I had them put permanent retainers in my mouth. I got the one's on top out a few years ago and the one's on the bottom are still there because they think my teeth would shift if they take it off. I usually forget it's there but I haven't felt the back of my lower teeth in about 15 years probably! I never think about it and it has worked. I couldn't stand putting retainers in, forgetting then trying to cram them it again.

The retainer I was given after having braces was similar to an invisalign retainer. It was nice because it's nearly invisible, however, it is very difficult to talk with. You will probably have a lisp for a while. Oh, and like a lot of you all, I too stopped wearing my retainer and had my teeth shift back as a result. Grrr...

My cousin did it and she had wonderful results. I am not sure about her losing weight with it, but that's a plus if you ask me.

It just wasn't worth it. Went and got the braces today. Should only be on for about 6 months.

I had them put permanent retainers in my mouth. I got the one's on top out a few years ago and the one's on the bottom are still there because they think my teeth would shift if they take it off. I usually forget it's there but I haven't felt the back of my lower teeth in about 15 years probably! I never think about it and it has worked. I couldn't stand putting retainers in, forgetting then trying to cram them it again.

 

I have a permanent retainer on my bottom teeth, but I wear a clear one at night for the top teeth.

WAY back in the day, I went through four years of stuff to get my teeth straightened out. My incisors were way up (and way down, on the bottom) in my gums.

 

First, the four teeth immediately behind the incisors were pulled; this to make space for the incisors to drop into.

 

Next, rubber spacers. I believe that they were known as "dog bones". Then, metal spacers.

 

Then, the "full metal jacket" treatment, complete with rubber bands. Monthly trips to the dentist to get things adjusted; which basically meant that the bands were tightened to the point of pretty much having to eat pablum the next day. I did get to be quite the Jello connoisseur.

 

There was a pretty long period of time where I had to wear a "face bow" for something like 40-60 hours a week. I basically wore it while I slept. The thing attached to little hooks in the front of the braces. Made for interesting hair in the mornings, but looking back, I would trade "disappearing hair" for "face bow hair".

 

Last year or so, I wore a retainer. Finally, when all this was over I had my wisdom teeth cut out. The time period for everything was from the summer after 8th grade through the summer after 12th grade. Ah, the good old days.

 

PS - my teeth are straight.:-)#)

I just had them put permanant retainers in behind my front teeth. It was about 17 years ago. They took the top ones out but I havn't felt the back of my teeth in that many years on the bottom! They say they will shift because I'm still growing. I told them the only place I've grown in 5 years is my gut! I forget they are there though. I hated putting them in and taking them out every night.

I am about to go put in my retainer right now!:scared:

Does anybody know how long you have to wear the Invisalign?

 

My teeth are fine, but I wouldn't mind them being perfect.

 

I just don't think I'd be willing to wear something 23 hours a day for a year. 6 months, maybe.

^ How long everyday you mean? Like you said pretty much 23 hours a day and its a little bit shy of 6k not sure its worth it.

Does anybody know how long you have to wear the Invisalign?

 

My teeth are fine, but I wouldn't mind them being perfect.

 

I just don't think I'd be willing to wear something 23 hours a day for a year. 6 months, maybe.

Depends on the amount of movement and you have to be within certain limits to qualify. It's not for everyone. But minimal crowding shouldn't be a problem. I doubt you'll get a dentist/orthodontist to commit to giving you a hard finish date, but he can give you a ballpark.