Trusting the Experts at Gallagher and Kuhn
When I first decided to try Invisalign, I found out that Gallagher and Kuhn Dental Group is a Platinum Provider—that meant something to me. It wasn’t just about straight teeth; I wanted to feel cared for. And from day one, Dr. Gallagher made me feel like I mattered.
He looked at me and said, “You—and your smile—are an excellent candidate for Invisalign.” That moment gave me the push I needed to do something for myself—something I had been putting off for years.
Dr. Gallagher and Dr. Kuhn are phenomenal. They’ve been patient, kind, and completely non-judgmental—even when I called their office and said, “It feels like my teeth are being YANKED out!” They calmly walked me through what I was feeling, asked questions, and gave me tips that helped immediately.
The First Steps Of Invisalign
I’d never had braces. I’d never even had anything in my mouth like this before. Naturally, I was nervous. Would it hurt? Would I talk funny? Would I be able to drink coffee?! To my surprise, it felt pretty normal. I wore them most of the first day and noticed just a little extra saliva—no big deal. I sounded the same. I felt okay. And I decided not to do whitening at the start because, well, one thing at a time. By day two, there was pressure. By day five, I felt that “yanking” again. But by the end of week two, I had moved on to aligner #2—and with no pain! I wasn’t ready for the camera yet, but I felt the shift. I was doing something for me.
Living With Clear Aligners
I started aligner #2 while on vacation. At first, I panicked—Could I wear them in the water? Hiking? Snacking? The answer: basically yes, except for eating. The hardest part? Remembering where I put them. They’re clear, which is great on your teeth but tricky on a countertop. I’ve started calling it “taking out my teeth,” which makes my family roll their eyes. But I’m not old—I’m getting better, one tray at a time. And wow—my dental hygiene has never been better. I brush first thing, after every meal, and before bed. I floss consistently. I even carry a toothbrush in my purse. I haven’t cared for my teeth this well since I started kissing!
Little Wins, Big Confidence
By tray #4, flossing was easier. Some of my teeth were finally moving apart enough to stop shredding the floss. Progress! Somewhere around tray #5, my chin felt sore. Dr. Gallagher explained it was due to small bumps on the aligners—normal stuff. When one tooth felt slightly loose, I panicked. But again, he calmly reassured me: that’s part of the process. I’ve since started whitening—slowly—and taken more selfies than I ever thought I would. I even bought lipstick for the first time in years. I’m not just fixing my teeth—I’m rediscovering my smile.
The discomfort I felt in one particular tooth (I later found out it was #20) faded after I simply learned its name. Seriously—knowing the number made it feel less scary. I keep asking questions, and the doctors always answer with clarity and kindness. They’ve taught me so much—like the difference between my mandibular and maxillary arches, and why aligners are designed the way they are. I love learning during this process.
More Than Just Straight Teeth
I started whitening slowly, bought lipstick for the first time in forever, and—I’ll admit it—I’m taking more selfies. I feel good. And it’s not just about vanity. One friend said, “I thought my smile was a lost cause, but now people notice it. I couldn’t be more thrilled.” Another shared, “I used to dread dental visits. Now I feel proud and confident.” I couldn’t agree more. I’m halfway through, and this has become about more than teeth. It’s about confidence, self-care, and the choice to put myself first. I’ve had some scares—like the time I thought one of my teeth was loose. Dr. Gallagher reassured me it was normal and reminded me: movement means progress. I’m more careful now, more gentle, and yes… sometimes I lose them for a minute or two. But I’ve learned to smile more. I’m not hiding from cameras. And I’ve discovered that the journey toward better oral health touches so many other parts of your life. I’m at tray #11 now, and I’m smiling just thinking about the finish line. I know this isn’t just about straighter teeth—it’s about taking care of myself, feeling good, and letting that show.
Considering Invisalign?
Do it for your health. Do it for your smile. But most importantly, do it for you. And if you’re looking for the best people to guide you on that journey, I can’t recommend Dr. Gallagher and Dr. Kuhn enough. They’ve made all the difference.
– Louise C. (patient of Dr. Gallagher and Dr. Kuhn)
