the Invisalign Journey Continues…
So… I got an appointment! In addition to chipping a tooth it seems that since the beginning of this journey I broke one also (I remember; but am in denial). My visit with Dr. Gallagher indicated that my teeth have been moving in the right direction, but that I do indeed need refinement – and I need little knobs put on my teeth to hold the aligners, and teeth, in place to provide space for the rebuilding of the tooth that is broken. These are called attachments. So complicated…. but Dr. Gallagher makes it sound easy and very doable.
I have noticed in the year that I have been on this journey that Dr. Gallagher and Dr. Kuhn continue to advance their Invisalign education and skills. They both discuss attending meetings, seminars, and conferences to develop their knowledge. It is impressive to witness their excitement about the changes and advancements that Invisalign continues to make.
Invisalign for Children.
Invisalign provides services to children who are at risk for dental complications from poor alignment. The research has shown that there is more and more value in treating or providing orthodontic services while there is growth (bone). The engineering of plastic (aligners) continues to evolve in a way that there is more effective tooth movement. If children use Invisalign there is a greater opportunity to have a healthier mouth because brushing, flossing, etc. is possible when aligners can be taken in and out as opposed to metal wires and brackets. Invisalign is also entering the domain of palatal expansion. An alternative to cementing a device into a child’s mouth; and turning a screw to encourage movement – an expander would function like a set of aligners. It would be removed and replaced to enhance change. This could decrease how much tissue is affected; and would also allow for better oral cleansing and therefore oral health.
I learn something new at every visit…
At each visit I learn something new that Invisalign is doing. Dr. Gallagher and Dr. Kuhn are so excited about the continuing innovation. They are very excited about what they can offer their patients regarding all the new opportunities that the ‘dental world’ has to offer.
Back to me.
It took a while for my refinement aligners to be available. Dr. Gallagher explained that my new aligners were very individually and specifically designed and therefore took longer than last time. After a few weeks they arrived. I met with Dr. Gallagher, he demonstrated how to remove the aligners over my attachments, and I received my first set. WOW, the plastic feels so much thinner and less invasive than my first twenty, like incredibly less noticeable and more comfortable – I can hardly feel them there.
As I begin this new, refined journey I have decided to try bleaching again. I have some events coming up this summer so why not have a whiter smile? I intend to be very consistent and committed with refinement. My journey with Invisalign has been very much about how my smile looks, but I know that the bottom line is my overall oral health, still – I had a very happy moment a few days ago.
A friend had left her phone in my car and came over to pick it up. Her daughter (that I had never met) came along. After they left, my friend was explaining to her daughter how we know each other, etc. Her daughter commented that it was nice to meet me and that I have ‘such a beautiful smile.’ My friend, nor her daughter, have any idea how much this comment meant to me. It has been decades since I have received a compliment about my smile.
THANK YOU Gallagher and Kuhn Dental Group, thank you Invisalign.
Louise C.
