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.