Start of Refinements: 1 of 12

I just got back from my latest Invisalign appointment and I have some mixed feelings about this so-called refinement stage. The one positive thing is that I do not need any more attachments! I am VERY happy, and somewhat surprised, that I don't need attachments for the duration of my refinements.

Now onto the things I'm not so happy about....

First of all, I didn't get any refining aligners for my upper teeth. The reason I'm not impressed by this is because for my original treatment plan, I was supposed to go through 2 more sets of aligners (I only made it to 22/24 before my dentist took the molds for my refinements). So I feel like my upper teeth are not getting that last bit of proper positioning. Also, now that I am essentially "done" with the alignment of my upper teeth, I'm supposed to continue wearing the last set of aligners that I used on my upper teeth (#22) until the end of my entire Invisalign treatment. I have a couple of issues with this:
1) Although I no longer have attachments, I have to wear an aligner that has the "bubbles" where the attachments were previously located. I would much prefer a new flat aligner, as that would make the aligner much less noticeable to others.
2) Aligners are typically used for 2 weeks at a time. Now I'm expected to wear this set for several more months, during which time they'll inevitably become worn and more noticable due to my efforts to keep them clean. I may address this with my Invisalign dentist at my next appointment in January (I only dealt with the dental hygienist today), as I am thinking that I may be able to start using this aligner as a retainer and perhaps only wear it at night.

Second of all, I am a bit disappointed that I have 12 more aligners for my lower teeth. That's half the length of my original treatment plan!

The first 4 packages of refining aligners for my lower teeth.

On the bright side, I am getting what I paid for in the sense that my lower teeth should be properly straightened by the time I'm done. Speaking of which, if all goes according to schedule, I should be done these refinements by May 13, 2010! :) I can't wait!

I suppose another positive is that this first "refining aligner" isn't hurting at all. I always like it when there's no pain for the gain.