Hi guys! It’s been a hot minute since I’ve updated this space - kind of miss the feeling of sitting down and typing on my laptop 🌝 But recently, I’ve had some milestone to-dos crossed off my list, and really thought I should get round to documenting my experiences!
In case you didn’t already know, I’ve finally embarked on my much-anticipated teeth-straightening journey! One of the reasons why I marked this as a major landmark occasion, was because I’d finally addressed one of my biggest insecurities: my smile.
For the longest time, I’ve been harbouring some low-key insecurity regarding my teeth condition.
It was only about 3 years ago that I started actively searching for solutions on how to straighten my teeth - a time in which I found myself becoming progressively involved in being in front of the camera, and finding a following on Instagram. I was posting content everyday, and was increasingly aware of how I looked in pictures or videos online. I was admittedly growing more and more self-conscious with each passing day.
Condition Of My Teeth
So, here’s a not-so-secret secret:
More often than not, you’ll always find me showing off my left profile than my right.
I was determined to have my teeth straightened, pronto. And luckily for me, I soon found a solution in i.Dental!
As an established practice of more than 30 years, and achieving the highest status of being the one and only Invisalign Black Diamond provider in Singapore, I knew immediately I was in good hands. I mean, they’ve been appointed by Align Technology - the very makers of Invisalign - as Singapore’s Invisalign Flagship clinic since 2015. If that doesn’t speak for their experience, I really don’t know what else would!
I’m currently working with Dr. Elstan Lim at i.Dental on my Invisalign treatment, who’s super friendly and attentive to my many queries, and even took the extra effort to explain some of the common teeth misalignments that can be corrected with Invisalign!
In my case, my misaligned teeth was determined to be a case of cross bite, which shows up quite apparently on my right side — a terribly unflattering look to see gaps between my teeth when I smile with my lips apart, if you’d ask me.
In fact, if you’re still uncertain about what suits you best, this quiz may help you come to a fruitful decision!
What's Invisalign? Why Invisalign?
Well, in short, they are custom-made clear aligners which works just like braces, except they aren’t as visible or conspicuous as braces is. I learned later on that they were popular alternatives for braces because they were convenient to to wear and bring around, and was generally considered more comfortable.
I was ecstatic to learn I didn’t have to commit to having the look of metal wires in my mouth. Although I knew of people who looked cute in braces, I was sure that wasn’t the look for me. So, Invisalign it is!
As an added bonus, I could also “stock up” on my aligner trays, in ever the case I’m busy with my travelling commitments, and would only ever need to visit the clinic every 6 to 8 weeks, compared to the stringent 4 weeks for braces!
What’s shocking is that even for Invisalign, there’s a wide variety of options to choose from. The common ones you’d hear about would be Invisalign Full, Invisalign Lite and Invisalign Teen, but the list of options are definitely more extensive than that - and depending on your lifestyle and preference, you dentist would then recommend what would best suit you!
If you’re curious or contemplating about taking up Invisalign as well, perhaps you might want to check out this extensive list of Invisalign types to better prep yourself for your first appointment.
But I was sold. The cherry on top of the cake? I was told it’d take a shorter duration to correct my teeth with Invisalign, than traditional braces would. Just 1.5-2 years and I’d be on my way to a fuller, more confident smile!
In Present Day…
As of today, 31 October 2018, I’m proud to announce that I’m currently owner and wearer of my 7th set of aligners!
Since the commencement of my treatment, I’ve encountered challenges in staying compliant and committed to wearing my aligners (think: irregular work hours, ever-changing lifestyle habits and frequent travelling in the past few months) - thus delayed and had several setbacks regarding my treatment timeline.
In all frankness? Coupled with my own procrastination and lack of discipline when I’m overseas… I feel it’s important for me to stress that wearing Invisalign is definitely a commitment. It’s important to keep in mind that for consistent progress to be made, the clear aligners would have to be worn at least 22 hours a day!
It definitely helps that I’m surrounded by people who urge and encourage me to wear my Invisalign consistently when I forget…!
Can you spy my aligners on?
You’re In Luck!
If you’re looking for a subtle teeth-straightening option too, i.Dental will be holding another Invisalign Day this December, back by popular demand! Details below —
i.DENTAL’S INVISALIGN DAY
Date: 8th December 2018, Saturday
Time: 9am to 5pm
Venue: 168 Robinson Road, Capital Tower, #13-04, Singapore 068912
Admission is $21.40 (with GST), inclusive of consultation, smile assessment and goodie bag. Attendees will get to see how their teeth will look like with the latest 3D simulation software iTero Element 2, and will also enjoy exclusive treatment package price and receive a set of clear retainer (worth $450) for free, if they sign up on the same day.
SIGN UP HERE: http://idental.com.sg/rsvp
SIGN UP HERE: http://idental.com.sg/rsvp
I’ve been getting some questions regarding my Invisalign journey since I’ve announced my collaboration with i.Dental on IG, so I’ll be sharing more on my dental consultations, and some changes I’ve noticed over the past few months in my next post. I’m so happy to share with you guys on my progress, so follow me as I go along on my socials (and feel free to cheer me on too 😊)!
Till next time! x
Love,
Melina
