I was surprised as my new dentist informed me the problems with my teeth may be a result of my “bite”. I never thought there was anything wrong with my teeth, beside having a couple slightly crooked teeth, they seemed fine. My dentist as a child told my mom I didn’t really need braces.

My new dentist let me know that my teeth were hitting slightly off and that if I had that corrected some of the discomfort with my teeth might be fixed.

After the doctor mentioning this, my misaligned bite suddenly became noticeable. When I bite down I notice that my teeth hit then slide together. Wow I how could I have never noticed that before?!

[box style=”rounded” border=”full”]Fun Fact:  Most people do not have naturally straight teeth; in fact, the AAO estimates that up to 75 percent of people could benefit from orthodontic care[/box]

Take Care of your Teeth!

Two years ago I was reminded about the importance of taking care of my teeth when I had to have a tooth pulled. I had a temporary crown I had let go too long.

I made a pledge to take better care of my teeth! 

I started in on the process of getting my teeth healthy again! After many fillings, root canal, and tons of hygiene appointments my teeth are starting to become healthy. When the dentist talked about talking to an orthodontist I was all for it, whatever will help!

But then afterwards I thought to myself, oh no, braces.

[box style=”rounded” border=”full”]Fun Fact: Straight teeth help an individual to effectively bite, chew and speak. Straight teeth contribute to healthy teeth and gums. Properly aligned teeth and jaws may alleviate or prevent physical health problems. Teeth that work better also tend to look better. An attractive smile is a pleasant “side effect” of orthodontic treatment. – According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)[/box]

Wearing Braces as an Adult?

I am already dealing with a lot of self esteem issues right now. I’m concentrating so much on my weight loss I’m even more sensitive to how I look: stretch marks, double chin, acne, and even my crooked front tooth mock me as I look in the mirror or at a photo.

new camera 2

How could I stand seeing myself in braces?! An adult in braces! I didn’t know if my confidence could take one more blow.

Then I found my answer: Invisalign!!

[box style=”rounded” border=”full”]Fun Fact:  One in five orthodontic patients is an adult[/box]

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an alternative to the old fashion metal braces of our childhood. Nearly invisible, removable plastic trays that straighten your teeth. Who could not want this over the alternative? I’m not only excited about the fact that I wouldn’t have to stare at metal teeth photos for a year, but that I would be able to take the “aligner” out and be able to brush and floss my teeth like normal.

Some other features I’m excited about are:

  • Not having limited food options or having “forbidden” food
  • No emergency dental appointments
  • Less appointments and time sitting in the chair (only every 6 weeks)
With my surgery coming up I am not going to need to be limited any more on my food and I will definitely not have time for emergency dentist appointments! I’m already struggling with getting my appointments scheduled, having a set 6 week visit with the dentist would be way better than the alternative with metal braces. Plus they are supposed to be really quick appointments!
[box style=”rounded” border=”full”]Fun Fact:  The total treatment time with Invisalign averages between nine and 15 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30[/box]

I Wish I was Young Again

If I had had the option of Invisalign like teens have now I would have argued with my childhood dentist and jumped on the chance to get my teeth straightened. I have always been conscious of those crooked smiles, but they weren’t that bad enough to make me want metal braces.

I love that Invisalign gives kids the option of getting straight teeth with confidence, comfort, and safety.

As a mom of a very active young boy, who I’m sure will be a very active teen. I can only imagine him playing sports and getting hit or banged with those metal wires in his mouth. I will be looking into Invisalign for him when the time comes. If you have a teen I would definitely look into this option for your kids. They even have a product that is specifically created for teens: Invisalign Teen!

[box style=”rounded” border=”full”]Fun Fact: 78 percent of mothers who had braces as a child believe braces are one of the best investments their parents made for them[/box]

To Be Continued?

As I’m already sharing my fun adventure of getting healthier through Weight Loss Surgery I may also share more about having healthier teeth! LOL Or at least share with you as my teeth get straighter! Wouldn’t you love it if I showed you a video of my Invisalign aligner?!

Did you have braces as a teen? Do you wish Invisalign was an option for you? If you didn’t have braces, do you think if you were offered to have Invisilign as a teen you would have tried it?

[box]I was compensated for this post by Invisalign. Opinions are my own.[/box]

Written by

Pepper Ferguson

Hi I'm Pepper. My family and I are sharing pieces of our lives.
We hope to inspire you by showing that even small changes can make the biggest differences in your life. You don't have to go to extremes to become healthy. Just do it one habit, one meal, one walk, and one hug at a time.

Let's work together one piece at a time making better habits, eating healthier, getting moving, and most of all loving our families.

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