Getting My First Brace

So I now finally have my first set of invisalign braces :)
44 Aligners and 88 weeks to go! Mine is a serious case, my friend only has a 6 month treatment plan as hers is much simpler!
I went to the hospital group in Leeds to see my dentist. The appointment was around 30 mins. He showed me how to put the braces in and how to take them out. His tip was always have a tiny bit of water in the braces as it makes them alot less visible. I'm surprised how clear they are, people haven't even noticed I'm wearing them! Although it does sound like I have a lisp when i talk at the minute.

Taking the braces in and out

The first time i tried it at home last night was awful! I found it really hard to get the braces out! Although this morning it seems much easier so i guess practice makes perfect. Putting them in is quite easy but i do use a mirror to make sure they are in line with my teeth. 

Pain? 
There is a slight discomfort when you first wear them. But its nothing worth worrying about. Its like the morning after the gym, its just an aching pain but i think its reassuring to know they are doing something! I haven't needed any pain killers or anything. 
Cleaning
We have been advised to just use a little bit of toothpaste with warm water and a soft bristle tooth brush to clean the brace. Its easy and quick and hasn't caused me any real inconvenience yet!

My advice so far is just to go for it! 

First 3 braces,  2 weeks per brace,  so will visit the dentist in 6 weeks

My Invisalign aligners in the case

Sat with the dentist as he showed us how to put the braces in and out

Invisalign Starter Kit

So yesterday I got my first set of braces, With them came a starter pack.

Starter Pack Includes: 2 Brace Cases, 1 red and 1 blue. The blue case is recommended for keeping your current aligners in and then use the red case to keep your previous aligners in. So that if anything happens to your current brace you can speak to your dentist who may recommend you go back to the previous brace till you get a replacement.
Here are some photos of the Invisalign Patient Starter Kit

Invisalign storage case

Along with the images shown you also get a leaflet with instructions on how to use, store and look after your braces. 

Today is the day

Today is the day I go to Leeds to get my first ever tray fitted and maybe even the dreaded attachments  So I will post some photos and a new post about the experience tonight! Feeling a little nervous but very excited to actually start the journey! 

Clin Check Videos

Finally got my Clin Check Videos and they are well worth the wait, although I'm not looking forward to wearing the attachments on my front teeth the change looks so dramatic! 

before and after photo

Heres the Videos

On Monday (11/02/2013) I'll be going to get the braces fitted for the first time and then I'll post an update. 

The Start Of The Journey

Had my consultation back in December 2012 and decided to go ahead with the invisalign treatment with The Hospital Group in Leeds who have been great so far! I'm going to be having an 18 month Invisalign treatment as my mouth is severely overcrowded at the minute. I paid £3250 in total for the whole treatment which seems pretty good to me! On this First Post I've included a photo of my teeth now! So I can see the change over the next year or so.