How Invisalign Trays are made

I've been wondering how the invisalign trays are actually made. It's amazing how this is such a custom process. I mean just think about it - there are millions of people who choose to go through the invisalign process and yet Align Technology ensures that the proper trays are made and shipped to each persons orthodontist/dentist. I think it's pretty cool. Thank GOD for technology! During my research on the manfacturing process I came across an interesting video on YouTube that explains it so much better than I could have so Enjoy!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xv3tfcaOraw

Monique
From Gap to Gone


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Tray (1) & I - The Break Up

Tray 1 and I have broken up and honestly I'm thrilled. I was so excited meet Tray (1) that it was ridiculous. I felt like a giggly school girl when we were initially introduced. I believe I developed a slight obsession with Tray (1). The reading & watching videos consumed alot of my time prior to the meeting. However, after the excitement wore off there was a little pain involved for the first 3 days or so, but what relationship doesn't go through a adjustment period? I know I may be a little naive, but I thought Tray (1) and I had special bond. Maybe I'm a bit delusional, but to me Tray (1) was my custom fit. He was made just for me. I guess things just moved along too quickly and he & I outgrew one another. By the end of our 2 week romance Tray (1) was distant and I didn't feel we were as attached as we initially were. I was tempted to move on prior to the end of our first week together, but thought that would be a bad decision. I had to give us a fighting chance.  We were together on an average of 23 hrs per day. The recommend time that's considered optimal wear is 22 hrs a day.  Maybe I was to aggressive I mean I did pick him up (LOL).

FYI - Tray (1) said that he changed so I decided to give him another chance we'll see how much he actually changed. Can Tray and I make it through the next 50 weeks together? How soon will I notice this "change"? Is Tray truly the one for me? We shall see - Stay Tuned!

Switched to Tray (2) last night...The Saga Continues.

Signed,
Monique
From Gap to Gone!

 

The day finally arrived! Tray (1)

Alright Alright Alright! Yesterday I received my trays (5) & buttons (10)!!  The buttons completely blend in with teeth, which I'm glad about. I think Susan did a great job putting them on. She had a great personality and even posed for a few pics with me, which I'll have posted later. I also plan on posting a video showing the buttons being put on, but I need to edit it first. I'd like to give a shout out to my camera man - my husband. Prior to gettign invisalign I did a ton of research so I didn't have any questions for Dr. Zammitti. I walked in with the pass the trays and I'm out attitude. I felt like I knew exactly what to do with them, how to care for them, and I had a good understanding of how put the trays on and take them off.

I read tons of reviews where people stated invisalign isn't as clear as it was advertised. I disagree with this.  Personally I feel they are extremely clear. You must be right on me to see them. The buttons are perfectly matched to the color of my teeth also, which I saw compalints about.  I'm 100% satisfied with Dr. Zammitti's office so far. The ladies in the office are professional and genuiely seem to care about the patients. I would recommend this practice to anyone searching and ladies Dr. Z isn't bad on the eyes so that'll help motivate you to keep  your appointments. LOL.  He allowed me to view my clinicheck, which hopefully I can receive a copy of to post for you. Let me tell you I was THRILLED to see the results. The video showed the movement of my teeth based on tray by tray. The final tray showed all of the space between my teeth closed! WOO HOO!

When Dr. Z put the first tray on I felt some pressure on my teeth, which I expected, but it wasn't bad enough to take any pain medication. The worst part to me was when I took the trays off for the first time... I felt like I was going to rip my teeth out of my mouth and that was a little scary mainly because my front left tooth is a crown. I already have a gap I can't lose teeth on top of that! NO NO NO! Well sure enough the crown stayed put! GREAT SUCCESS!! I'm proud that it only took me less than 4 minutes to take both trays out of my mouth (yes I timed it). I've read that some people spend 15 - 20 minutes of the first removal. Hey I guess that means I've watched enough youtube videos on how to remove them. I received a total of 5 trays on my first visit and will return to Dr. Zammitti's office in August to pick up additional trays. In total I will have 25 Trays for the top teeth and 17 for the bottom. I'm truly excited to see the transformation take place and will continue to update my blog at least every 2 weeks.

 Susan & I. She was a ham!

Wearing Tray 1.

Having the buttons put on.

Signed,
Monique
From Gap to GONE!

6 More Days!

6 more days until I receive my trays. Enuff said!

Post Frenectomy Results

The surgery went very well. It was over within 10 minutes. I just had general anesthesia for the process. A little numbing gel, 3 or 4 quick shots of novocain, a laser, a suction tool, 2 - 3 slight tugs and it was over. Now the pain medicine has wore off. On a scale of 1-10 I'd say the pain level is a 2 - 2 1/2. It's almost like having a bad pizza burn. My husband took pictures for me and I'll be sure to post them for you soon.  I'm excited at this point. I feel in I'm in the home stretch. On June 19th I'm scheduled to receive my trays & buttons (will do a separate post to explain). Woot Woot! Straight teeth here I come.


Monique 
Fromgaptogone :)


Dr Zammitti was about to preform my frenectomy. I had to postpone him for a second so I could get this pic,

I've included a short video of the frenectomy being preformed (nothing gross I promise). 

Tomorrow's Frenectomy

Ok so I know I had originally said the Labial Frenectomy was scheduled for June 5th, but I had to change it to tomorrow May 16th. There was no way I could be in pain and attend my friend, Danielle's, bachelorette party in Myrtle Beach, S.C the weekend of June 7-9th. Right now I feel nervous, but excited at the same time. I'm nervous because I actually watched a video of the surgery on YouTube....BIG MISTAKE! Seeing what would occur during the surgery process was not a pretty site. I'll be placed under general anesthesia & will be woke during the surgery. According to all of the reviews I've read the actual surgery doesn't take long at all about 20 - 30 minutes. It's an outpatient surgery so it shouldn't be major. However, if you could just imagine someone taking a laser and cutting the soft tissue in your mouth then you'd understand my concern for sure. Since it is soft tissue the healing process should be fairly quick around 2-3 weeks. The pain will be worth it in the end so I just have to "man" up and deal with it. Hey the way I look at is if I just get it over with now then I'll have straight teeth soon enough. Woot Woot!

I'll provide an update after my surgery...

Monique
Fromgaptogone :)

The Upcoming Frenectomy

On June 5th I must receive a frenectomy. The labial frenectomy attaches to the center of the upper lip and between the upper two front teeth. If I don't receive the surgery then my teeth will constantly try to come apart. I feel very nervous about the procedure however, it's necessary & I must stay on the path to rid myself of this issue. I've informed my family members of my decision to get invisalign and I've heard so many comments regarding why I don't need it. Hmmm yes I do. I need it for myself not to make anyone else happy but for my satisfaction. Well this was just a brief post to inform you of the next step in the process. 


FYI - this is not my teeth its just an example of the skin that will be cut/removed on June 5th.

Monique 
From gap to gone :)