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Does Invisalign Work? 3 Users Share Their Experience

Not sure about the braces alternative? Here’s what three Kit family members had to say

It feels like everyone is trying Invisalign these days. At a recent Kit meeting, we were surprised to learn many of us had either tried the teeth-straightening system ourselves or knew someone who had. But does it live up to the hype? Here, three members of the Kit family (including one editor’s mom!) share details about their experience: why the treatment appealed to them, what it cost, how it felt, their results and more.

Katherine Lalancette, The Kit’s beauty & lifestyle director

The backstory

I’d been thinking about getting Invisalign for a few years and finally decided to take the plunge after getting engaged. One of my front teeth overlapped with the other—the result of a tap dancing accident (I wish I could tell you I was doing some extreme sport, but alas, I was practising my shuffle flaps) that occurred when I was 9. The shock of the impact caused my teeth to shift, and it only got worse as I got older, which made me pretty self-conscious. I just wanted to smile without giving any thought to what my teeth looked like, and my upcoming wedding felt like the perfect incentive to finally do something about it.

The process

The first few days were quite uncomfortable. I wondered how I’d ever get through a year and a half of this. The edges of the aligners irritated the insides of my lips and cheeks, causing painful sores. I bought some dental wax at the drugstore to dull the sharp bits, which helped. I also got bad tension headaches in the beginning, but all of that subsided within a week or two, and I couldn’t believe how quickly I acclimated to the aligners. Now, I barely feel them at all. I was a bit self-conscious at first about wearing them out in social settings, but that faded quite quickly as well. My dentist has also been really great about coming up with a plan where the attachments, which are little bumps that place strategic pressure on the teeth, are mostly all in the back now (along with a rubber band I have to wear to correct my bite), so my aligners truly live up to the “Invis” part of their moniker. Plus, so many people seem to have them, too, these days.

The cost

$6,300

Where/who

Dr. Leandro Savaris in Montreal.

Most unexpected takeaway

I think my biggest surprise was how wildly prices and proposed treatments varied. One dentist told me he’d have to pull out four of my teeth and gave me an absurdly steep quote. I also had a consultation with one of those direct-to-consumer brands where you get a box of aligners and never see a dentist. They said I’d be finished my treatment within five months, which was admittedly appealing, but online reports of people experiencing complications convinced me to seek out an actual professional. The dentist I ended up going with had tons of glowing reviews online and put me at ease as soon as I met him. Some dentists I consulted seemed to prey on patients’ insecurities, pointing out every flaw in a rather demeaning way. Dr. Savaris was kind and encouraging while remaining realistic. Plus, his prices were the best I found in my area.

The results

I couldn’t be happier with the results. Even a few months in, the difference was astounding. I got married about six months after starting (my dentist removed all the attachments a couple of weeks before so I could have nice smooth teeth in photos), and I felt so confident smiling on the big day. I have about three months left to go now, and though I can’t wait to be done, I’m so, so happy I did it.

Invisalign involves a series of custom moulds that adjust your teeth over time. Photo: Pexels

Giorgina Bigioni, The Kit founder

The backstory

I’ve always disliked my crooked, crowded bottom teeth. As I was turning 65, I wanted to do something that improved my appearance without having to do something that was invasive.

The process

The most uncomfortable aspect for me was the attachment of the buttons. Otherwise, it’s been a breeze.

The cost

I paid $7,500, but do shop around as my first quote was $11,000. Katherine gave me this tip. I also pay monthly, so it doesn’t hurt my pocketbook.

Where/who

Forest Hill Orthodontics, Dr. Bruno Vendittelli.

Most unexpected takeaway

How wonderful it’s been to watch my teeth look better and better with every new tray.

The results

I’m not finished yet. I started last July and will finish this summer. But my teeth look so good already.

 

Jacy Wan, mother of Renée Tse, The Kit’s shopping editor

The backstory

I never got braces growing up because it wasn’t particularly necessary. It was not really a procedure being done. Plus, I didn’t really need it as a teen. But when I got older, I didn’t love that my teeth were gradually getting crooked, and my dentist said it will only get progressively worse, which will affect my bite. Since I started noticing my teeth were overlapping I decided to go and get it done.

The process

It took about two years for me. It didn’t feel unusually uncomfortable (except that one time my daughter mixed up the packs and wrote the wrong date, so I ended up using more advanced trays). It was much easier than I thought. The material is quite thin, so I didn’t notice a huge difference wearing them, and I only need to take it off when I need to eat. It’s super easy to use day-to-day. The best part of it was that I immediately saw a difference. My teeth visibly looked like they were getting better.

The cost

About $8,000. It was definitely expensive, but I think it’s worth it.

Where/who

Davis Orthodontics in Richmond Hill, which is where my daughters got their braces.

Most unexpected takeaway

It was a smooth and easy process.

The results

I’m very happy with my results. I love that my teeth are perfectly straight now. I still wear my retainer at night when I sleep to maintain it.

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