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My year-long journey with braces has come to a close and I couldn't be happier! Yes, I'm happy that it is over, but even more happy about the results! Here are a few things that I can share about my overall journey and what you can expect with invisible braces from Invisalign and an Invisalign Certified Orthodontist.
My initial problem: Over time, one of my lower teeth had moved and whenever I talked it stuck out and was really obvious. I hadn't really noticed it until my husband and son both made comments about it. I also noticed that my 2 front teeth were slightly overlapping and there was a small gap in between them that gave me a slight lisp.
My final results: Both of the above problems were fixed, plus one that I didn't realize I had. Dr. Cook informed me that my upper teeth were slanting quite a bit inward, affecting my bite and the way I talked. At the end of treatment, my upper teeth were back to a normal position and it really makes a difference, not only in my smile, but also in how I chew, talk, and how my jaw is aligned.
I loved wearing Invisalign braces because it wasn't obvious that I was wearing braces at all. They didn't show up in photos, and many people didn't even know that I had braces. They were invisible to someone just a couple feet from me. In addition, I was able to eat whatever I wanted because I took them out when doing so. Also, it was easier than wire braces to clean my teeth and get food particles out and keep my gums healthy.
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| Wearing my braces. It's hard to see them! |
I used 2 products to keep my teeth white and clean my braces (called trays). Alightener Foam is a combo Tray Cleaner/Teeth Whitener. It was really easy to use and I'm still using it now for teeth whitening purposes. The smaller spray was for quickly cleaning a tray when on the go. I love both of these products and highly recommend them.
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| This post contains affiliate and non-affiliate links at no extra charge to you! |
I was so glad that I chose an Invisalign Certified Orthodontist and specifically, Dr. Michael Cook. (He's such a nice guy!) Dr. Cook has the expertise that an extra 2-3 years gives to those with Orthodontic certification. Did you know that Orthodontists go to school an average to 10 - 11 years? And if they are Invisalign Certified, it takes time and experience to do that as well. Dr. Cook is a Gold Certified Invisalign Provider.
After my experience, I could never choose a generic, computer-generated braces treatment, where no doctor (or maybe a random doctor at best) checks up on you on a regular basis. I also would never have a regular dentist do my work because they just don't have the training and expertise like an orthodontist does.
Dr. Cook uses up-to-date equipment and technology in his office. He uses the Mandibular Advancement Feature, which simultaneously can fix an overbite while straightening the teeth. He also uses the iTero Digital Scanning System, eliminating the use of messy putty in your mouth by creating a 3-D digital scan of your teeth. For instance, they scanned me for my final retainer, which I'll wear for awhile every night and then decrease to 2 - 3 times per week. It was ready for pick-up the following day because the scanner produces ready-to-use impressions so quickly.
Dr. Cook's staff was so much fun! The office always had a really great vibe--one of productivity while having a good time. Everyone worked in sync, and were very organized.
My last few appointments were kind of sad. I couldn't really see any of my ortho workers' happy faces because they were masked up because of the Covid-19 regulations. They take their patients' and their own safety very seriously. Obviously, the patient doesn't wear a mask, but they are asked very specific questions,temperatures taken, and given hand sanitizer when entering the office.
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| See my 'before' pics in Parts I and II |
I couldn't have been more pleased with the journey I chose to take with Dr. Cook and his office. Now with my newly straightened teeth, I can focus on things that I need to focus on and not ever have to worry about my teeth again!
If you are within a 35 mile radius of Sandy, UT, and are thinking of straightening your teeth, you definitely should consider Cook Ortho in Sandy. And if you're not in the area, I hope that my journey helped to inform you about what clear, esthetic teeth alignment is all about!
Before settling on Cook, I had many consultations from around the area. Cook Ortho came out on top in terms of cost-effectiveness, transparency, positive patient rapport, advanced methods of treatment and expertise. Schedule your free consult and get a free teeth whitening kit when you mention A GAL NEEDS...blog. Go even further by scheduling a treatment plan and get $600 off your entire treatment when you mention A GAL NEEDS....See what a beautiful smile can do for you! (Offer good through August 2020)
