I have to say, it was the easiest treatment I participated in. The dental skills and expertise were way beyond any experience I have, but totally trusted that Mrs Khan felt assured this change in positions of my teeth was achievable. I had to be 100% on board with following very simple instructions.

I always wore the Invisalign “trays” throughout the day and night, ideally up to 22hrs a day, removing them only when eating or drinking hot drinks. I was still working as a nurse then and one of my concerns was how I would manage that, given the unpredictability of my shifts and eating patterns. But I was given a container, that easily fitted in my pocket, and so that was simple to do. I soon got used to removing and putting the tray back into my mouth, initially I would be looking to do this in a private space, but with the permission and support of my colleagues, there were times when I did this in public, being very discreet and quick about it. It helps to inform colleagues and friends what I was doing, as I needed them to be on board with me in such situations.

I was given 4 trays at a time, all clearly numbered, and reassessed more regularly at the start by Mrs. Khan, before I was given another 8 trays, as I was clear how to manage and decide to move from one tray to another. The indicator for changing to the next shape, was that the tray became so comfortable, i.e. no pressure on the teeth, no edges that may in the beginning have rubbed the inside of my mouth at times, unaware I had Invisalign in place. I was never in pain, I was aware of the pressure which the Invisalign exerted on my teeth to move them, but that was a very nice feeling, as I could envisage that the treatment was working. I cannot recall the exact number of trays I needed, but on reassessment I needed a few more than predicted, which was no problem and at no extra cost to me.

I continued without any effort for approximately 9 months, until I Mrs Khan was satisfied. She used the computer imaging consistently to determine when we had achieved our goal. The changes in the position of my teeth was very subtle, no magical overnight change, but just this gradual realignment of both top and bottom teeth, which just gave the shape of my mouth such a different look. I have never had any problems with eating or chewing, and the last few appointments were about making tiny adjustments to my bite, ensuring that my bottom teeth matched the imprint on my top teeth.

I am now like a new “me”. Even at this later age in life, I had never imagined this could have been achieved. I did this for myself, everyone who loves me, never expected that this was something that was important to me, as they loved me for who I am, as well as my looks. But my dental care is easier, I can self-manage flossing and brushing because there is now space for that. I smile with confidence, because I am happy with the way I look, and happy to age with a good set of teeth.