Earlier this Spring, I started my Invisalign treatment for a journey towards a straighter smile. It’s been something that I’ve considered for a couple years and I finally took the leap, so I’m here to share my journey with you so far! For background, I did have braces as child, but my teeth have shifted and I wanted to fix that before more shifting occurred. Given my circumstances and after exploring many options, I chose Invisalign.

I began my Invisalign journey back in April and time has flown by! Even though I’m only about halfway through my treatment, my smile has been undergoing a remarkable transformation. I can see major differences already!

Month 1-3: The Adjustment Period

The first three months were a big adjustment because I have to wear the aligners for 22 hours a day. The first two weeks in particular were the hardest, but it quickly got much easier. Wearing Invisalign aligners became a seamless part of my daily routine, I knew when I needed to pop them out for a meal or drink and then put them right back in after. The initial discomfort I experienced was minimal and short-lived, and soon, I found myself hardly noticing the aligners were there. The challenge of speaking with the aligners in became second nature too. I did have a lisp at first, but it went away quickly and I actually couldn’t believe how easy Invisalign actually was!

Month 4-6: Seeing the Progress

Around the four-month mark, I started noticing visible changes in my teeth. It was exciting to see the alignment taking shape and I got compliments from friends and family on the progress too. I cannot stress how consistency is key with Invisalign though, so you really have to discipline yourself because leaving the aligners out for too long or not wearing the elastics enough can really stunt, or even revert progress. There were weeks where there was more pain due to the movement, but nothing unbearable. That said, there were also weeks that felt really easy, almost like nothing was happening haha, but I trusted the process and I’m very happy with the results so far.

Month 7: The Almost-Halfway Mark

As I approach my seventh month of treatment, I can confidently say that Invisalign has exceeded my expectations! I love the flexibility that Invisalign provides, because unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible. Being a blogger that has to be on camera often, this was very important to me and I’m grateful for the discreet nature of the treatment.

Challenges and Tips:

Adhering to the 22 hour wear time was a struggle, especially during social events or busy days. What I learned is that planning head for meals and snacks helped a lot. This also encouraged healthier eating habits.

Another thing I have to set time aside for is cleaning the aligners. I had a routine for this and trust me, you’ll want to do that too because you have then in for 22 hours a day!

I had regular checkins, this was key for my progress. When I noticed something off like one of my attachments coming off, I also notified my orthodontist right away so they got fix it and keep me on track.

If you’re considering Invisalign or are already on the journey, remember that every smile is unique, and the timeline may vary. Embrace the changes, stay consistent with your treatment plan, and don’t forget to celebrate the small victories along the way!

Stay tuned for future updates on my Invisalign journey as I continue down the path to a perfect smile!