Hi,

I just am starting the Invisalign process..went for impressions today. I was given something they said was a retainer to wear right now but is not the metal kind. It is actually like Invisalign itself..fitting over the teeth. They said to wear this until I get the set of Invisalign.

Of course this feels weird in my mouth as I have never worn anything like this. My question is for those who have worn them : did you have to wear a retainer like this until the aligners were in? They said it was to safeguard my teeth moving until the aligners are in (I got two teeth extracted and so they are concerned the other teeth will move in those spots in these 4 to 6 weeks we wait for the Invisalign).

I am a bit apprehensive about wearing them at night as I am concerned they will come off which I know sounds silly! But I have never had to wear anything like this. I know I will be wearing the Invisalign in the same way also. But these look different. So I am wondering what has been the experience of those of you that wear them? Did you wear them at night with no problem?

Also...(sorry for all the questions!) I know with the retainer as with the Invisalign you have to take them off to floss and eat. Did you ever have anything to drink while wearing them? This evening I was going to have tea and didn't know if I should take them off. I really did not feel they gave me enough info on them (can you tell!) and so I guess I will have to ask more questions. But it is always good to hear from those who have experience with them firsthand also. So thanks ahead of time for any feedback you can give me.

I haven't had invisalign, but don't worry about them coming off at night. I have had 2 different kinds of nite-guards to wear to stop from clenching my teeth and neither has ever come out at night.

I wear my guard during the day to and was told I could eat and drink with it. I usually only drink and it doesn't seem to be a problem. The only thing is that with tea or something like it, you might be staining it, but since it is only temporary it wouldn't really matter.

Good Luck

The invisalign appliances will fit to your teeth perfectly. They actually sort of snap into place when you put them in. Wearing them at night shouldn't be a problem. And definitely wear the temporary appliance they gave you because teeth move quickly when an extration is done, and when you are talking about invisalign, you are talking about a perfect fit. Any movement at all, even a few millimeters can make the appliance not fit properly. If you have any questions, call your dentist. The people working there get paid to answer these kinds of questions. Don't be shy. You are more than likely paying a lot of money for this and they should be more than happy to help. I can guarantee they hear these sort of questions on a daily basis.