Annabel’s Invisalign Journey – a teeth straightening case study
Invisalign Case study: Annabel
We were so pleased here at Appledore to receive a photograph from a former patient recently – a beautiful bride in a gorgeous wedding dress, smiling radiantly on her special day.
This photograph was a delight for two reasons. Firstly, because who doesn’t love a good wedding picture and secondly, because we remember the patient who we treated, and how different she appeared to be in this new photo.
When Annabel first came to see us, it was obvious that she felt very self-conscious about her appearance. She explained that this lack of confidence was affecting her everyday life, both at work and in her personal life and that something needed to change.
Wedding photo credit: Nadine Van Biljon
This is Annabel’s Invisalign story, in her own words.
“I always felt that I had terrible teeth, even from a young age. I remember my early school days, always holding a hand in front of my mouth when talking and trying my best not to show my teeth when smiling. Looking back at old photos of my childhood I can’t find a single one of myself laughing.
Then, when I started working, I always assumed that people were looking at my teeth whenever I spoke. My job involved a lot of presentations and even though I enjoyed my job, I felt increasing anxious about my appearance. I knew it was holding me back.
The impetus for change came when I met my future husband, James. (I knew from the day I met him that he was the one!) I loved imagining our life together, beginning with a wonderful wedding day. Then at one point I remember it suddenly striking me – I couldn’t think of anything worse than not smiling on my wedding day.
At that point I’ll admit I was at a loss. I didn’t want to wear the traditional wire braces at the age of 24; it would only make me feel more self-conscious, especially at work.
Fortunately, I was recommended by a family friend to go and see Dr Teresa. So even though I live in Hitchin, I made the journey to Appledore Dental Clinic in Milton Keynes and I’m so thankful that I plucked up the courage to go!
Going to see a dentist is always quite daunting – well to me, anyway. I don’t think I have a phobia as such, but when you have worried about your teeth for as long as I have, the thought of being judged on your appearance made me feel quite anxious.
I needn’t have worried.
Dr Teresa was so lovely. She seemed to understand my fears immediately and very calmly reassured me that she had seen worse (!) and that everything was ‘fixable’. She took the time to talk me through the process, exactly what to expect and was even able to show me what I could expect my teeth to look like at the end of the treatment.
The treatment she recommended was Invisalign, a relatively quick and easy fix.
These clear braces would suit my lifestyle, as it wouldn’t be obvious to others at work that I was wearing braces. Even though my case was complex, Dr Teresa assured me that they would work well.
So that’s where my teeth straightening journey started! I received my first set of Invisalign braces, top and bottom, and was amazed at how quickly I began noticing a change. You change the ‘trays’ every two weeks initially and I witnessed my teeth starting to improve within the first few sets.
18 months later and I felt I had undergone an amazing transformation. It sounds like an exaggeration, but honestly, having my teeth straightened has been life changing.
I feel so much more confident, both in my personal life and at work. My friends and colleagues have commented that I seem different – happier – by the simple fact that I am not embarrassed to smile and laugh!
And the 23rd of September this year was the happiest day of my life. I married my best friend James, and I think you can see from the wedding photo that I fulfilled my dream of being able to smile happily and confidently throughout the whole day. In fact, my cheeks were hurting from smiling so much!
So a big thank you to Dr Teresa and the team at Appledore. You have literally changed my life and have no hesitation in recommending you, and this treatment, to anyone that may be going through the same experience as I did.
Dr Teresa’s comments
Annabel’s case was complex as she had severe overcrowding as well as rotations of some of her teeth. Her treatment plan started with the removal of four teeth, which then allowed space for the rest of the teeth to move nicely into place.
She was then treated with Invisalign aligners over an 18-month period, followed by Invisalign Vivera retainers which are designed to retain the new alignment of the teeth. These retainers are designed to be worn overnight on an ongoing basis.
Photo’s showing the Invisalign treatment gradually working over 18 months.
Invisalign at Appledore
What is the cost of Invisalign at Appledore?
Invisalign treatment costs are dependent on the complexity of your individual case which we can discuss in detail once you have had your FREE Smile Assessment (£20 refundable booking holding fee applicable). Invisalign treatment fees start at £1700 and you can talk to us about Interest Free Finance over 12 months!
For your consultation, please call 01908 230 209 today or message us on our Contact Us page.
