Q: Why do people get Invisalign or regular braces? A: Because they want to have straighter teeth. Whether it is functional or for aesthetics, overall they just want to have their teeth straightened. Braces in the past meant you couldn’t eat candy or anything sticky/chewy because it would get in between the metal components on the braces. With Invisalign, you have to take the trays out to eat anything, and put them back in if you want to continue the treatment.
I invested in my own personal Invisalign trays about a year ago. My bottom teeth were crooked as all get out, and my right top tooth was super crowded (curved inward). Safe to say I was not pleased with my smile. I owned it, but thought, “could this be better?” I lost a tooth 2.5 years ago and was simultaneously contemplating braces/Invisalign. Braces were only a few hundred dollars less than Invisalign and I could eat whatever I wanted without the mess.
The dentist said that if I didn’t fill the hole in my mouth (where the tooth was missing), that the top tooth would start falling down because it wants to fill the gap. Since I was already researching Invisalign, they mentioned to do the treatment before getting the implant. They wanted to ensure all the teeth were in the proper position prior to the implant.
The very first time I installed them, it was quite uncomfortable. Since this was completely new and I know that my teeth needed a lot of work, I understood that there was going to be some pain. I knew what the end result was going to be, so I continued to push through that pain.
The treatment is ongoing. I have to floss three times per day, (and if I have a snack) and I am supposed to keep them on 22-24 hours a day. That doesn’t leave a lot of wiggle room for leaving them out. I need to constantly be aware of how long they are out since I need to follow the treatment. Any deviation from the treatment could result in a delay in how long I need to have them. Knowing my personality, I have followed the instructions of the dentist to a T (98% of the time). There was one time when I fell asleep for 3-4 hours without having them in and when I woke up, I rushed to install them.
After having the trays for a year, I am starting to see fantastic results. I am proud of my smile (even though it is covered by a mask most of the time – thank you COVID…). I knew what the sacrifice was, I set the goal for getting the treatment and the finish line is near. I should be done with the 1st phase of treatment by mid-February. Then I go into the 2nd phase of the treatment. They already re-scanned my teeth and said that everything is tracking well.
My point is, when you first start to change your financial habits, you will experience some pain. It is gruesome work trying to pay off debt. It’s like the mess you are in when you get food, gum, or candy stuck in your braces; it takes a while to get it cleaned up. When you clear out the junk, you feel so much better about yourself and you have clean teeth.
It is uncomfortable to have to wait to spend money (if you are a natural spender) and actually save that money instead. Stay the course, and keep pushing through the pain. The light at the end of the tunnel is coming in clear for you – right on time.
Madsen Financial Coaching 