4.21.2011

STRAIGHTEN UP

Last fall, after a visit to see my dental hygienist and dental check-up, I learned the recent tooth crowding that I've noticed over the past few years was due to age but could be fixed and prevented from reoccurring. 

My hygienist (who is about 10 years younger than me, but suffering from age induced crowding, too) was wearing Invisalign orthodontia aligners and we chatted at length about it. I discussed it with my dentist, who agreed that the treatment would be beneficial and then referred me to an orthodontist.

Fast forward....I have completed my first week of Invisalign and aside from the obvious positive that my teeth are going to be straight, and have already begun moving,  I have discovered two bonuses. 

Since I have to brush and floss my teeth after eating and before slipping my aligners back on, and can only drink water with them on:  I am much more fastidious about my teeth brushing routine--BONUS!  

Secondly, since I am not snacking--because it is just too much trouble and for the most part, not worth it to me and I am now drinking A LOT more water--which I should be doing anyway but hadn't been--I have already lost weight. BONUS!

Hmmmm, the Invisalign Diet....who woulda thunk it...

I will be in my aligners for about 9 months--wearing each tray for 2 weeks, I have a total of 19 trays to complete my treatment.

Stay tuned, I will make some Invisalign updates to my blog as I go...not every week, but every so often.

4 comments:

Farmer Gal said...

I had a similar diet experience around Christmas, when I chipped a molar and couldn't get it fixed until after the holidays. That kept me from snacking on pretty much everything... I think I lost about ten pounds!

Beth said...

That was perfect timing--if it had to happen--helps you avoid the 10 that the rest of us put on during that time! :-)

Summer Girl said...

That's ironic that you write a dentist post. I had a cavity filled on Tuesday (after 3 years with none! I guess babies and being pregnant do that to you) and the dentist asked me how my parents teeth are. I was like...hmm I am not really sure! Glad to hear your getting some benefits! Anything new or weird with your teeth is a big change to get used to, I think.

Beth said...

I had more cavities as a kid than you did...I think you got your dad's teeth. Pregnancy can do that I think...