I guess, it's time for me to finally reveal the truth that I've been hiding for so long since I started up this blog. Most people know me as "a girl who is confident in everything she does" (well, most things) but they don't know that I do have one thing that I'm not very confident and happy with; my smile. Don't argue with me just yet and let me show you. Take a look at this photo below:
Does this smile look familiar to you? I don't know if you've ever got bored of seeing the same smile all the time on this blog but I do! I'm tired of looking at this typical smile that only shows a little bit of teeth, a smile without much feeling and emotion. Sometimes, I really want to take a photo of myself laughing out loud freely with a mouth wide open but I can't. I'm afraid to let people see my embarrassing crooked teeth, that's why I've hidden them away as much as I could and never taken any photo of my big smile ever since I grew up. How sad it is!
The truth is here!
This is how my teeth look. I can't wait to call them as "my past" and keep them in my memory in another 18 months. While the upper teeth look quite ok except for the 2 front big teeth "refusing to stay in line and trying to fight for attention", the lower ones seem to give me more trouble as they don't follow the alignment, size and shape at all. The simple teeth alignment issue makes such a significant difference in how I look and how I smile. I used to feel so jealous with anyone who has beautiful straight teeth. I'd probably still feel the same way if it weren't for the help of Orchard Scotts Dental.
Right here where the amazing thing happened to me.
They made my 10-year-long dream of having a Hollywood smile come true. I still can't quite figure out how this happened. I mean, it's too good to be true. Despite their super occupied schedule with appointments pre-booked months in advance, they still managed to arrange a time slot for me. I went to the clinic 2 months ago to have my teeth scanned. I had my consultation with Dr. Jerry Lim to discuss about how he could help to straighten up my teeth with Invisalign. I was beyond excited. Literally, all I heard during the 20-minute-consultation with Dr. Jerry Lim was "Yes, you can have a Hollywood smile", nothing else.
Orchard Scotts Dental is one of the rare clinics that received the Platinum Elite Status for being one of the top Invisalign Treating Dental Practices in Singapore in 2012. That's good enough to show they are very experienced and good at what they do.
Besides the big wall full of awards, certificates, achievements, I'm sure you'll be amazed at how well-equipped, modern and beautiful the clinic is from the inside to the outside. There are so many rooms for different functions and usages, and the nurses are so experienced and helpful.
That's my uber-handsome and friendly dentist, Dr. Jerry Lim, who will be helping me with my beautiful smile journey.
Just in case you don't know about Invisalign, it is an orthodontic treatment which uses a series of clear, removable aligners that are custom-molded to fit your current teeth perfectly and to straighten your teeth by moving them little-by-little to achieve your desired outcome. It works just like metal braces, but THIS is invisible. As I said earlier, I have been dreaming of a perfect smile for the past 10 years, but I did nothing to make it happen because I did not like how the metal braces looked. I thought they'd make me look even uglier than my crooked teeth. Anyway, back to the Invisalign procedure, it's much simpler than I thought it would be.
First, I had a consultation with Dr. Jerry Lim to discuss my teeth issue and explore what would be the final result. I'm still amazed at how I could even foresee what my smile will look like during and after the Invisalign treatment. After the consultation, I had my teeth molded and an impression of my teeth was sent to Align Technology (a company that designs, manufactures and markets Invisalign). A few weeks later, this was what I had in my hand:
The Invisalign kit!
Good thing comes in a small package!
Like the name itself, the aligner is completely transparent and harder to detect in comparison to the traditional braces. Also, it's removable and so easy to wear.
Look at how transparent it is.
I have 30 sets of aligners in total and am required to wear each aligner for 2 weeks, optimally 22 hours/ day except when eating, brushing and flossing. Initially, I thought it would be quite troublesome having to remove the aligners so often, but after a while, I just got used to it. It's like a piece of cake now and even helps to keep my oral hygiene always in tip-top condition.
This is me without aligners
and with aligners. Notice any difference? I bet you could because it's INVISIBLE and that's what Invisalign is all about.
I was wearing my first set of aligners when I took this photo. Right now, I'm on my 3rd set with some attachments on it. I'll update you guys again, it's quite fun and interesting to see how the teeth move.
For now, here are some common questions you guys might be interested to know:
1. How much does Invisalign cost?
Approximately S$4500- S$9000 depends on the condition of the teeth. I know the clinic offers an installment plan in which you just need to pay after each visit. Please call the clinic +65- 6732 9939 to get more information.
2. Does it hurt?
Not really. Only the first 2 sets and whenever I change to a new set of aligners, I feel the pressure on my teeth but somehow I like this type of pressure. It's bearable to me.
3. Will it be uncomfortable when I speak, eat and do other things like playing sports, singing, swimming etc...?
Well, it was a little bit uncomfortable to me at first when I spoke because obviously there was something in my mouth. But like I said, after a while, I got used to it, it became normal and part of me :D. *Just kidding*.
4. Does it change your face shape?
I'm sure when you have a new smile, your face will look different. That's what I was told. As right now, nobody even notices that I'm wearing Invisalign and if my face looks bigger or smaller, I'm so sad :(
5. Do I need to extract my teeth?
In my case, Dr. Jerry Lim asked if I wanted to extract my 2 upper teeth and 2 lower teeth as my teeth are quite crowded, but I decided not to as I was afraid I would regret when I get old and my teeth start leaving me :D. Anyway, this is optional and it depends on your individual case. Your dentist will give you the best advice.
6. I'm interested, how do I start?
Easy peasy! Please contact my clinic:
Orchard Scotts Dental
They are at: 501 Orchard Road, Wheelock Place #05-08, Singapore 238880.
Contact: +65- 6732 9939 or +65- 8223 6334 (emergency)
Email: enquiry@orchardscottsdental.com
Don't forget to mention "CRYSTAL PHUONG" when you see the doctor ;)
For more information, please visit their website and follow them on Facebook.
Last but not least, I know I can't thank you enough, but again thank you so much Orchard Scotts Dental for making my smile makeover dream come true. I couldn't be more blessed and happier to have you taking care of my teeth and making them look more beautiful.
Thank you so much for reading!
I'll update you the whole process and result again, I promise!
Update on 11/11/2014: Want to know how my new smile looks? Click HERE to continue reading and see the before and after photo.
