Call 
Why would Hazel, a 55 year old mother of two, who is generally content with life and not normally a vain person, want braces?
Given that I am also dental phobic, it doesn’t make a lot of sense. However, being married to a dentist, I always feel people are looking at my imperfect teeth wondering why they aren’t “better”.
I first went to see an orthodontist more than 10 years ago about the cross over of my two top front teeth. He told me as it was such a minimal overlap, braces really weren’t worth the bother, so I didn’t. I waited a few years and started to look again, and ended up with a device that was akin to having lock jaw. I couldn’t speak properly, I was drooling… a lot, not the most attractive look. I persevered for a few months, but soon abandoned the device as it was so restrictive. It had to be removed to eat and drink and was tricky to get back in. I had to take it out for a phone conversation as my speech was incomprehensible, so it ended up being more out than in.
Fast forward to Summer 2020, not only has my cross over on the top become more pronounced, my bottom teeth have pushed out one of my front teeth giving me what looks like a V formation and I felt the time was right to try again with braces. Then Invisalign became an option thanks to advice from Clear Braces Direct and Dovetail.
With the Invisalign service there’s no horrid choking or drowning (that’s what like it feels like to me at least!), or impressions of my teeth using foul goo. It was a much more “pleasant” experience using an intro oral scanner, a bit like a large toothbrush that creates 3D impression instead.
A few weeks further into the summer and I was the proud owner of a box containing my first 5 weeks of aligned braces. These are clear, plastic and designed to be worn 22 out of 24 hrs, only needing to take them out for food/hot drinks & toothbrushing only. My speech hasn’t been unduly affected & no unattractive drooling!
The ‘braces’ are easy to pop in and out without the use of a mirror. They come with a case to keep them in, which I now carry everywhere after losing a top aligner after putting them in my pocket whilst I had a coffee… oops. Luckily I was at home & found it, on the sofa!
Within the first two weeks I could see a definitive change and was surprised at the speed of movement. I am now at week 7 out of 17 and so happy I will finally get my straight teeth.
