Interproximal Reduction (IPR) for Invisalign in Toronto

Hi everyone! A couple of weeks ago I had Interproximal Reduction (IPR) done. I have mentioned this before in one of my previous posts. It is a round diamond disc that the orthodontist will use to help create a minuscule space between the teeth to allow them to rotate/align. IPR can be done in different forms. The two most common forms are a strip and disc. In this case, an IPR disc was used. Both forms of IPR are always done by the orthodontist.  The first time I ever saw an IPR disc, I was a little intimidated by it and also very curious as to how it felt against the teeth. To my surprise, it really doesn't hurt or irritate the teeth. It just feels like something is vibrating against your teeth. I'm sure there are many Invisalign patients who will agree with me about this. Also, not everyone will need IPR, but if you do, it is definitely not something to be afraid of :)  

At this visit, we also took a progress panorex xray to see my roots. Everything looked to be going on track! This was exciting to hear! Also, I was switched to a 7 day cycle which means my attachments will be coming off in exactly 3 weeks!! Although I will need refinement aligners, I'm happy to be close to the end of my midcourse correction aligners!

This is my panorex xray from when I initially began treatment 

This is the panorex xray we took a few weeks ago in October 2013. My roots are looking much better! 

I hope everyone is having a great weekend so far!

Keep smiling :)

Celebrities and Invisalign!

I wanted to have a little fun with today's blog post. As most of you know, Invisalign has become extremely popular, especially among celebrities. I've created a small collage of some celebrities who have had Invisalign or are currently in treatment. Enjoy!

Justin Beiber, Khloe Kardashian,
Bailee Madison, Katherine Heigl,
Christina Milian, Cheryl Cole

As for my Invisalign, thing's are progressing very well! I'm currently on aligner 22, which means I am that much closer to finishing my treatment! Next week I will be having interproximal reduction (IPR) done (scheduled for aligner 23) and will post a video of the procedure. Most people are afraid when they hear the word "interproximal reduction," so I want to post a video and show you that it is not as intimidating as it sounds. 

Keep smiling! =)

Invisalign Summer 2013 Smile Gallery

After seeing how much progress I've made thus far, I am feeling more confident about my smile. Although my teeth aren't perfect yet, they are looking "straight." I went on vacation this summer, and not a single person noticed my aligners. The few people who occasionally see my aligners are intrigued by the concept of Invisalign. It almost feels like a win win situation for me. I couldn't be more happier with my decision of getting Invisalign! I previously posted some close up pictures of my teeth and received positive feedback. I decided to create a new smile gallery for you all to see. These photos were taken this summer from June-August. There are 2 pictures of me without my aligners on. I want to show everyone that the attachments are not noticeable, even close up in some pictures! 

I hope these pictures are helpful to anyone who is interested in Invisalign and to those who are curious to see what attachments look like! 

As always, 

keep smiling =) 

Video: Cleaning my Invisalign Trays

Hi everyone! I know I've briefly discussed how to clean aligners in previous posts, but I thought I would post a video and show you how I brush mine. You do have the option of using mouth wash (preferably clear), an ultrasonic cleaner, or just warm running water and a tooth brush (my preference). Below is a video of me brushing my aligners after dinner today. I use a children's toothbrush because the brush head is the perfect size to get into all the grooves and corners of the aligners. I generally spend around 2-3 minutes cleaning my aligners in the morning, but throughout the day I brush them quickly as shown in the video. I apologize for the quality of the video. It was taken with my cell phone so it may not be too sharp, but you will get an idea of how I brush my aligners. 

I hope everyone had a great weekend! 

Til next time, keep smiling =)

16 Month Progress Photos With My Toronto Invisalign

I am currently 16 months into my Invisalign treatment and so incredibly happy with the results so far! As promised, I posted progress photos. The first set of pictures is what my teeth originally looked like in January 2012 and the second set is from June 2013. I used to be very self conscious about my front two upper teeth (centrals) overlapping because it would look funny in pictures.  It's now come to a point that they look almost straight! Although they are still overlapped, it definitely isn't  as noticeable anymore! My lower anterior teeth have changed so much. Many of my friends/family/co workers are also noticing the changes and are very happy with the results (as am I)!

Keep in mind that due to my pre-existing root resorption, Dr. Tam has decided to move my teeth at a bit of a slower rate to minimize any future damage.  Still, he felt it was safe enough for me to go on a 10 day cycle.  This makes me SO happy and excited knowing that my teeth will be almost perfect at the end of the year! I am really close to having that perfect smile that I have been so anxiously waiting for! Below are the photos! 

January 2012 (Initial photos)

Progress photos (16 months in). June 2013

What do you think about the progress? It feels great!

Keep smiling! 

=) 

Toronto Invisalign - Chipped or Broken Attachment?

Hi everyone! Today I want to talk a little bit about chipped or broken attachments. I am currently on aligner #11. I was supposed to switch into aligner #12 a few days ago, but I noticed that same day that one of my upper premolar attachments was chipped. I'm not sure when this happened, but I am certain that it was some time in the past week. I generally check my attachments weekly to make sure they are all intact. I will have a new attachment bonded on before I switch into aligner #12. It is important that if/when an attachment comes off, that you do not switch into your next set until the attachment is bonded back on. For example, if I were to get my new attachment bonded on with aligner #12, than I won't get the correct movement with my tooth for that stage. If I bond the new attachment at the end of #11 cycle, than my attachment will be in the spot it is supposed to be in for the beginning of stage 12. 

Sometimes with the attachments being so small, it is hard to tell whether or not they are chipped/broken. A good way to check the shape is to match the outline of the attachment wells on the aligner and compare it to the actual attachment bonded on the tooth. If you're still uncertain and not sure if the attachment is chipped/broken, it is best to see your orthodontist and have them take a look at it for you. Having a chipped/broken attachment and not getting it fixed can delay your treatment time because the tooth won't align correctly. It can also cause future aligners to not fit accurately. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask them in the comments section! Hope everyone has a sunshine filled weekend! 

Keep smiling =) 

10 Day Cycle With My Toronto Invisalign!

Two days ago I switched into aligner 9. I was also told that I can now follow a 10 day cycle! I`ve been waiting to hear this for a long time now. Switching to a 10 day cycle means I will complete my treatment sooner then I expected. Instead of finishing in March 2014, I should be done treatment by approximately December 2013/January 2014. At that time I will have completed all my aligners, however, there is still a chance that I will need refinement. When I originally began treatment, my upper canines were moderately rotated, meaning that it will take longer to correct their alignment. I was given the option of having partial braces to speed up the treatment, but I opted to have full Invisalign. For everyone who is planning to or currently in Invisalign treatment, just know that after your initial treatment, there is still a chance you may or may not need refinement. The refinement stage is generally to adjust any areas that you or the Orthodontist feels needs to be corrected. In my case, if the canines are not exactly where they should be, then we would proceed with refinement. Nonetheless, I am VERY excited to have been able to switch to a 10 day cycle! I'm crossing my fingers that my canines are cooperative and align themselves out by December!

On a side note, to all of my fellow Torontonians, I hope you are enjoying the beautiful spring weather that we are finally having! Thank you for reading and I look forward to updating you with progress photos soon!

Keep smiling =)