It has been about a year since Angeline began her Invisalign Teen treatment and we are coming up on the home stretch! As we are approaching April, Angeline should actually be on her last set of Invisalign Teen aligners...with her losing her aligners on our way to Europe last summer, and not wearing them properly during the holidays, we are a bit behind schedule. There were 21 sets of Invisalign Teen Aligners in her treatment plan, and we are currently on her 18th set.
This is where it gets real, unfortunately. I think it's a given with any medical treatment plan that you have to follow instructions and do what your doctor tells you in order for treatment to work, right? Well, with Angeline missing those two weeks and then not wearing her aligners properly (re: not wearing them 22 hours a day) during the holidays, not only is her treatment delayed a month or two, but it's actually affected the process as well. Angeline had several crooked teeth on the bottom front, and one of them has not turned as much as it was supposed to by this point. It has turned, but not all the way - and as soon as Angeline's orthodontist examined her last month, he noticed this and started lecturing Angeline about the importance of wearing her Invisalign aligners properly.
It is so important to have an orthodontist that is experienced with the Invisalign product because they know just what to do when these types of situations arise! You can use the Invisalign Dr Locator to find a qualified orthodontist in your area - believe me, the right doctor makes all the difference!
While Angeline been back on track for a few months, that one tooth isn't progressing the way it should have in her initial treatment plan. Her orthodontist said that we may have to extend her treatment for a month or two so that her teeth are perfect when we move onto wearing retainers. Luckily, that is all included in the cost of her Invisalign Teen treatment plan!
The most frustrating part about Angeline falling behind in her Invisalign treatment is that it has happened mostly due to sheer laziness. While Angeline wears her Invisalign aligners while she sleeps, and puts them back in after brushing her teeth in the morning, when she eats at school, she doesn't want to leave her friends to go brush her teeth, so she doesn't put them back in until she gets home from school. I have to constantly ask her when she gets home, "Are you wearing your aligners?" Otherwise, she forgets completely!
This wasn't a problem in the beginning of her treatment, but she got lazy once she saw that her teeth were so drastically improved. Now that she has gotten back into the habit, she laughs at me when I ask if she is wearing them - because she IS wearing them but as I've mentioned before, they are so clear and inconspicuous that I can't see them!
If you have been considering Invisalign treatment, either for yourself or for your teenager, I recommend using the Invisalign Smile Assessment to see if Invisalign can help you! Of course, you need to see an orthodontist for a consultation for Invisalign, and when you do, make sure to use the Invisalign Dr Locator to find qualified orthodontist.
This is a great way to find an orthodontist who has completed Invisalign training and is not only familiar with the product, but has experience using it! The Invisalign Advantage program designations of Preferred, Premier Preferred and Elite Preferred are mostly based on the number of Invisalign cases a dentist or orthodontist has submitted.
So what are you waiting for? Smiling doesn't just make us look happy, it helps us feel happier, and you know what they say, right?
I am a member of the Invisalign Teen Mom Advisory Board. My daughter has received complimentary treatment from Invisalign, but all opinions expressed are my own. http://www.invisalign.com/
Karen says
I think Invisalign works if you are dedicated to wearing the trays all the time. I know a few people who never followed through with it. It's good when it works!
Krystyn says
Not a fun lesson for her to learn at all! hopefully, they can fix that turned tooth.
Louida says
Always listen to your doctor or dentist! I was thinking about doing invisalign myself since I don't want any metal in my mouth. I'll need to ask my dentist about it. Thanks for the review!
Keikilani says
What a difference between the braces we had in high school and now! There was a year when having braces was actually trendy, so many people had them! LOL
Terin Garrett says
I love that quote! I want to hang it in my daughter's room 🙂
valmg says
I wore braces for years when I was a teen. I hated those big ugly silver things. When my ortho told me he wanted me to wear them longer then planned I threatened to rip them off myself rather then wear them to prom. I love that these are clear, I wish they'd had these back then.
Rachee says
My daughter has braces and I am so sorry that I didn't insist she get invisalign! She is so non compliant with the traditional braces and I am afraid that her straight teeth will be a holey mess!
Felicia says
How beautiful! She is absolutely glowing.
Lisa says
We have a dentist appt soon to see if Tween Girl needs braces. I will have to ask about these if she does!
Susanna Barbee (Zealous Mom) says
Beautiful girl you have there! And what a great quote for women of all ages to remember. This Invisalign system looks so awesome.
Chelsea says
She is gorgeous! I've been wanting Invisalign for a couple of years now, but I just can't afford it right now.
Mandy says
I would have loved this when I had braces 20 years ago!
April says
I've read a lot about Invisalign but haven't really looked into it. I may consider that for myself since my teeth have slightly moved after having braces off so many years ago. I would never consider regular braces again.
Rosey says
I have been curious about Invisalign. I remember wanting braces, but I couldn't get them (my teeth didn't need them). I wanted glasses too. I was a silly child. 😉
Autumn says
I wish that Invisalign was more available when I had braces! Although I probably would have forgotten about them (or gotten lazy with them) when out and about with friends. Your daughter's teeth are looking really good!
Krystal says
Gosh, I want Invisalign for myself! Great review.
Toni says
It's definitely very important to follow the dr instructions, even with regular braces. Her smile is beautiful already for sure!
Debbie L says
I totally agree a smile makes everyone look prettier! Your smile is so important!
Tess says
I wish they had invisalign when I had brace. Would been so much nicer!
Jenny says
My son might end up needing these at some point. Right now he's getting his adult teeth way before he should be and it's messing up everything else cause his mouth isn't big enough to fit them... yup. Gonna have to look into this prolly very soon.
tee mccluskey says
A smile is something that is passed on, just by seeing someone else smile. So I agree with you there!
Ashley Morton says
Very true, happy and confident girls shine the brightest.
Chasing Joy says
Her smile looks great already. Don't be to hard on her mom. Especially since there is no additional cost. 🙂
Lauren (Lolo) says
She is so pretty! And she has an amazing smile!
Jennifer says
wow, 22 hours a day?! I'm not sure if I could do that too so I understand that she doesn't always wear them for the correct amount of time.
Her teeth are still absolutely gorgeous even if the one tooth isn't as straight as it should be.
Stefani says
I would love to be able to get this for my 15 year old.
Dina says
I have had my children get braces. They both wanted invisalign but we couldn't afford them. I hope maybe one day we can.
Cassie says
I think the best part is that if you have to go over it's included in your plan. That's super cool!