Was a treatment plan made before treatment? Was it suitable for you?
Yes, the treatment plan was made during the consultation. We discussed the whole course of treatment, the duration and all my future procedures. I was surprised not only by the detailed doctors’ explanation and dedication to the patient, but also by the predicted course of treatment. There is a stereotype that straightening teeth is a process which consumes a lot of patient’s time, energy and patience. However, everything was opposite: the duration of treatment was much shorter than I expected, so I was happy to make up my mind to straighten my teeth with clear aligners.
Why did you choose to straighten your teeth with clear aligners?
I didn’t hesitate much before choosing a method of straightening teeth. Since at work I constantly communicate with people, I wanted such method of straightening which would be unnoticed to people around me. Also, when I started straightening procedure, I realized that it is painless, discomfort-free. It just made me even more happy.
How did the treatment start? Which was it?
As I have already mentioned, there is a wrong myth of the duration of teeth straightening. The treatment lasted about a year – less than I expected.
I wore aligners 20 hours a day. I followed a strict routine that gave quick results. I took out the aligners only before eating and brushing my teeth. I wanted to get a correct smile quickly, so I was very motivated to wear the aligners as long as possible.
I got a habit to feel the time during which I don’t wear the aligners. At first, I had to look at the clock, but later I already felt for how long I had removed them. In these restrictions, I see another positive thing – my diet has become more diverse and much healthier, without useless snacks. Therefore, we can say that the new habits of wearing the aligners helped me not only to get a healthy and correct smile, but also to change certain lifestyle habits, such as diet. And even to improve them.
Tell us about the course of treatment, adaptation period, difficulties experienced etc.?
I can admit that the treatment was not complicated at all. The aligners had to be changed every two weeks, but during the visits to the doctor, I got a few pairs of aligners for future. As a result, there were fewer visits, and in the event of necessity, I was calm that I have enough aligners and do not have to stop treatment.
The most difficult, of course, was in the beginning. The very first week, which became an adaptation period. I felt a little bit of discomfort and lisped a little, since it was a foreign object in my mouth. But every day you get used to the aligners much easier.
It seems impossible to restore crooked teeth and malocclusion in such a relatively short time. However, there is nothing impossible! Throughout the treatment period, I periodically visited the orthodontist for consultation and checking. The decision to choose aligners instead of braces proved to be right for me.
How can you encourage those who are hesitant about straightening their teeth with aligners?
In my opinion, clear aligners is the best and even most convenient method of straightening teeth. I’m so glad I chose to straighten my teeth with them. Aesthetic appearance is excellent, oral care is much simpler, and no pain during straightening. I think that all these arguments summarize why there shall be no doubts to choose aligners instead of braces!