Do you ever feel like you’ve missed the boat when it comes to orthodontic treatment? Maybe you should have tackled it when you were in college or begged your parents to get it over with in middle school. What matters now is you’re considering it. You’re thinking about getting the smile you’ve always wanted by fixing the issues with your teeth. For women especially, between work, family and everything in between, orthodontic treatment may seem like a distant reality. But things are changing. See why more women than ever are using braces and Invisalign.
Enough is Enough
Many adult patients are through with the discomfort or self-confidence issues their smiles are causing them and are looking to orthodontic treatment. Misaligned teeth can impact life in a number of ways, such as:
- Pain and discomfort
- Speech problems
- Eating difficulties
- Appearance issues
Women especially are starting now, since the kids are back in school and their schedules during the day are beginning to free up a bit. Not only are adults saying enough is enough when it comes to the problems with their teeth, they’re realizing the importance of proper oral hygiene, how it affects their overall health, and how crooked or crowded teeth make it more difficult to maintain effective oral hygiene practices.
So Many Choices!
A decade or two ago, the options were limited when it came to orthodontic treatment. Now the options seem endless! Products available to patients today range from traditional metal braces to invisible options like Invisalign, and seemingly everything in between. Many of the products available now blend into everyday life, making this a prime time to consider orthodontic treatment for yourself.
Braces vs Invisalign for Women
Invisalign requires fewer lifestyle changes while getting your beautiful smile. Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want. Plus, brushing and flossing are exactly the same. The aligners are comfortable, with no metal to cause mouth soreness during treatment.
No metal or wires also usually means you spend less time getting adjustments. And with Invisalign, you can often see how your teeth will look ahead of time when the process is complete.
There are also different levels of Invisalign available to suit your specific orthodontic needs. If you need only a few teeth straightened, then Invisalign Lite helps you get a flawless smile. This treatment is perfect for those with mild bite issues or teeth misalignments. Because this treatment typically takes less time than full treatments, it is also a very affordable option.
If you are really wanting to fast-track your orthodontic treatment, try Invisalign Express. This option is best if you’ve had treatment when you were younger and your teeth have shifted back into place. Invisalign Express works by using five to ten sets of aligners over approximately three months.
Because the treatment time is so short, Invisalign Express only treats minor issues, such as two or three crooked teeth or very minor crowding in one location of your mouth. Because of the quick treatment time, this is also a very cost-effective option for getting the smile of your dreams without interrupting your busy day-to-day life.
Ceramic Braces for Women
If you’re looking to fix more complicated orthodontic issues but still don’t want the look of traditional metal braces interfering with your personal and professional life, there’s a clearer treatment option.
Ceramic, or clear braces use clear or tooth-colored brackets made from ceramic, which makes them less visible. Pairing them with clear rubber bands make them disappear from view even more.
Since ceramic braces are constructed a bit differently than traditional metal braces, there are some additional things to keep in mind when considering this treatment over Invisalign for invisible treatment. Ceramic braces can be a bit more fragile than metal braces, so it’s extra important to avoid hard or tough foods. Also, ceramic braces are usually only put on the top teeth and metal braces are put on the lower teeth where they are not as visible.
Additionally, if you love having a glass of red wine with dinner each night or black coffee in the morning, ceramic braces are easier to stain than metal, so be sure to rinse or brush after drinking dark beverages.
Paying for Adult Braces or Invisalign
While it may seem challenging to factor orthodontic treatment into your budget, at Smith Orthodontics we make it easy to pay for a smile that will be an investment you’ll love for the rest of your life.
Depending on your insurance plan, your orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign may be partially covered. Your insurance plan may also include an FSA and HSA (flexible spending account; health spending account), and those tax-free funds can go toward treatment too.
Smith Orthodontics also provides financing options and payment plans for treatment costs that are not fully covered by insurance. We offer in-office financing options with no interest and reasonable down payments. Care Credit provides long term financing options with no interest as long as the balance is paid in full by the end of the term.
We also like to show our appreciation and support for the families of those who are serving our country. That’s why Smith Orthodontics provides a 10% military discount to veterans, service members and their families.
Taking Back Your Smile
You’re not alone when it comes to adult orthodontic treatment. Many celebrities, like Khloe Kardasian, Gwen Stefani and Oprah Winfrey, have opted for braces or Invisalign because they recognized the importance of a healthy smile and didn’t worry about what others thought of their choice to begin treatment. The fact is, you won’t be alone when you decide to use braces or Invisalign as an adult.
Too often we worry about taking care of everyone else around us and we forget about ourselves. Take back your smile with braces or Invisalign and see your discomfort fade away and your confidence levels soar.
