As a new semester begins, many college students in Alabama are setting new goals—better grades, a healthier lifestyle, and maybe even a new look! Why not make a confident smile part of your fresh start?
Whether you’re a freshman adjusting to college life or a senior preparing for job interviews, having straight, healthy teeth can boost your confidence and improve your overall well-being.
At Just for Grins Orthodontics, we understand the unique needs of college students! Starting orthodontic treatment early in the semester gives you time to adjust to treatment before midterms and finals, so you’ll be a confident pro by finals.
Why a Confident Smile Matters in College
Having straight teeth isn’t just about looks—it’s about health, confidence, and success. Here’s how getting Invisalign in college can make all the difference:
- Social confidence boost – A confident smile helps you feel more comfortable meeting new people, dating, networking, and standing in front of the class presenting your project like an expert.
- Make the best first impression – Whether you’re interviewing for internships or attending career fairs, a beautiful smile leaves a lasting positive impression. When you look good, you feel good! Loving your smile helps you put your best foot forward.
- Improve your oral health – Crooked teeth can trap plaque and bacteria, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Even if you’re diligently brushing and flossing every day, you may still struggle with bad breath or gum irritation due to those pesky, unreachable spaces between crooked teeth. Straight teeth are a lot easier to clean and maintain!
- Enhance your speech – Having properly aligned teeth can make it easier to speak clearly. Not only are students more confident speaking in public with beautiful teeth, but the alignment of your teeth and jaws can also impact how you pronounce and enunciate certain words. Cheers to A+ presentations for the rest of your college career!
Why Start Orthodontic Treatment Early in the Semester?
- More time to adjust: The first few weeks of treatment involve some minor adjustments, like developing a consistent routine of wearing your aligners, cleaning them and getting in the habit of storing them in your Invisalign case. Starting this adjustment early in the semester, when you’re still getting used to your class schedule, playing the ice breaker games and syllabus reviews, helps ensure that you’re comfortable before midterms roll around.
- Less stress, more flexibility: As you know, college schedules get a lot more hectic as the semester progresses. Beginning treatment now means you’ll get your initial consultation out of the way. Plus, you could be well on your way to your perfect smile by the end of spring! If you’re graduating this year, starting Invisalign treatment now will make for stunning graduation pics.
- Maximize insurance benefits: You probably know that the dreaded moment of being dropped from your parents’ insurance is right around the corner… If you’re still covered under your parents’ dental insurance, this can reduce your out-of-pocket Invisalign costs significantly. Many dental insurance plans cover orthodontic treatment until age 26 under a parent’s policy.
Braces vs. Invisalign: Which One Is Best for College Students?
It really comes down to your preference. Our Wetumpka, Millbrook and Montgomery orthodontists, Dr. Dunn and Dr. Schreiber, will create stunning results with both braces and Invisalign — the right choice for you depends on your lifestyle.
Benefits of Braces for Young Adults
- Reliable – Braces stay fixed in place, meaning no risk of forgetting to wear them.
- Effective for complex cases – Braces are ideal for severe misalignment, bite issues, or crowding. (So is Invisalign!)
- Quick results – At Just for Grins, we use advanced techniques and high-quality materials to ensure your treatment is efficient and effective. Whether you opt for advanced (self-ligating) metal braces or clear braces, you’ll experience significant improvements in a timely manner, helping you achieve a confident smile faster.
Best for: Students who don’t want to worry about removing aligners or who need more complex correction.
Benefits of Invisalign in College
- Virtually invisible – Aligners are clear, so nobody will see them when you’re smiling, talking, networking and presenting. College students often prefer clear aligners, because they align with both their social needs and professional needs.
- Removable – Take them out for eating, brushing, and flossing—no food restrictions and you can clean your teeth the same way you did before treatment.
- Fewer office visits – We would love to see you in our office regularly, but we know how busy you are! With clear aligners, you’ll switch out your trays at home on your own every 1-2 weeks or so (depending on your personalized treatment plan.) No unnecessary visits, every appointment is purposeful.
Best for: Students who are ready to wear their aligners as instructed, and prefer a discreet, convenient treatment option.
Again, whichever treatment option you choose, both braces and Invisalign in Montgomery, Millbrook or Wetumpka can help you achieve a healthier, more confident smile while navigating college life.
How to Get Invisalign or Braces as a College Student
Getting braces or Invisalign in college is easier than you think! Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
- Book your initial consultation – You can schedule your complimentary consultation easily, online!
- Check your insurance, or give mom or dad a call – Find out if you’re still covered under your parents’ insurance and explore our flexible payment options. We offer 0% interest in-house financing and Care Credit financing!
- Come see us! — Stop by one of our orthodontic offices for your complimentary smile exam and treatment plan. We’ll chat about your needs and what to expect throughout treatment.
- Experience newfound confidence — That’s it! You can smile confidently knowing you’ve invested in your future and taken the steps to enhance your life. How adult of you!
If you’re interested in any of our orthodontic treatments, or just looking to correct a few teeth or touch-up your smile from previous braces treatment, you can go ahead and book your appointment here!
Taking Care of Your Smile in College
Balancing orthodontic care and college life is easy with these simple tips:
- Carry a Travel Toothbrush & Floss – Keep your teeth clean between classes.
- Drink More Water – Stay hydrated to prevent dry mouth and plaque buildup. Reward yourself with a cool tumbler that suits your style.
- Clean Your Invisalign Aligners Daily – Keep your aligners and your teeth fresh and bacteria-free. Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water each time you take them out; give them a good brushing each day with an extra toothbrush and some mild antibacterial soap; soak them a few times a week with Invisalign™ Cleaning Crystals, Retainer Brite tablets, or a homemade solution of 1 part distilled white vinegar and lukewarm water for 15-30 minutes. Be sure to rinse out your aligners before placing them back in your mouth.
A little extra care ensures your smile stays in its best condition from day 1.
We love our local Alabama colleges!
If you’re attending college in Alabama, you’re in the perfect place to start orthodontic treatment while balancing school, social life, and career planning.
We see some awesome students from local colleges, including:
- Troy University
- Auburn University
- Alabama State University
- Faulkner University
- Huntingdon College
- Amridge University
- Trenholm State Community College
- Ingram State Technical College
- Tuskegee University
Wherever you may be studying, we’re proud of you and we welcome you to Just for Grins Orthodontics!
Start the semester off with confidence!
College is the perfect time to invest in yourself—and that has everything to do with your smile! Whether you choose braces or Invisalign, we’ll help you achieve a beautiful smile that benefits you for decades to come.
We bring you personalized orthodontics, with modern technologies and convenient care! Start today with a virtual smile consultation from home, or book your complimentary consultation at one of our Alabama orthodontist offices in Montgomery, Millbrook or Wetumpka.
