My Invisalign review: How I’m getting the smile I’ve always wanted

I’ve always wanted to straighten my bottom teeth. I grew up in the 80s and 90s, when you could see an NHS dentist every 6 months without fuss, and although my teeth structure was good, no one seemed to notice that one of my bottom teeth – right in the middle – stuck up and was set back from the others.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve looked into Invisalign and wished I could do it, but raising three children costs money and there’s always something to divert my savings away!

I was invited along to Luceo Dental to learn more about the Invisalign process and decided to take the plunge and try it. That sounds like it was a big decision but honestly, I jumped at the chance because my confidence around my smile has been getting worse and worse.

I’ve felt my teeth are becoming more and more noticeable, to the point that I won’t even smile open-mouthed in photos now, and I find myself consciously trying to angle my face when talking at work or with people I don’t know, so they won’t notice my teeth.

When I first met Dr Tom, who is the dentist giving my treatment, he explained that as we age, our gums recede, so our teeth do seem more prominent. That made sense to me, because I’ve been very conscious of it since about age 38 and now, at 44, it seems worse, and I also know that menopause will affect my teeth when it arrives.

He also explained that straightening teeth is more than just correcting how you look. Your dental health dramatically improves, because teeth are easier to clean and gums remain healthier. Over time, that means less cavities, build up, and stronger teeth, which contributes to our overall health too.

Initial appointment and Invisalign fitting

At my first appointment, Dr Tom did a full scan of my teeth using an iTero™ Element scanner. This enabled him to map my treatment, and he showed me detailed images of how things could look at the end of treatment. I’ll be honest; I nearly cried, and I did cry that evening when I got home. Seeing the potential result was so emotional. It was the first time I’d really visualised how much better I could feel about my smile and actually allowed myself to think it could happen.

In early February, I revisited Luceo to see the hygienist. She cleaned and polished my teeth and then Dr Tom fixed some small bonding points on my teeth, called Invisalign SmartForce, so the aligners have something to grip onto. This surprised me, and initially I was really conscious of them but, 2 months in, I’ve forgotten they’re even there!

I was also surprised to find I was fitted with my first aligners there and then. I don’t know what I’d been expecting, but it was a lovely surprise. My mouth felt tight, and strange, but not painful at all. That was another surprise – and a welcome one at that!

The Invisalign treatment process

From my research, and from friends who have had Invisalign, I knew I’d be required to wear my aligners most of the day. I also knew there would be lots of teeth brushing involved, so I made sure to brush up on how to use an electric toothbrushfor the best results. I’ve been amazed at how quickly I’ve adapted to this new normal though, so although the points below might seem like a lot, I’d urge you not to be put off as it becomes a way of life.

Eating, drinking and brushing

What does Invisalign look like?

Invisalign aligners are clear but they're not hard plastic like they might look in the photos. In fact, they're remarkably supple, and the quality is so good that there's no rough edges so your gums are safe and they don't dig in.

The aligners are moulded to your teeth so they have your teeth prints on them, and the little indents for the Invisalign SmartForce attachments to sit on.

In my mouth, they're not noticeable unless you're up close. I think in some recent photos you can see them if you look hard, but it seems more like my teeth are a bit shiny than anything! A lot of people are surprised when I tell them I have them in.

What does Invisalign feel like?

If I run my tongue over the aligners they just feel like smooth plastic, and behind my two front top teeth there are ridges for the SmartForce attachments. Those took a little getting used to but I don't notice them at all now.

When you put the aligners in, you bite down on to make sure they're in tightly, and they fit snugly over the teeth. You can feel the edges if you run your tongue over your gums but that's not something I do on a regular basis!

To remove them, I simply break the seal on the back inside of each aligner and they lift right out.

Oh and in case you're wondering - because I was - you can wear them for kissing and your partner won't feel them.

How much does Invisalign treatment cost in the UK?

In all honesty, I can’t tell you an exact price for Invisalign treatment. That’s not because they’re not transparent, but just because every case is different, and that’s what I like about it. Depending on what your teeth are like at the start of treatment, you might need 6 months of treatment, but you might need longer. My total treatment plan is 21 aligners, but that’s just what I need.

It also depends on what else you want or would like done. Will you want your teeth professionally whitened at the end? Do you require any composite bonding work? All these questions, and so many more, can only be answered by your Invisalign dentist.

My recommendation would be to make an appointment for an initial consultation to find out more. Let’s be realistic, Invisalign isn’t cheap, but it is wholly worth the investment if, like me, you suffer from confidence issues and they’re getting worse. Many dentists offer payment plans so do ask if this is an option for you.

My Invisalign journey so far

At the time of writing this, I’m 3 months into treatment, with around 5 months left to go. This might alter depending on how swiftly my teeth react to each new set of aligners.

While my new smile is still some way off, I’ve already noticed changes and those changes have led me to finally start smiling open-mouthed again!

My teeth are definitely easier to clean, and I love running my tongue over them when my aligners aren't in.

I’ve also lost weight because I can’t snack like I used to – an added bonus!

Each new set of aligners feel tight, but never painful. Some foods – very sadly Percy Pigs are one – make my teeth hurt when eating them, so I don’t. Wine isn’t an issue.

Overall, the impact Invisalign has had on my day-to-day life is noticed, but it isn’t insurmountable and just requires a little forward planning. I am overjoyed with the care and precision from Dr Tom and the Invisalign team, and in spite of the cost, I’d really recommend it if you feel your smile is holding you back.

I’ll be updating this article regularly throughout my treatment, so if you’re considering Invisalign or you just want to track my changes, be sure to keep checking back!

Becky Fuller is a senior digital writer for Yours.co.uk. She is also a fully qualified personal trainer and strength coach, specialising in fitness and wellbeing for over 50s. Prior to joining Yours, Becky was a fitness writer for Saga, and a freelance entertainment and theatre journalist. Becky is passionate about helping people to move well and discover the many benefits of strength training.