Should You Get Braces in College?

Maybe you’ve never had braces before, or you had them in middle school but didn’t take wearing your retainer seriously so now your teeth are crooked again. Whatever the reason, you are now in college and thinking about getting braces.

Orthodontic Treatment Options for College Students

If you decide you want straighter teeth while you’re in college, there are several different treatment options available:

• Traditional braces – Traditional braces aren’t just for younger kids, college students and working adults can benefit from having traditional braces too.
• Mascot braces – Mascot braces are a great way to show your school spirit and straighten your teeth at the same time. They work the same way as traditional braces, but the brackets are shaped like the mascot or logo of your favorite college team.
• Ceramic braces – Ceramic braces also use brackets and wires to improve your smile, but the brackets are ceramic instead of metal and blend in with your teeth, making them almost invisible.
• Invisalign – Invisalign offers invisible treatment with removable clear trays that gradually align your teeth.

Why College Students Should Get Braces

Many college students are hesitant to get braces because they are afraid they will look silly, people will make fun of them, or they will be hard to take care of, but it is actually a good time to start treatment if you are looking to improve your smile before you join the workforce.

After college, it’s time to start your career, which means interviewing for jobs and meeting new co-workers. It’s important to have as much self-confidence as possible when you enter the working world, and a smile you can be proud of will boost your confidence.

Unlike in middle school and high school, college students are starting to take responsibility for themselves, and the majority of your classmates will understand and appreciate your commitment to dental health and respect your decision to get braces. Some may even wish they were working toward a better smile as well. As for the few who might make fun of you, know that their teasing is only temporary, and your smile is permanent.

If you are still concerned about having braces in college, consider getting Invisalign. The clear trays make your treatment virtually unnoticeable and they can be removed when necessary. If you play a sport that requires a mouth guard, your Invisalign aligners will not get in the way. You can leave them in while playing and cover them with an orthodontic mouth guard provided to you by your orthodontist. You can remove your trays to eat, so you are able to eat anything offered to you on campus.

When Should a College Student Get Braces?

Winter or summer breaks are the perfect time to get braces or Invisalign. This will give you time to get used to talking with them and taking care of them before you have to get back to your studies. Because straightening teeth can take as long as 24 months, it is best to get braces as a freshman or sophomore if you want your treatment to be complete before you start interviewing or working full-time.

If you are going away for school and living on campus instead of at home, you can still have your hometown orthodontist fit you for braces or Invisalign. Simply schedule your checkups for when you are home on break or for a long weekend. It’s also a good idea to have an orthodontist near campus in case you have an emergency that can’t wait until you get home.

If you have other questions about having braces in college, or if you’d like to schedule an appointment to see Dr. Savastano while you are home for Thanksgiving or winter break, give our office a call at (843) 4-BRACES.