Invisalign - DAY 11

My wife asked me last night if I was experiencing any weird 'taste' in the back of my throat since starting Invisalign. She had read on the Internet that this was a symptom some people did experience. I thought about it and realized I had not. However, it made me think about something else. Since starting, I have had, what feels like, an abundance of phlegm.

I have been clearing my throat for the last week and was wondering if I was catching something. I've been pretty healthy for the last couple of months, but it is Wintertime and the H1N1 virus is hiding in every handshake. And, I 'vitaminize' on a daily basis; CoQ10, One-A-Day for Men, D3, Milk Thistle, Magnesium, Vitamin C, Fish Oil, Acidophilus (I am so old)...so maybe I wasn't sick.

This morning I woke up with morning breath (boy, do I sound attractive), but it seemed a little different this time. I took out my aligners and the 'flavor' was not going away. There is was...not that Invisalign 'aesthetic' but that hypochondriac response of mine. Now I am noticing it constantly. Damn my psychosis!

The savoriness of my aligners aside, I am still experiencing achy-ness in regards to my back molars. It is not my wisdom teeth (yes, I still have them) but the molars just in front of them. And, they only hurt with my aligners in. I am not sure if this is going to cause me trouble for months to come. I will bring it up to the Orthodontist and let you know what he says.

I have looked in the mirror at these teeth and noticed they seem to be turning and moving closer to my cheeks, so maybe they are just sensitive because of the shifting that is happening. Of course, I could be wrong and they haven't moved at all. Damn my bad vision!!

I have acting class tonight so I am not sure about keeping my aligners in. So far, they have been out for about 2 hours, so I think I might be a little over today. And, I was doing so well. Damn my propensity for fickleness and perfidy!!!

Someone get this thesaurus away from me.

Pain Level - 4.5

Dedication Level - 8 (I am assume class will be rough)

Irritation Level - 3 (except for the pain, not much to irritate me)

Total Time Aligners Out - 5 Hours (guess-timate)

Invisalign - DAY 10

I wonder if my back teeth are starting to hurt for the following reasons:

1. I am grinding my teeth, which I notice I have been since adding plastic into the equation

2. I am starting to get cavities, which I feel would be an impossiblity since I am brushing my teeth over 5 times a day

3. My back teeth are the one's that they are starting to move with the Invisalign so the rest of the teeth will have someplace to move later

I am hoping that it is #3. Please, for the love of everything holy, be #3!!!

I am playing with my aligners a lot. I find it fun that they are moving easily around my teeth now. I will pop them halfway up my teeth so there is some pressure and them snap them back into place. Wee, what fun. It's the little things, folks. I might as well enjoy now since my 'buttons' go on in 5 days.

I have an audition today for an ESPN Promo so I will probably take them out for that. Soon, I don't think that will be an option. I am sure I will still make it under the 4-hours-out time limit.

Pain Level - 3
Dedication Level - 10
Irritation Level - 2.5

Invisalign - DAY 8

Well, I am one day behind but that is only because I was on the set late last night and had to get up for work 4 hours later. I took my own advice and rationed my 'time' and was able to only have my aligners out for 2 hours on the set, making it around 4 hours total with them out. YAY, me.

As I write this, my eyes are heavy with the thoughts of sleep, so I will just put jot down the levels today and catch you on the back end of tomorrow. Nighty night.

Day 7
Pain Level - 2.5 (for that spot on my cheek I keep biting)

Dedication Level - 10

Irritation Level - 2.5 (again, for that spot on my cheek I keep biting)

Total Time with Aligners Out - 4 Hours

Day 8
Pain Level - 2.5
Dedication Level - 10
Irritation Level - 5 (for chapped lips, cheek sore and overall tiredness)

Total Time with Aligners Out - 2 Hours (so far)

Invisalign - DAY 6

I knew today was going to be a rough day for me. I was going to be on the set and there was not going to be a lot of time where I could have my aligners in my mouth. I spent the whole day trying to cut 'time' corners so I could make it under 4 hours with them out.

It didn't help that they were out for 1.5 hours for breakfast at Bob's Big Boy. Don't get me wrong, the "Big Two" was delicious and well worth the missing aligners, as was the Starbuck's Frappaccino (yes, that's right, you can keep your Starbuck's stocks...for now). Lunch would be better, I know it. Dedication was there.

Since we decided that this was our bad day, Domino's pizza was in our future for lunch. We could order it for delivery (and extra 30 minutes with my aligners in) and not worry about time until they arrived. That was using the noggin, right?

45 minutes later they were back in. What the...?!?!? I was not saving any time what-so-ever. Here is a little hint for future reference, don't eat pizza in front of the television. I don't know what I watched, but damn that show...damn it straight to Hades!!!

I knew they were going to have Subway subs on the set at 11 PM so I decided to nosh on some Triskets (Cracked Pepper - highly advised to be in your kitchen pantry) so 15 additional minutes put me at 2.5 hours. I don't know if the headache I was getting was from lack of healthy substance in my system or my single-handed self-destruction of loyalty regarding the Orthodontist's rules for Invisalign.

Long story short, on the set they were out for about 3 hours. Not a good day at all for Invisalign. Great day for acting, though. I guess that is a good trade-off, right?

Pain Level - 3

Dedication Level - 5 (not a good day)

Irritation Level - 7 (more towards myself than towards Invisalign)

Total Time with Aligners Out - 5.5 Hours

Invisalign - DAY 5

I am finding it hard to jump online more than once a day so I am going to change the format of this blog. I find it easier to sit down at the end of the day, gather my thoughts and vomit them all over the Internet at once. I guess you can call this my exorcism...ignore the corn.

I hate to keep talking about the difficulty I have with my morning coffee, but it is truly becoming a pain. I have realized that I hate the taste of coffee. And, when you have to chug it to get your morning dose of caffiene, it is not a good way to start the day, I don't care how much Folgers tries to sell me on that (do they still make Folgers?). It looks as if my morning coffee is going "bye bye", at least for now. For those of you who have stock in Starbucks, I would sell them off real soon.

It seems like my aligners are real easy to put in and take out now. I am not sure if my teeth have finished moving with these aligners but they just pop right in and out (the aligners, not my teeth). There is a little discomfort around where the teeth need to move the most, but not as bad as it was 5 days ago.

And, I can not believe how much water I am drinking and yet my lips are getting so chapped. I have tubes of chapstick all over the apartment, in every cubby hole in the car, in every jacket pocket. Note to self: purchase stock in Chapstick.

Aligners Out of Mouth:
Breakfast - 45 Mins
Lunch - 45 Mins
Snack/Trip Home - 30 Mins
Dinner - 1 Hour 30 Mins

Total Time - 3 Hours 30 Mins

Pain Level - 0 (headaches seem to be gone)
Dedication Level - 10 (yay, me)
Irritation Level - 1.5

Invisalign - DAY 4

7:58 AM

I have this constant, dull headache in the mornings that just won't go away. I hope this does not become a constant occurrence for the next 9 months.

I had a butt-load of work once I came in so my breakfast sat on my desk for a while before I could get to it. I also had to wait for my coffee to cool down. I had my aligners out for a half hour before I took one sip of caffeine or one bite of morning substance. Note to self: don't be in such a hurry to take the plastic out of your mouth. Better yet, put an ice cube in your coffee so you can drink it immediately.


Aligners Out of Mouth - 1 Hour


10:17 AM

I am not getting used to the saliva factor. Seriously, where did all of it come from?

I believe my bite is being corrected in the back before all my front teeth are shifted. I am not sure about this, but it feels like my back teeth have been pulled out (towards my cheeks). It just feels like my bite is somewhat off back there. Of course, I am only guessing.

Aligners Out of Mouth - 45 Mins


11:03 PM

I had acting class tonight and was surprised at how many people did not notice the aligners (or, if they did, they didn't mention it).

I am catching myself looking at other's teeth and seeing if either 1. they are wearing Invisalign or 2. they need to have some work done on their teeth. I don't think I have ever looked at some one's mouth while they are talking and now I am doing it all the time. Don't worry, you will do it, too.

Had dinner before class so...


Aligners Out of Mouth - 45 Mins

Pain Level - 1
Dedication Level - 10
Irritation Level - 1 (for the morning headache)

Total Time with Aligners Out of Mouth - 2.5 Hours

Invisalign - DAY 3

7:45 AM

I awoke with a splitting headache. I am not one to get headaches, so I am sure it is because of my moving teeth. Taking out my aligners, I have noticed a change in my bite. Teeth are touching that haven't touched in a long time. However, I am not seeing any changes in the mirror. It is very strange.

I've had to chug my coffee the last two days and believe it is burning a hole in my stomach, and that hole is draining straight into my bladder. I am just not used to eating and drinking my breakfast so quick. Maybe I should just pour it straight into the urinal.

My wife did some research last night and on most of the Ortho office websites that offer Invisalign, they say the aligners need to stay in between 20-22 hours a day. I think I am going to strive for 20 hours, since I started off not doing so well. Also, I am going to start saying "aligners" instead of "trays" since that sounds so cafeterian. So, that said...

Aligners Out of Mouth - 45 Mins.


12:03 PM

Pride took over today. I had to give a presentation at work today and was not sure how I would sound so I took out my aligners. I am beating myself up because the meeting went longer than I thought and cut into my "free time" of "teeth breathing". What was I thinking?!?!?! I am just glad it went straight into my lunch.

Aligners Out of Mouth - 1 hour 30 Mins.


2:29 PM

I am not one to grind my teeth, but I am finding it difficult not to. Grind might not be the right word...bite incessantly might be a better term. Unfortunately, every time I "bite", my teeth begin to ache which causes me to get a headache. I hate how the human body works.

Also, I have noticed that my upper lip protrudes ever-so-slightly, even though the aligners are made of thin plastic. I think it is because of the "bulbs" in them where the appliances are going to go. I am sure it is not noticeable to anyone else. I realize I am noticing the small things, but I am sure this is normal at first.

Had to snack so...

Aligners Out of Mouth - 15 Mins.


9:16 PM

I have to say if you are a woman and thinking about Invisalign, I hope you don't like your nails. We have a friend who warned us that fingernails were going to take a beating and she wasn't lying. I have been using my nails to get my aligners off my teeth and have breaks in my nails that go past where any nail should break. And we still don't have the appliances on our teeth yet that will hold the aligners on TIGHTER. I am so screwed.


Also, I notice how sensitive my teeth are getting after only three days. My bottom front teeth are the worst, of course they have moved the most so they are probably the ones getting the most workout. I can not believe it has only been three days and I already sound like I need a binky.

I realized that you have no idea what my teeth look like so here are photos I took on Day 1, and I will shoot and post additional photos as I go through my aligners...Enjoy.

Actually, that is kind of creepy. Sorry. Took the aligners out for dinner and a snack so...

Aligners Out of Mouth - 1 hour

Pain Level - 2

Dedication Level - 10 (since switching to 20 hours a day)

Irritation Level - 2.5 (and rising)

Total Time with Aligners Out of Mouth - 3 Hours

Helpful Hint: In regards to taking off the aligners with your nails, we were told by our Orthodontist's assistant that if you had any issues you could always use a crochet hook to get them off.

Invisalign - DAY 2

7:34 AM

I have come to realize that the worst part about Invisalign may not be the trays themselves. I have only been awake for 2.5 hours and have brushed my teeth twice so far. And, I have not flossed this much since the time I wore that Speedo during Spring Break.

Not to mention I had to wolf down my cereal and coffee knowing I can only have the aligners out for 2 hours a day. I can see this getting old quickly, but until then I plan on being diligent.

Trays Out of Mouth - 45 minutes

I am noticing that my S's are more obvious, especially when I have to talk for a prolong amount of time. I also realize that water tastes better when you don't have to drink it.


11:48 AM

Took out my aligners and I could swear my teeth took a deep breath. There is not a soreness to them, but the teeth that are in the wrong place have a tingling ache to them. I am sure when the dentist puts on the appliances we are in for a treat.

I had to wolf down my lunch and decided to have a Diet Dr. Pepper. It is a crying shame when you have to chuck such a delicious beverage. I think this "wolfing" is going to kill me.

Trays Out of Mouth - 1 Hour


1:46 PM

I am not sure if it's that I'm tired or my teeth are, but they are starting to ache to the point where I really want to take them out. I am going to snack and see if a 15 minute breaks helps. It is weird that I want to scratch my teeth?

I just remembered, I have to brush my teeth again since I had string cheese. The "Brusha Brusha Brusha" song from Grease keeps playing in my head...someone help me.

Time Trays Out of Mouth - 15 minutes

8:20 PM

Well, I had to take my first Advil. The achiness is dull but there. It was nice to take the aligners out for an hour while I ate. I think once this first tray is over, I may get used to it.

Trays Out of Mouth - 1 Hour

Pain Level - 1.5 (tingling/aching in some teeth, but otherwise fine)
Dedication Level - 9.5 (so far)
Irritation Level - 2

TOTAL Time With Trays Out of Mouth - 3 Hours


*Helpful Hint: You're supposed to brush your trays before you place them back into your mouth, but in the morning try Minty Efferdent 5-Minute Tablets in COLD WATER. Rinse them under cold water before you put them back in your mouth, too. It helps to kill the bacteria and smell, as well as adds that minty flavor.

Invisalign - DAY 1

January 18th, 2009
8:50 PM


Name: Sean Spence
Occupation: Actor
Age: 30 (ish)
Orthodontist: Daniel Azani, D.D.S., M.S.
Office: Snow Orthodontics (Encino, CA)

Today is day one of my regimen with Invisalign. I have decided to write a short blog regarding my 38 weeks with Invisalign. You may ask, "Why, Sean, would you want to do that?"

Simple. When I was looking for answers about Invisalign, I could not find one site, one person, one experience that explained the process from the patients point of view. Well, after 38 weeks, we won't be able to say that now, will we?

"Well, what are you going to talk about?", you may ask. (wow, you ask a lot of questions for a stranger)

I have decided to break it down into three categories:

1. Pain Level - on a scale of 1 to "Get this crap out of my mouth", I will write about any and all experiences. I will try to keep it clean for the kids.


2. Dedication Level - how well I adhear to the rules of no drinking, no eating and keeping the trays in my mouth 22 out of 24 hours a day.


3. Irritation Level - how irrated I become on a daily basis with plastic in my mouth all day. YAY!!! (enter sarcasm here)

"Hey, could you tell us a little more about yourself?" (has anyone ever told you you talk too much?)

Sure, why not. But only stuff that pertains to Invisalign. If you want to read more about me, check out my other blog...I'll wait...

Pretty interesting stuff, huh?

So, I decided to do Invisalign because I am an actor and can not have silver braces showing. I also, just recently as two years ago, started getting that one tooth that protrudes out on the bottom. You know the one; the one when you look in the mirror, notice it and say "Oh, I must be getting old, oh well..." That one.

I originally didn't think I could use Invisalign because all of my past Orthodontists (that were referred by my GP) told me it was impossible unless I shaved down my lower tori, or "Bone Growth", which is a normal slow bone growth that appears in the upper and the lower jaw. I have been told by many DDSs that mine is the largest they have seen.

Thank you.

I could go on but this is a blog and I am told that babbling on in a blog is downright rude. So, here we are.

In all seriousness, I hope this blog helps you decide if Invisalign is for you. Please let me know if you have any questions about what I am experiencing. I will be very truthful, or else this blog would be worthless.