate the "buttons" but they help move the teeth, so that's life.
Good luck!!

[Farrah]

Hi annelou, thanks for your reply. I'm doing okay. Yesterday I started tray 5 so that's almost 1/4 the way through! I'm finding it easier to manage the eating at work and home but I dread the thought of eating out. I've already declined a few invitations because it doesn't seem worth it, but I guess I'll get over that - or become a recluse for the next 7 months!! (kidding) I think the drinks with a straw sounds like a good idea. I haven't tried it yet because I'm paranoid about anything with sugar or milk in it, but I think it would be fine to just quickly rinse afterwards. I keep thinking of how great it will be to have straight non crowded bottom teeth after 40 years! When I think of that, 7 months seems like such a short time