(NAPSI)—Planning for a dazzling smile on your wedding day—and in all those wedding photos—may be one of the smartest moves brides and grooms can make as they plan their big day.
Fortunately, in many cases, advances in orthodontic treatment can deliver a beautiful smile faster, and more affordably, than most people realize. And long after the flowers are faded and the reception lights are dimmed, a gorgeous smile is a wedding gift that stays with you happily ever after.
Doctor’s Advice
“For special occasions, we can often move the most visible teeth, the ones readily seen when smiling, to get them ‘picture perfect’ in time for the big day,” says DeWayne B. McCamish, DDS, MS, president of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). “Even if an individual has a complex problem, we have the ability to quickly improve the appearance of the smile and correct issues beneath the surface as treatment continues.”
Clear aligners and braces made with ceramic brackets are practically invisible and these are popular options for adults. “Other people don’t even realize you are in treatment,” says Dr. McCamish. Many orthodontists offer extended hours to accommodate adult patients’ work schedules, and the time between visits is now longer than it used to be—usually six weeks, due to improved treatment protocols. “That’s good news for working people.” More good news is how quickly patients begin to see an improvement in their smile.
Surprising Statistic
One in four patients is now an adult. The AAO attributes the rise in adult orthodontics to the improved self-esteem that comes with orthodontic treatment. “Patients tell us their social lives improve after treatment, and we can see the changes that happen as people just smile more often and with more self-confidence.”
Affordability of treatment is a frequent question and there’s good news there, too. Orthodontists are one of the few healthcare professionals that offer payment plans, which can make payments quite manageable. “It’s about the cost of a cell phone plan but lasts a lot longer,” notes Dr. McCamish. Some employers even include adult orthodontic coverage in their dental plans. Many employers offer Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), which allow employees to set aside pre-tax dollars that can cover treatment.
“Your wedding day is probably the most photographed day of your life,” adds Dr. McCamish. “Why not make those photos sparkle forever with a healthy, beautiful smile?”
Orthodontists are uniquely qualified specialists who diagnose, prevent and treat dental and facial irregularities to correctly align teeth and jaws. These healthcare specialists have an additional two to three academic years of specialized education beyond dental school at an accredited orthodontic residency program. Only orthodontists qualify for AAO membership.
Learn More
For further information and to find AAO-member orthodontists nearby, visit mylifemysmile.org.
On the Net:North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.(NAPSI)
