As a new semester begins, many college students in Manhattan, NY 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 Fellow Orthodontist, 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 and get comfortable with your virtual check-ins before exams and holiday breaks. 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. Using the latest technology available, your Board-Certified Manhattan orthodontist, Dr. Lin, 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 – We offer BRIUS® hidden braces, clear braces, Iconix® champagne-gold braces, and traditional metal braces.
Best for: Students who don’t want to worry about removing aligners.
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 Invisalign and the My Invisalign App, you’ll simply come in for an initial consultation, then you’ll come back in to pick up your trays and attachments to start treatment. From there, you’ll continue checking in with us virtually through the secure app. No unnecessary visits and no time out of your schedule.
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 Manhattan 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:
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- Start your consultation – You can start from your dorm or apartment with a virtual consultation if you prefer! Just tell us a little bit about you, snap a few pics of your teeth, and we’ll get back to you with an assessment and review of your options. Easy peasy.
- 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 insurance covers up to $3,000!
- Come see us! — Stop in our Union Square orthodontic office for your initial smile exam and treatment plan for just $95. We’ll chat about your needs and get you set up with virtual care for quick treatment check-ins.
- 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!
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 Manhattan colleges!
If you’re attending college in Manhattan, 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:
- New York University (NYU)
- City University of New York (CUNY)
- Columbia University
- Barnard College
- Juilliard School
- State University of New York (SUNY)
Wherever you may be studying, we’re proud of you and we welcome you to Fellow Orthodontist!
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 next-level orthodontics, with convenient care, fewer appointments, and faster results. Start today with a virtual smile consultation or book your consultation at our Union Square orthodontist office.
