Written by Dr. Charles Gemmi
While middle school and the teen age years are usually the most common time for orthodontic treatment, luckily there is no set time limit for when it will work. So if your parents couldn’t afford braces or Invisalign for you when you were younger, don’t worry. Your window of opportunity has not shut down for good.
Invisalign is a particularly good option if you are a college student because they are clear and most people won’t even know you are wearing them. Here are some reasons why getting Invisalign in college is not too late.
Never too late to improve your health
Crooked or misaligned teeth can affect your oral hygiene. Food can more easily become stuck between crooked teeth and it can be harder to get the toothbrush into those tight spaces in your mouth. Invisalign clear braces can be an effective solution for a myriad of teeth alignment problems, everything from a few crooked or protruding teeth to more serious problems like malocclusion, overbite or underbite. Now elastics can also be used with Invisalign aligners making it even easier to solve more serious dental problems.
The most common problems Invisalign braces are used to treat include gapped teeth, an overbite which occurs when the upper teeth protrude out over the lower teeth, underbite which is when the lower teeth protrude past the upper teeth and an open bite where the teeth are not aligned properly for a proper bite. Other treatable issues are overcrowding of teeth and a crossbite which can happen if both the upper and lower jaws are not aligned properly.
Poor oral hygiene can also lead to gum disease and tooth loss and to a host of other illnesses. Did you know that gum disease has been linked to heart disease?
More confidence equals more success
When you don’t feel good about yourself, unfortunately it shows. When you are self-conscious about crooked, stained teeth or gaps in your mouth, you tend to only give tight-lipped smiles and hide your mouth behind your hands when you are talking. Plenty of studies have been done on the benefits of smiling and we know that smiling more makes us feel better about ourselves and influences how other people see you. College is all about meeting new people and exploring the world around you. Don’t let embarrassment about your mouth hold you back from getting the most out of your college experience. Smiling also helps relieve stress. With all the benefits of smiling, why let poor oral health hold you back any longer?
Invisalign is more comfortable and convenient
You have survived middle school and high school without the dreaded metal braces, do you really want to subject yourself to the embarrassment and discomfort in college? The great thing about Invisalign treatment is that they are more comfortable and convenient than traditional metal braces and they are clear. Most people won’t even know you are wearing braces.
With the metal braces, once the orthodontist places them on your teeth, they are permanently attached until he or she removes them when treatment is finished. Invisalign braces however were designed with the wearer’s comfort in mind. With these braces, you can remove them on your own for short periods of time, like for instance, if it makes it easier to eat or drink something or when you are cleaning and flossing your teeth. With Invisalign there are no barriers to getting a proper clean. Remember though that the longer you go without wearing them, the longer the teeth straightening process will take so only remove them when absolutely necessary. It is recommended that you wear them at least 20 to 22 hours a day.
Also because, Invisalign braces don’t include any metal or wires that could cause damage to the inside your mouth. The clear braces are designed with a smooth finish so that they are no sharp edges that can cause you discomfort. Also metal braces have been known to accelerate teeth decay because of the enormous amount of pressure put on the teeth. With Invisalign, you still get the desired results but in a way that is gentler on your teeth. There are also no restrictions on what food you can eat like with metal braces.
You will know what to expect every step of the way
Braces are a big commitment of time and money so it can be a nerve-wracking decision. What if something goes wrong? What if I don’t get the results I wanted? With Invisalign, you won’t have those worries. When you choose Invisalign braces, there is less trial and error involved because everything is planned out ahead of time using special software. This means you will know what to expect ahead of time and there will be little room for guesswork. You will be able to feel confident throughout the whole process that the treatment is going as expected.
Typically once you start treatment, you will be given a new set of aligners to wear every 2 weeks. Each new set will move you further along in your treatment. You will also have a checkup with the orthodontist about every 6 weeks. You should be able to see progress at every stage of the treatment.
Overall, Invisalign clear braces has some clear advantages. Your braces will be less visible and more comfortable to wear and you will see results a lot quicker. The care of your Invisalign clear braces is also a lot easier. All you have to do is brush them and rinse them with warm water to clean them. Invisalign cleaning kits are also available.
Invisalign’s advanced technology means that your braces will cause less interference in your daily life, but at the same time be powerful enough to give you that beautiful smile. This is especially important in your college years when you just want to devote time to your studies and enjoying life. Get Invisalign Philadelphia treatment now so that by the time you graduate college, you will be feeling confident and prepared to take on the world.
