My Clincheck animation:

Hello All,


I just wanted to share my Clincheck animation with you all. The video will show the predicted movement of my teeth per tray. I can't wait to get into the double digit trays. The most dramatic changes will take place then. FYI -  I don't have any issues such as crowding or missing teeth. My only issue is the gap. I can thank my wonderful gene pool for it. The video is also linked to my orthodontist website. If you're in the N.C area I truly recommend Dr. Zammitti. He and his staff have been a pleasure to deal with. If you look at his "about me" section I think you'll be impressed with his credentials. I feel like I'm in excellent hands.



Click Here


Monique,
From Gap To Gone

Tray 5 - Coming Together

Okay I feel like gossiping today! I see a budding romance occurring between teeth 8 & 9. I'm getting hints that the 2 would like to be together. You see tooth 8 has been looking at tooth 9 for about 32 years. If you're wondering what was stopping the relationship from forming it was because they were both in relationships with others. Tooth 8 was with tooth 7 and tooth 9 was with tooth 10. These two couples were inseparable or so it seemed. Sometimes things aren't always what they appear to be. Couples can appear to be happy on the outside but at home they are miserable. Noticeable changes are taking place between Teeth 7 & 8 as well as 9 & 10.  I believe the changes are for the better. You see teeth 8 & 9 are meant to be together and nothing meant to be can be kept apart. I'll keep you posted as things progress.

I've listed pictures of Tray 1 & 5 for your review. I do believe that in comparing the two pictures you'll see the chemistry between 8 & 9. Look closely and you will see that it's inevitable that these 2 will be joined.

Tray 1

Tray 5

Monique

From Gap To Gone

Tray (4) A Brief Overview

My time with Tray (4) is coming to an end. I don't have much of an update available for you. It's same the same routine daily. I've listed 2 pictures of me wearing this set of Trays for you to review below. I'm soooo ready for August 27th. I'll be picking up more trays on that day. Hopefully I'll receive 5 more. Hint Hint Dr. Z or Susan if you're reading this :) *Fingers Crossed*

I can say that from the start of this process I was told it would go by quickly between changing from one tray to the next and I must say that has been very true. The wait to actually receive the trays was horrible. I feel like it took forever for them to arrive, however good things come to those who wait. I must admit invisalign has truly been a good thing in my eyes.

The happiness that I feel to see a change in the size of my gap is almost hard for me to explain. I've had this hidden insecurity about it for so long it's crazy. I never told anyone else how much I hated having it because I felt like that would open the door for them to say I'm glad I don't have one. Shoot who wants to hear that when it's something about yourself that's genetic. It's not like I stood in line and ordered it. Please hold for a little sarcasm. I'll take a large gap please! That's like me saying oh I'm glad I don't have light skin or blond hair. You can't help what you get, but you sure can change it! I'm proof off that and so is my smile. Changes are occurring and I'm thrilled. I'll keep you posted :)

Signed Monique 

From Gap to Gone!

Tray (3) & I - Still Hanging

Tray (3) went well. I've gotten used to the pain that's involved with switching from one tray to another. I'm not experiencing some of the issues that I've heard others complain about such as headaches, throbbing teeth, loose teeth, or bad breath (well nobody has told me if so LOL). I soak my trays in denture cleaning solution 3 days a week and I brush them with water only prior to putting them in. 

Something that does annoy me is when I'm out and want to go to a drive through to grab a bite to eat. I have to remove the tray from my mouth if I eat in the car. I always request a additional cup of water and a empty cup (Yes for the reason you're thinking). After I eat I rinse my mouth with water and take my tooth brush to get any food that's on my teeth off and put my trays back in until I get to a sink to brush. Don't judge me - Hey it's do what you have to do or be hungry. (LOL) If you don't know - I am a FOODIE to the core of me. Honestly, the time from switching from one tray to the next is just zooming by. I go back to see my orthodontist on the 27th. Hopefully I receive another 5 trays and he's pleased with my progress so far. We shall see. Stay posted. 

Thank you to everyone that has provided feedback on my blog so far. It means alot to feel like I'm not just talking to myself! :)

The end of Tray 3. 

Life with Tray (2)

Life with Tray (2) has been good so far. Initially I felt pain and some discomfort during the first 2 days, which was to be expected. The pain subsided greatly after day 2. I've now been with Tray 2 for 1 week and have no more pain at all. This investment in myself was one of the greatest things that I've ever done. I'm noticing movement at this point, which is extremely exciting. YAY!

 I've also experienced what's called the invisalign diet. This entails major weight loss (17lbs) while wearing invisalign. Woo Hoo! The fact that I can't snack is a catch 22. On one hand I'm happy about the weight loss, but it can also get a little annoying that I can't just eat a bag of chips and go. I must brush/floss my teeth every time I eat.  It really makes me realize how much junk food I was eating! You must be determine and dedicated to go through this process. Overall I'm happy with this entire process. I'm getting rid of my gap and losing weight. I feel so much better physically due to the weight loss. I've also noticed that I have been smiling much more lately. Just the thought that I'm improving my smile has increased my confidence in this short time frame.  My teeth are also so much whiter due to all of the brushing that I've been doing. Invisalign so far has improved my life in a variety of ways and I'd say I'll been keeping Tray around for a while longer. I took the below picture the night before I switched  to Tray 3. I'll keep you posted on this journey. 

From Gap to Gone ~ Monique 

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!