A Wedding Investment That Can Last A Lifetime (NAPSA)—Planning for a dazzling smile on your wedding day—andinall those wedding photos—maybeone of the smartest moves brides and grooms can make as theyplan their big day. Fortunately, in manycases, advances in orthodontic treatment can deliver a beautiful smile faster, and more afford- ably, than most people realize. And long after the flowersare faded andthereception lights are dimmed,a gorgeoussmile is a wedding gift that stays with you hap- pily ever after. Doctor's Advice “For special occasions, we can often move the mostvisible 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 appearanceofthe smile and correct is- groomsto smile about: Greatsues beneath the surface as treatment continues.” ing teeth may be ea thanyourealize. ceramic brackets are practically invis- ments quite manageable.“It’s about the youare in treatment) says Dr. McCam- ployers even include adult orthodontic Clear aligners and braces made with ible and these are popular options for cost of a cell phone plan but lasts a lot adults. “Other people don't evenrealize longer? notes Dr. McCamish. Some emish. Many orthodontists offer extended hours to accommodate adult patients’ work schedules, and the time between visits is now longer than it used to coverage in their dental plans. Many employers offer Flexible Spending Ac- counts (FSAs), which allow employees to set aside pre-tax dollars that can cover be—usually six weeks, due to improved treatment. treatmentprotocols. “That's good news “Your wedding day is probably the for working people? More good news is most photographed day of your life? how quicklypatients begin to see an im- adds Dr. McCamish. “Why not make provementin theirsmile. SurprisingStatistic Onein fourpatients is now an adult. The AAO attributes the rise in adult orthodontics to the improved self-esteem that comeswith orthodontic treatment.“Patientstell us their sociallives improve after treatment, and we can see the changes that happen as people just smile more often and with more self-confidence” Affordability of treatmentis a fre- quent question and there's good news there, too. Orthodontists are one of the few healthcare professionals that offer payment plans, which can make pay- those photos sparkle forever with a healthy, beautiful smile?” Orthodontists are uniquely qualified specialists who diagnose, prevent andtreat dentalandfacialirregularities to correctly align teeth and jaws. These healthcarespecialists have an additional twoto three academicyears ofspecialized education beyond dental school at an accredited orthodontic residency program.Onlyorthodontists qualify for AAO membership. Learn More Forfurther information andtofind AAO-member orthodontists nearby, visit mylifemysmile.org.
