As a new semester begins, many college students in San Antonio 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 Senties Family 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 clear aligners (Angel Aligner™ or 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 get clear aligners 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 clear aligner/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 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 clear aligner costs significantly. Many dental insurance plans cover orthodontic treatment until age 26 under a parent’s policy.
Braces vs. Invisalign/Angel Aligner: Which One Is Best for College Students?
It really comes down to your preference. Using the latest technology available, your Alamo Ranch, San Antonio orthodontist, Dr. Senties, will create stunning results with both braces and clear aligners — 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.
- Quick results – We offer custom LightForce™ braces – with each bracket custom-designed for each tooth. This results in up to 40% less treatment time on average! You’ll also have the option of traditional metal braces if you prefer.
Best for: Students who don’t want to worry about removing aligners or remember to put them back in!.
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 Angel Aligner/Invisalign in Alamo Ranch, San Antonio can help you achieve a healthier, more confident smile while navigating college life.
How to Get Clear Aligners or Braces as a College Student
Getting braces or Angel Aligner/Invisalign in college is easier than you think! Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
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- 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 Sunbit financing!
- Come see us! — Stop in our Alamo Ranch, San Antonio orthodontic office for your complimentary smile exam and treatment plan. We’ll chat about your needs; Dr. Senties will examine your smile, and we’ll explain 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!
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 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 San Antonio colleges!
If you’re attending college in San Antonio, 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:
- Northwest Vista College
- Hallmark University
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
- Trinity University
- St. Mary’s University
- University of the Incarnate Word
- Our Lady of the Lake University
- Texas A&M University-San Antonio
Wherever you may be studying, we’re proud of you and we welcome you to Senties Family 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 clear aligners, we’ll help you achieve a beautiful smile that benefits you for decades to come.
We bring you family orthodontics, with the most advanced technologies, convenient care and faster results. Book a complimentary consultation at our Alamo Ranch, San Antonio orthodontist office!
