UPDATE

Hello All,

I'm currently at the end of my second round of refinements. I'm unsure if I'll have to go through another round of treatment or not {Hopefully not}. My appointment is this upcoming week so we shall see. I'm absolutely thrilled with the results. The next step for me will be getting a bonded retainer put on as well as having some gum contouring. The reason for the contouring is because my gums swelled due to my gap being so large initially. It was simply a lot of space to close. Dr. Z & I anticipated that the swelling would occur so it didn't shock me when I noticed the tissue puffing up. I'll have more information regarding when the gum surgery will occur after my next appointment. I know that it'll be after I'm completely finished with my Invisalign treatment.

For anyone considering Invisalign I say DO IT!

3/8/14 

It's Gone

I know it's been a while since I updated the blog, but life has had me super busy. On top of taking care of my husband and children I completed my Masters - I'm now finished. Thank GOD!

Now getting to the reason why you visited this blog. I've completed my first set of 25 trays and I can proudly proclaim that the GAP is GONE! I look at my teeth all the time and all I can do is smile.

I've also been doing random things that I couldn't do before. Now before I tell you let me just say - Don't Jude Me! :)  

1. I can bite my nails without feeling space.

2. Run my tongue across my teeth without a lapse from one tooth to the next

3. Bite into food without seeing a gap impression. 

Back to Business 

Although, my gap is gone I have 16 upper refinement trays and 9 lowers. Additional trays were necessary because my bite is off. Am I disappointed about wearing Invisalign for 8 additional months? Heck No. You have to remember I've only been wearing Invisalign braces for 1 year. I'd gladly recommend Invisalign to anyone considering it. I'm proof that it works.

What Invisalign did for me in this short time frame is nothing short of amazing. I'm not just referring to my actual teeth. I mean my confidence as well. I've noticed that I smile all the time. I've opened myself up to more people. Although, I wasn't a shy person before I was hesitant about meeting new people and stepping outside my comfort zone. I no longer care if people stare at my teeth while I speak because I have no reservations about them. 

Side Note:

At the end of my treatment I'll be having gum contouring surgery. As a result of the space that was closed my gums swelled which myself and Dr. Zammitti was expecting. It'll be a simple in office surgery with a laser... Nothing major.

Referral: If you're in the Charlotte, NC area I highly recommend the office Dr. Sal Zammitti. He is very professional. I think he's a man of few words, but he's honest and won't tell you what you want to hear. For example, when I didn't want the frenectomy he flat out told me it was necessary and explained why. His honesty and excellent credentials (Harvard School for Dental Medicine, PHD from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine) were the reasons why I decided to go through treatment with his office. I truly feel that he has my best interest in mind when making suggestions. I can also tell he's a bit of a perfectionist which is a plus if you're working on changing something that everyone can see - your teeth! Again, if you're in the Charlotte area go check him out (info below). 

10040 Edison Square Drive
Concord, NC 28027

Phone: (704) 464-3279

http://www.charlottebraces.com/

 

Tray 22

One step closer to the finish line!

Tray 22

Tray 20 & 21

I can't believe I'm nearing the end of this journey. I know their will be refinements however I have my final tray in my possession and BOY does it feel awesome! I'm currently on Tray 21. 4 more to go WOO HOO!

Tray 20

Tray 21

Tray 17 - 19

Still Shrinking. 6 more trays left!

           Tray 19

 

Tray 19

Tray 18

Tray 17

Tray 16

It's been a while I know.. Sorry! Well here goes Tray 12 - 15 went smoothly. I am having alot of swelling along the gum line above the gap. This was to be expected since there was so much space to close. I decided that I was going to ask Dr. Zammitti about it at my next appointment, which was January 14th.

During my visit he expressed his pleasure in how my teeth were coming along & checked to see if the recommended IPR on my lower teeth would be necessary. He decided that it wasn't because I still had minor space. I asked about the swelling gum tissue and he stated that he can laser the area once I finish treatment. I'm completely game for that. I've put way to much money into having a "nice smile" to deal with swollen gum tissue. The goal of invisalign was for me to have the smile that I want and swollen gums are not in that equation.

I put on Tray 16 and all I can say is WOW what a difference between Tray 1 and now. It's an amazing feeling knowing that tray 19 is the LAST tray for my bottom teeth. Woo Hoo! There is another massive difference between tray 16 and 20. I'm almost at the end of this life long journey & I can't wait. I still stick by my previous statement which was purchasing invisalign was one of the best decisions that I've ever made.

                                                                      Tray 16

Tray 12

"Smile" ~ Nat King Cole
Smile though your heart is aching 
Smile even though it's breaking 
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by 
If you smile through your fear and sorrow 
Smile and maybe tomorrow 
You'll see the sun come shining through for you 

Light up your face with gladness 
Hide every trace of sadness 
Although a tear may be ever so near 
That's the time you must keep on trying 
Smile, what's the use of crying? 
You'll find that life is still worthwhile 
If you just smile 

That's the time you must keep on trying 
Smile, what's the use of crying? 
You'll find that life is still worthwhile 
If you just smile

Smile and Enjoy your day! Next update will be in 2 weeks. 

From Gap to Gone 

Monique