Logo from invisalign.com
OK, you put it off for years, your teeth weren't THAT bad. Braces or college? OK, college, easy choice. College doesn't hurt, (well other than paying for it) and you don't look like a geek! But having finished college and finally gotten a job (and an engagement ring), NOW you both want and need the braces.
Yes, I should have done it sooner. I could have borrowed money for college (or for braces for that matter) but now I'm about to walk down the aisle and I need braces. What to do?
The perfect answer is
Invisalign. No not just those clear braces that were all the vogue ten years ago, Invisalign aligners are constructed more like trays for teeth whitening. And
Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible. That's right, Invisible!
So if you are a bride (or groom for that matter) worried about how straight your pearly whites will look on your wedding day, head to your Invisalign specialist. Not all orthodontists are trained in Invisalign, so be sure to check for certifications.
Invisalign aligners are removable. While for best results you should wear them 20-22 hours per day, if you remove them for your wedding ceremony or wedding photos your teeth won't go out of alignment.
(Check with your Invisalign specialist.)
What's it like to wear Invisalign braces? Invisalign has not metal brackets or nasty wires to cut up your mouth. In fact, if you get his and her Invisaligns no worry about the embarrassment of hooking your braces together with each kiss. Also since time is at a premium while you are wedding planning, you'll be glad to know that the Invisalign patient usually spends less time at the orthodontist than with 'typical' braces.
Invisalign allows you to view your virtual results and treatment plan before
you start so you can see how your straightened teeth will look when your
treatment is complete. So if you start your Invisalign treatment, and expect it to be near complete at the time of your wedding, you'll have a good idea just what your smile will look like. See the results for yourself! Isn't technology grand?
OK, they look good, feel good, are easy to wear, have shorter orthodontist appointments, and you can see the virtual result before you start, there must be negatives right? The only negative I could find is that like any braces these are going to cost you. Like any medical procedure or treatment, only your doctor can determine the costs based on your needs, treatment goals, how long you are in treatment, the difficulty of your case, where you live, insurance coverage and other factors.
The average cost in the United States is between $3,500 to $8,000, with a national average of approximately $5,000. There are special payment plans available as well as credit plans if you don't have the week to week payments in hand.
So if you're getting married and want your teeth to shine and look as beautiful as you do, go to the local Invisalign office and have them evaluate your case, the sooner you start, the sooner you are finished. Just think, one part of wedding planning that is covered by insurance!
All information for the Invisalign Web Site.