Updates on Me

If you've been following my blog for awhile then I'm sure you've been noticing that my blogging lately has become random and also kind of rare. Honestly, it's definitely not because my life has become boring and I simply don't have anything to post about. Just the opposite in fact. It's because I've been very busy and blogging has become one of the things that gets dropped.

So to fill you in on what's been going on in my life, here is a brief list with the highlights in no particular order:

1. We shot half of the 2012 Pin-Ups for Vets Calendar earlier this week. Like last year, it was exhausting but so much fun and rewarding. I think I really may have found my calling-production and artistic design work really is my forte. Right Gina? : ) More on this soon. Well, that is, if I have time to blog about it..haha

2. My Invisalign treatment ended this past Monday! Woo! After over a year, I'm happy to report that I like my teeth and look forward to getting them whitened soon too. Unfortunately, I'll always have to wear a retainer at night to bed but I can definitely handle that.

3. I've been dating someone seriously for a few months. I'm really happy and honestly haven't felt this comfortable with a guy in maybe forever. We feel like we've known each other for much longer and time always passes by too quickly when we are together. I haven't been able to stop smiling since we met. It's true what they say, everything around me does seem a little sweeter, a a little better somehow since he came into my life. Ok, I'm totally blushing now so I'll stop. : )

4. For about a month, I've been doing some online marketing for an up-and-coming pop singer, Marie Parie. However, this recently stopped has her finances were decided to be put elsewhere. Guess that's the music business for ya....

5. Along with getting an amazing iPhone a few weeks ago, I also finally caved and joined Twitter. Not sure if it's been that good for me personally but it's certainly a whole new world that I've now been to. Follow me: @LAnLA3

6. Last but certainly not least, I'm having some serious neighbor problems! And no, they don't know about my blog so I'm free to say anything I want about them on here! To make a really long story short, the woman who has the bedroom below mine has the most sensitive ears in the world and probably needs to seek treatment for it! Most nights that I'm home, I get an annoying text message from her telling me to walk softer and be quieter. Ok, first of all, I'm usually not talking or even playing my music loudly or even doing much of anything when I get these messages. I'm simply putting away laundry, blogging on my computer at my desk, walking into my adjoining bathroom and other random everyday things people do in their bedroom.

I've even made several changes because I feel bad for Ms. Sensitive Ears Downstairs. I don't wear shoes in my room, I try not doing much in there after 10pm and I even usually spend 1-2 nights not sleeping at my home. So, really, what is there to complain about? It's ridiculous and I'm so frustrated with her. I just don't know what to do anymore. I've apologized and apologized. Now, I'm just ignoring the texts but I certainly can't do that forever. I also can't walk on egg shells in my room forever either.... What would you do?

My Invisalign Experience

I can’t believe it but I’m on my very last Invisalign tray right now! Check this post out for info on my very first Invisalign tray.

What began as a daunting and long process a little over a year ago has finally almost come to an end and honestly, it was such a painless and speedy experience. Of course, the results have been very impressive as well. It's really been incredible to look at the slides of what my teeth used to look like and where they've been aligned to today. I am so happy that I went ahead and did it.

So last March I started seeing a dentist here in Los Angeles and he quickly became my friend since he was dating my good friend from high school. On one visit at his office, I began asking him about the whole Invisalign process and what exactly it would entail. We were friends by this time so I trusted his opinion. He proceeded to tell me all the facts and what specifically I would need in my case. I just had two little crooked teeth meaning that I wouldn't need to get metal braces and that Invisalign would be a good fit for me. He estimated that it would take about a year and that it would be a super easy process and that I might as well get it taken care of now before my teeth got anymore crooked. As a 26 year old, time was also an issue for me-I didn't want to have to get this fixed any later in my life.

My dentist was 100% correct. My Invisalign experience flew by and I'm so grateful for the positive change it's made to my bite and teeth placement.

Now, some of you may be wondering what is this Invisalign thing all about? Well, let me tell you…

Simply put, Invisalign is the clear alternative to braces. It effectively treats many of the same conditions that used to only require metal braces. They are a series of removable and virtually invisible aligners that gradually move teeth over time to help achieve a great smile and proper bite.

Invisalign works the same way metal braces do which is by moving teeth by applying pressure over time. Invisalign® G3 was introduced earlier this year and it's the most significant collection of new features and technology innovations in the company’s history. This new generation of Invisalign clear braces for both adults and teens, takes treatment capabilities to the highest level yet, making it possible for orthodontists to treat some of the most complex cases - previously only achieved with metal braces. This is sure to make those adults and teens extremely happy! However, in my opinion, the best things about Invisalign is how easy it is to maintain good oral hygiene with them, they are comfortable, affordable and safe for active lifestyles.

While I'm certainly not a teenager anymore, I still had some of those similar worries that teens have at that age before I began the Invisalign treatment: Would I look like a big dork? Would I have a lisp? Would I look really young with them on? And many others.. Invisalign really is the best option for people of any age with those concerns. Firstly, no one can ever tell that I'm wearing them because they are practically invisable. In fact, I even forget that I have them on because they really are clear! Another reason why Invisalign is great for young adults is that it fits their busy lives—the aligners are comfortable and durable, so it’s easy for teens to continue their favorite activities such as playing sports and musical instruments that can be challenging or uncomfortable with traditional metal braces. Invisalign is also removable—the aligners can easily be taken out to eat and brush teeth. This means that it's not necessary to change what you eat at all. Yes, I could eat popcorn and even chew gum!

Was my experience completely great? Well, not entirely, as of course, nothing is perfect. Like braces, I did have some pain on the first day of putting in a new tray. But that would quickly subside and I'd eventually forget that I even had them in. It did take me awhile before I got used to having to take my Invisalign out to eat but this actually made me pick and choose when I ate so I think I actually eat less often now which is a good thing. : )

Knowing all this information now after having gone through the entire process, I can't believe that I was ever considering getting old fashioned metal braces! And all I can say is now, is, wow, what a difference a year of Invisalign has made to my teeth!! Feel free to email me if you are considering getting Invisialign. I'd be more than happy to talk to you one on one about my experience further.

This post was sponsored by Invisalign.

Invisalign-Day 1

Yesterday I finally got my Invisalign and so far so good. They aren't too uncomfortable but I can definitely feel them in my mouth. The hardest part about them is simply taking them out and putting them back in. You are literally supposed to put your nails in there to get them out! Yikes! My dentist says that it will get easier over time so that's good to know. It is kind of annoying to have to go to the bathroom to check my teeth for food and remove or put the aligners back in. I also have a slight lisp right now that I'm told will go away as I get used to having them in my mouth.

So, Day 1 down without any major problems, well minus the fact that I embarrassingly had food stuck in the bracket like things on my teeth through my dinner last night! Ugh! So mortifying! Thank goodness my friend has braces so he understood. : )

Stay tuned for my progress!

Invisalign

Well, I finally did it, I finally agreed to getting Invisalign. While my teeth are by no means in horrible shape, there is one spot that is not pretty at all. I know that most people don't even notice until after I point it out, yet it drives me crazy sometimes, and especially in pictures. It certainly annoyed my Mom.. haha! She was always telling me that I should look into getting it fixed. Well, I'm doing that now Mom.

My dentist in Tucson has been telling me for years to get braces or Invisalign to fix a couple spots. Since moving here, I've gone to see my friend Belinda's boyfriend Casey who just so happens to be a dentist! I've gotten to know him since I've moved here so I really value his professional opinion so when he told me that he recommends me getting braces too, then I knew it was something that I really should do. Evidently, one of my problem areas on my teeth for cavities is around the crooked patch so straightening them out while help me brush those hard to reach places now. That made me really decide to go ahead with fixing it. If it was just cosmetic then I wouldn't have since it doesn't bug me too much.

Fortunately, I'm a candidate for Invisalign! Braces are a lot less convenient, more painful and can be quite the eye sore. This past Tuesday, I started the whole Invisalign process but I won't actually be getting the trays till May 5th. My dentist Casey assures me that I'll only probably be having to wear them between 6 and 12 months. Let's hope it won't be longer. I would love to be out of them in September, just in time for my Half Marathon....we'll see...

Here's some basic info on Invisalign: The Invisalign treatment consists of a series of aligners that needs to be switched out about every two weeks. Each aligner is individually manufactured with exact calculations to gradually shift teeth into place. And since the Invisalign system is custom-made for each set of teeth only, with a plan devised by the dentist or orthodontist, you know you'll end up with a smile that truly fits. Invisalign is the best way to transform your smile without interfering with your day-to-day life.