Invisalign, A Clear Alternative To Traditional Metal Braces #ad #INVStraightTalk @Invisalign

For me, I remember high school as being a time where your image was very important.  We joined groups, formed “cliques” and went to all school events to just be considered one of the “popular kids”.  The summer of my freshman year, my dad decided it was time to straighten my teeth.  I really didn’t think it was something I needed, but because it was covered by insurance, I got braces.   I was not happy about the plan because it certainly wasn’t going to help my image as I couldn’t recall the “popular crowd” having braces at all.

I tried to make the most of it, even got creative with the bands as they tightened the wires and brackets each month.  Have you seen kids with the green bands – or any color for that matter – it looks like you have food stuck in your teeth.

Today’s braces are more sophisticated than ever.  Adults and teens now have a modern choice for straightening their teeth.   Gone are the days of “wrap around” metal brackets, bonded brackets and big clunky head and neck gears.  Invisalign and Invisalign Teen is the clear alternative to metal braces that uses a series of virtually invisible and removable aligners that gradually move teeth over time and are fast becoming a popular choice. They are made of lightweight plastic that sit smoothly on teeth allowing for a more comfortable fit and they work as effectively as traditional metal braces.

Luckily I had my braces removed the week before my senior prom.  I was so excited about that day; I remember it like it was yesterday.  I didn’t want photos with a full metal mouth, besides I was tired of my dad always teasing that my boyfriend and had to be extra careful not to get “stuck” because we both had braces.  I remember having issues trying to brush; flossing was almost out of the question because it was so difficult.  And what about the wires that popped out and irritated our cheek?  Even the globs and globs of wax you used didn’t help!

If Invisalign was an option when I went through it, I would have jumped on the bandwagon.  They are so much easier than traditional braces for a number of reasons.  Aligners can be removed for eating, brushing and flossing. No more wires, banda and wax! And most importantly, you can smile with confidence while straightening your teeth since this treatment is virtually invisible, unlike traditional metal braces.

As with any medical procedure, consider getting a second opinion if you are told you or your child is not a candidate for Invisalign. Not all dentists and orthodontists are certified Invisalign providers, the best way to find an Invisalign provider is to visit the Invisalign Doctor Locator: https://shout.lt/gmt5

One bit of advice that I never followed after having my braces removed: make sure you wear your retainer.  I had a permanent retainer installed for my bottom teeth that was eventually removed 10+ years later.  For my top teeth, I was given a removable retainer to wear daily, which I never used.  Today, at 40 years old, my teeth have shifted back to their original position because I didn’t want to hassle with removable retainers.   Hopefully my children will be smarter than I when they are put in the same situation, and follow through with dentist’s orders.

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