As we approach 2020 I begin to think about all that happened in 2019. For the most part 2019 was wonderful and one important thing I want to chat about is that I recognized the need to do more for myself. Mostly in the self care department. 2019 I went to the gym regularly, even went for a few manicures but I still felt I should be doing more for myself.
I’m a busy mom. I have two children and often forget about myself. This is normal and not intended as a complaint. Over the years I found I lost touch with myself, and made excuses why I could not, or would not do something for me. I’m not sure if this sounds familiar as you read through… I reminded myself that self-care is crucial for our physical, emotional and mental well-being. I’ve turned a page this year and I am allowing myself to feel good about a little self love and care and doing things for MYSELF, without the guilt. So with that being said – 2020 I’m ready for you! I can’t wait to kick off the new year!
To be completely honest, I don’t really do New Year’s resolutions. I believe if you are going to set goals, you can do them on your own time, when it feels right for you. So for me, I got a head start on something important to me without waiting until January 1st.
If you follow along on Instagram you would know I’m on this self love and self care kick. I’m glad I am getting a head start on a few things I’m wanting to do in 2020 – such as, self care and trying something new!
On November 5th I got Invisalign! I was intentional about getting a head start on this process rather than waiting any longer, or even until the new year. I’m sure many of you are thinking, really? Why? Your teeth are beautiful. I’ll share how it’s going and hopefully answer any questions you might have about the process.
In case you aren’t familiar with what Invisalign is, in a nutshell: Invisalign is a unique set of aligners developed just for you. These aligners are clear, comfortable, and nearly invisible. You simply place them over your teeth and they gently shift and move your teeth into the correct position over a period of time. SO COOL RIGHT?!
So let me tell you WHY, I got Invisalign at this point in my life (35 years old).
I have several friends who also have invisalign or who have completed the treatment and have loved the process. It is a great option for adults. I still didn’t know a whole lot about it so I was very curious and wanted to learn more about it for myself.
I set up my first consultation, which is free, to learn about what I could expect if I decided this was something I wanted to do… After having a consultation with Dr. Lawen I couldn’t wait to start the process. During the consultation, I was really impressed with his knowledge, friendliness of everyone in their office and the overall experience. They did scans of my teeth so they could send the exact data to Invisalign to make these precise trays. I’m actually mind blown. During my consultation they showed me before / after of what my teeth could look like and how Invisalign could help my specific case.
Dr. Lawen was awarded Platinum Invisalign Provider Status – in recognition of his experience, skill and expertise working with Invisalign. Lawen Dentistry is the only general practice in Atlantic Canada with Platinum Invisalign Provider Status. Knowing they’ve worked on SO many Invisalign cases, I know I’m in great hands and feel comfortable asking all of my questions, even if it might sounds silly or embarrassing – TRUST ME. They’ve seen and heard it all! 🙂
Let me give a little overview of my teeth, they might not look so bad but I have a few issues with my teeth and my decision was not completely based on aesthetics. My decision was mostly made based on my overall dental health. Without getting into too much detail, I have significant premature wear on my teeth because of my bite not being properly aligned. The edges of my front teeth have become transparent + thin because of the incisal edge wear. I’ve even chipped these teeth as they are more susceptible to fracture due to the thinness. I also have notching, which causes weakened teeth which is more susceptible to decay. My lower teeth are also crowded so it makes them difficult to clean properly. Ok that is more detail than I expected to cover, but you get the drift. My teeth have some issues that could be helped with Invisalign.
My main reason for getting invisalign is for my overall dental health. But also I am so excited to do something for ME. These changes to my teeth will also help with my confidence and change the appearance of a few things that always bugged me about my teeth. Since my job has me in front of the camera often, talking in instagram stories, photos, videos I’ve noticed my teeth more and more and have the desire to fix them. I’ve always believed that a smile is your best accessory so why not flaunt it and be proud of it.
My consultation went really well. I was blown away by the team and Dr. Lawen. A sell factor for me is that my treatment will be 6-12 months which isn’t very long in the big scheme of things. I have 14 trays left WHICH IS CRAZY! I love that Invisalign is not very noticeable because they are clear trays. I could hardly wait to start. From that consultation to the time my trays were ready it was only about two weeks. They treat a lot of adults and have a lovely waiting room with coffee and other beverages. I keep thinking I might just go there to escape my kids!! Haha
At my appointment, the day I officially got my Invisalign they put these little button type things on your teeth so the trays can stay on your teeth. I want to mention they are hardly noticeable and the trays surprisingly comfortable. Personally I like that they are removable so you can take them out to eat, they are hygienic and easy to clean.
Because everything is done by a scanner everything is SO accurate. I’m actually amazed that they send you home with everything you need for the first 6 weeks. CRAZY. The team is wonderful and Dr. Lawen even called to check in to make sure everything is going well and to see if I have any questions along the way. I like to think I’ve been a great patient, and keeping my trays in for the recommended 22 hours a day. I was really excited for my six week check up which was yesterday. Everything is going as planned! Dr. Lawen and the team are amazing and I always look forward to my appointments with them.
Lawen Dentistry is located in the Professional Centre on Spring Garden Road and they do all kinds of Dental work. Their team is incredible – I actually tend to run over my appointment time because we tend to chat a lot. Their practice includes several services such as implant surgery, crowns, wisdom teeth removal, orthodontics – Invisalign and cosmetic services such as white fillings, teeth whitening, crowns and veneers. At the end of my invisalign treatment they are also going to whiten my teeth and repair those teeth where they have become transparent due to wear from my incorrect bite.
If you’re looking for a dentist within Halifax I highly recommend Lawen Dentistry!
Even my first day with Invisalign I was expecting to be sore, or to feel really awkward with a mouth full of trays but it has been a very smooth transition. The hardest part for me has been scheduling my meals and not snacking continuously throughout the day. I was also nervous about my speech, as it is common to have a bit of a lisp so practicing those tricky words is key. Within the first couple days I felt very comfortable talking with the trays in. Now I am six weeks in and I have enjoyed the process.
At the end of my treatment my teeth will not only be straight but it will fix my bite which will help prevent further damage on my teeth.
Dr. Lawen is offering new Invisalign clients $500 off their Invisalign treatment. I’m so happy to partner with them. I will be receiving complimentary services in exchange for sharing the ins and outs of my treatment, I want my readers to know that all opinions are always my own. I’ll be sharing my honest experience and I’ll be touching base on here throughout my treatment and more updates along the way on Instagram.
If you have any specific questions please leave them below, I have a feeling I’ll be sharing a mid-way blog post about Invisalign in a couple months because I love chatting about it!
Xo
Amy
[…] Over on Instagram I’ve shared more regular check ins on my progress and I’ve also blogged about WHY I decided to get Invisalign in my mid-thirties in this blog post : GOALS FOR 2020 – SELF CARE. […]