How to Create a Perfect Smile with Thurman Orthodontics

When Kevin was growing up braces weren't in his family's budget even though he had very crooked teeth.  As a young adult he did get veneers on his top teeth to help with the appearance of his smile but his teeth always bothered him despite the slight fix.  We've been talking about Invisalign for years and recently we finally pulled the trigger.  We decided to visit Thurman Orthodontics to explore options.

The first visit is a free consultation and a very thorough appointment.  Each consultation includes x-rays, pictures, and digital impressions.  The digital impressions are amazing; gone are the days of gooey, nauseating impressions.  The wand for impressions is very accurate and produces results in minutes.  The "impressions" are sent off to make trays to fit perfectly to your teeth.  The appointment ends with exploring treatment options and costs.  We decided that Invisalign was the best option and we set the appointment to come back in five weeks.  

During the second appointment patients receive EVERYTHING needed for the treatment.  You get the trays for the whole process and anchors are placed on the teeth.  The anchors hold the trays in place and are the same color of your teeth so they can not be seen.  I honestly have not noticed Kevin's anchors one time and I hardly ever notice his trays.  The next "scheduled" appointment is at the very end.  No check ups are required but if you have any concerns or issues all it takes is a simple phone call and Thurman Ortho can get you in right away.

Kevin had an anchor fall off so he went back for a "fix" appointment and then called another time to ask a question about the fit of a tray.  One of the greatest benefits of Invisalign is the convenience and ease.  Nowadays everyone has such a tight schedule and it's so hard to get into the orthodontist for regular appointments.  This is the best scenario for a busy person.

The trays have to be worn for 22 hours a day so you only remove them to eat, drink or brush your teeth.  Kevin has made it a habit to eat, brush teeth and then put the trays back in.  He doesn't just brush twice a day because all the bacteria would sit on the teeth and be trapped by the tray otherwise.  Since the trays are removable you can eat anything you want.  On the other hand, if you have braces you are limited by foods you can eat.  Things like apples and hard candy are forbidden but with Invisalign you can eat whatever you want!

Another benefit is that Invisalign doesn't tear up your mouth like brackets do.  Kevin was pleasantly surprised that in the beginning he teeth weren't killing him.  He starts new trays every Monday and the first day is a little uncomfortable but nothing unbearable.  Kevin did say the first few weeks seemed like the transitions were easier than now (he is 16 weeks in).  We were joking that maybe they make the beginning slightly easier and then really start getting to work once you are used to the process.

From an outsider perspective Kevin's speech didn't change and I rarely notice that he even is undergoing treatment.  Now that he is 4 months in I totally see a difference in his smile and actually notice that he is smiling more (with a bigger smile) in photos.

Two more things to note.  If you are someone who needs to be in the spotlight like speaking at work or taking photos you can pop them out for special occasions whereas if you had braces you are completely stuck.  The last item is the unintended consequence of weight loss.  Kevin snacks far less often because he would have to take out "his teeth" and then brush his teeth.  Most of the time he says it isn't worth the hassle so he just waits to eat until its mealtime.  He's lost about 10 pounds since he started Invisalign.

Stay tuned for before and after photos and more about the journey.  In the meantime you HAVE to go check out my giveaway with Thurman Orthodontics on my Instagram.  You may be the lucky winner of $1000 gift certificate for treatment, free teeth whitening, Oral-B electric toothbrush and tons of Thurman swag!!!!  I mean can I enter to win this?!?!  It's such an amazing gift basket.