If you have recently become engaged, best wishes from our team! At Labbe Family Orthodontics, we treat our patients like our family, and, of course, we want to help you look your best on your special day and treasure your wedding photos and video for years to come.
If you have always wished for straighter teeth and have some concerns about smiling your widest for those photos, there is almost certainly time to improve the appearance of your smile with the wide variety of choices for teeth straightening available. Your Invisalign orthodontist can recommend the fastest options available to accomplish amazing results before you walk down the aisle.
It Is Not Too Late to Straighten Your Teeth
Of those wearing braces or other orthodontic appliances in the United States, 20% are adults.1 You may not have noticed this growing trend because orthodontic technology has improved to the point that adult braces and teeth-straightening aligners are almost barely noticeable.
Teeth Straightening Choices for Brides to Be
There are a variety of choices which are less noticeable than traditional metal braces, and very effective for adults. Based on your unique needs, your local orthodontist might recommend:
• Invisalign
These virtually invisible trays straighten your teeth without permanent orthodontic hardware like brackets or wires. Invisalign works quickly and allows your natural teeth to shine through.
• Ceramic Braces
If Invisalign is not the right choice, ceramic braces may be the answer. They utilize clear or tooth-colored materials to blend in with the natural color of your teeth.
Is There Enough Time Before the Wedding to Straighten Your Teeth?
If your engagement will be six months or longer, there is time to make a noticeable difference in your smile. Most engagements allow a little more time—12 to 18 months will allow adequate time to complete most treatments before the big day. The type of braces an orthodontist chooses will depend on the time you have available.
This Is Not the Time to Do It Yourself
There is a recent fad being promoted by social media of using a variety of at-home methods to straighten your own teeth. A consumer alert has been issued warning of the “substantial risk for irreparable damage” these techniques present.2 The practice of dental orthodontics should be left to the experts. You should only straighten your teeth under professional supervision.
Beautiful Brides with Braces
Maybe your wedding is coming up sooner than your orthodontic treatment can be completed, but the appearance of braces in your wedding photos can be minimized. Alert your orthodontist, who will adjust your treatment plan with that goal in mind. Transitioning to the Invisalign option will allow you to temporarily remove your braces for the wedding.
Orthodontic Care for Special Occasions and Everyday Health
Family orthodontics involves more than just straightening teeth. The benefits of correcting crowded or overlapping teeth and bite issues (malocclusions) include preventing decay and gum disease, reducing pain, and improving swallowing or speech difficulties.
If you are interested in an evaluation by one of our Invisalign orthodontists for your wedding day or your everyday smile, call for a free consultation now. With offices in Annapolis, Bowie, Crofton/Gambrills, and Greenbelt, whether we are the closest orthodontist or not, we promise a family-friendly experience and a lifetime of healthy smiles!
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