Smile CSRA

Invisalign Interproximal Reduction (IPR) – Teeth Shaving/Sanding/Filing

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Slow Speed Diamond Disk for Interproximal Reduction
Slow Speed Diamond Disk for Interproximal Reduction

I am now on my 16th set of Invisalign aligners out of 23 sets. At this ClinCheck, Dr. Carter of Carter Orthodontic Solutions used a Slow Speed Diamond Disk (shown at left) to polish or shave .20 mm on either side of my two middle bottom teeth. This polishing between the teeth allows the teeth to slide past each other during rotation correction. Dr. Carter said that nine months later the enamel will re-calcify and be stronger than before. This was totally pain free. I did get a little panicky at first because when they sanded down my attachments the first time, it hurt and it didn’t even touch my teeth. This was actually “sanding” my teeth. But it didn’t hurt at all so no worries if you need this done.


My two bottom teeth were so tight they were stuck in position. The polishing helped immediately. In a couple of days I could feel that the teeth had moved. My teeth feel and look much straighter now.


The rubber band has really worked wonders with my overbite. I don’t think I even realized how much of an overbite I had. I can’t believe these are actually my teeth! And the humongous space that was between my front teeth is almost gone! This has definitely been a positive experience and I would encourage anyone thinking about Invisalign to take the plunge!


Here is a video I found on YouTube showing how the disk is used:





Let me know if you have questions. ~ Melissa

Invisalign Success Stories

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It’s been a few weeks since I’ve updated everyone on my Invisalign progress. It has pretty much been the same news – changing out Invisalign aligners every two weeks and going to see Dr. Carter at Carter Orthodontic Solutions every 6-8 weeks for ClinChecks and new sets of aligners.


During my last visit, two more attachments were placed on my bottom front teeth. I had thought that I was done with attachments, but to my dismay there were two more in my future. The last time I had Invisalign attachments, it was painful because of my receding gums. So I was a little worried about this. I joked with the technician that I wish that they gave laughing gas or some kind of drug beforehand so I wouldn’t be so uptight. But I was worried for nothing! It didn’t hurt a bit. I’m just guessing but I’ve noticed less pain in this area since these teeth have straightened up. Maybe it’s the straightening, or maybe it’s because I can keep them cleaner. I don’t know. But I was thrilled that this Invisalign visit was pain-free! And the new attachments are causing my bottom front teeth to become even straighter!


I’m so excited that I’m past the half-way mark. The technician showed me on the computerized 3D model that the space between my two front teeth should start closing up starting with the 15th set of Invisalign trays. That’s two more weeks! You can view the computerized model that she showed me here: Computerized 3D Invisalign Model


The rubber band that I’ve been wearing has seriously corrected my overbite. It can be a bit annoying because I can feel it rub the inside of my cheek. But I’ve been saying all along, “No pain, no gain.” A rubber band rubbing the inside of my cheek versus a serious overbite? I choose the rubber band!


I’ve searched for other Invisalign blogs to show you other people’s progress with Invisalign. It is amazing how quickly your smile can change. I have so enjoyed being able to laugh and smile lately without thinking about my goofy teeth. Here are some other Invisalign success stories:


Straight Teeth Journey


Sharon’s Invisalign Adventure


Thy’s Invisalign Journey


Please let me know if you have questions! I’d be glad to answer them! ~ Melissa

Overbite: Correcting with Invisalign & Rubber Bands

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Today I had an Invisalign Clincheck at Carter Orthodontics. I started my 9th set of trays which now include rubber bands. To correct my overbite, I need a rubber band on the left side to pull my lower jaw forward. Dr. Carter said I would only be wearing it for a few months. They added two attachments to my teeth, one on the top and one on the bottom. They are like small hooks for the rubber band to attach to. Placing the attachments on my teeth was a very simple process. It was not as involved as the first set of attachments I received. The Clinic Manager, Cheryl, did have to customize my aligners to fit around the attachments, but that only took a few minutes. Cheryl said that I should change my rubber band each time I remove and insert my aligners to make sure the rubber band strength is maintained.


After wearing the new set of Invisalign aligners with the rubber band for one day, I can definitely feel the movement of my jaw. Nothing a little Advil can’t handle. I get excited when I feel this soreness. I know that sounds crazy, but it means my teeth are moving to where they are supposed to be and my new smile is right around the corner.


Take a look at some photos I took of the rubber band in my mouth. (Click on the photos to enlarge them.) You can’t really see the rubber band when I’m talking. Maybe if I open my mouth real wide in surprise or something. Let me know what you think or if you have questions. ~ Melissa


Invisalign Pictures

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I had my first Invisalign appointment on February 23rd. It’s only been 4 months and my how my teeth have changed! I took a couple of pictures showing the Invisalign aligners in my mouth. You can kind of see where the Invisalign attachments are, but they are barely noticeable. I’ve only had one person notice that I’m wearing the Invisalign aligners, that’s how invisible they are. I’ve been really happy with the Invisalign process. I’ve gotten into a routine with cleaning and inserting/removing the aligners. It’s really a piece of cake! Click on the Invisalign pictures below to enlarge them. Let me know if you have any questions. ~ Melissa

Here are my Invisalign before photos:

Invisalign Before Photos
These Invisalign Before photos are not the most flattering but I look forward to the end result.

And here are my Invisalign “during” photos:

Stars Wearing Invisalign

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Katherine Heigl

Katherine Heigl, who is most known for her character as Izzy Stevens in the hit drama series Grey’s Anatomy, is one celebrity that has worn Invisalign to straighten her teeth. She is married to Josh Kelley, a singer/songwriter from Augusta, GA. In preparation for her wedding, she decided to do Invisalign because she wanted straight teeth in her wedding photos.

Gisele Bündchen

Victoria’s Secret spokesperson Gisele Bündchen told Elle magazine her beauty secrets which included wearing Invisalign!

http://www.elle.com/Beauty/Beauty-Spotlight/SUPERMODEL-SECRETS

Here is a video with a TV news reporter wearing Invisalign on camera:

It’s been widely rumored that Tom Cruise and even Oprah have worn Invisalign (Rumored, since no one could tell they had them on!). Invisalign is not just for the rich and famous. Everyone deserves a beautiful smile. Call Dr. Carter today (706.650.0468) to schedule a Free Invisalign consultation or Click Here to schedule an appointment online.