My previous post on this topic was written from a fairly stressed out and overwhelmed perspective. I’m 5 days into this process now, and while I wouldn’t by any means saying I’m loving it, I am coping better.
I don’t know if it’s because my technique has improved, or my teeth have moved slightly, or maybe even a combination of both but removing and inserting the aligners has become a lot easier. I can generally get each one out in about 10 seconds now. I start from the molars, and then unhook the canine part from their attachments and then it comes off, top and bottom. Getting them in is even easier. For the bottom I line them up with my jaw and they just click into place. The top ones I have to push the molars on first, which angles the aligner forwards and then it can clear my front attachments on my incisors. Reading back what I’ve just written I’m going to assume it’s my technique that’s improved.
Being able to get them out and in more comfortably and consistently has in turn given me the confidence to begin eating at work, which has improved the other major problem I was having with these.
My routine is now as follows: Before work I remove my aligners, have a coffee and a light breakfast, clean my teeth and head to work. At lunch time I remove my aligners at my desk, putting them in the carry case. I eat my lunch and have a cup of tea, then I go and brush and floss in the bathroom and carry on with my work day. In the evening I do the same, but this is the most thorough clean of the day as I won’t take them out again then before I go to sleep.
It’s still quite a substantial difference to how my routine was, but I find it manageable. At least now I’m not going for ridiculously long periods of time consuming water alone. With a bit of luck I may even lose a bit of weight now that the office treats are completely off limits. Actually no, that’s a lie. They’re not off limits, but the majority of the time it’s just not worth the additional clean up that follows just for a biscuit.
I’m due to move over to my next tray on the 12th. I was given some advice by a friend to switch to my new tray just before bed. That way the majority of the discomfort that goes along with it will happen while I’m asleep. Needless to say I’ll be following that advice. My next post on this will most likely be on how that went, as it seems like I’m sailing fairly smoothly on this tray now.
Leave a Reply