Adult orthodontics - My Contemplation phase

I'm seriously contemplating Invisalign, so much so that I've created a blog about the journey that I haven't yet officially signed up for.

I had braces in junior high that pulled down my fangs and straightened my teeth. I followed the retention advice given at that time...which was not forever! My teeth have since shifted and it was primarily a cosmetic concern, coupled with frequent accidental cheek biting, that led me to explore orthodontic options for adults.

My last dental impression for a replacement retainer about 20 years ago was a miserable experience so the possibility that I could receive treatment without impressions was something I wanted to explore. Enter the Itero technology and me finding through Invisalign's website an Invisalign Elite provider in my area that offers this technology.

I had a very thorough evaluation on May 29 by Dr. Papandreas and his team. I discovered that my issues are much more significant than I expected:
1. Chief concern: alignment and crossbite
2. Prior orthodontics from outside this office
3. A separation of anterior teeth is interfering with proper dental function (this was my "cosmetic issue"
4. Crossbites: upper right second molar, upper right first molar, and upper left first molar
5. Narrowing of upper teeth/jaw and excess width of lower jaw relative to upper
6. Arch length deficiency: upper and lower crowding of teeth
7. Ranges of motion: Max open/right/left/protrusive: 49/12/14/1

Given this constellation of problems, Dr. P. feels that Invisalign is the best treatment for me and expects my treatment to last a minimum of 14 months(!)

As an aside, I left feeling that Dr. P. felt my orthodontic treatment nearly 25 years ago wasn't very effective since nothing was really done to address the issues with my jaw size.

I was presented with a very reasonable payment plan and discovered my dental insurance has a very generous orthodontic treatment benefit.  (That's right-I am a real consumer not receiving any benefits from Invisalign to share my thoughts on my experience.)

I need to get a couple of small cavities filled next week but after that, I think I'm going to get this show on the road!