The holiday season is here, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to give yourself (or your child) the gift of a confident smile. Many patients are unaware that their Flexible Spending Account (FSA) dollars may expire at the end of the year. Once they’re gone, they’re gone for good.
Now is the time to book your orthodontic consultation. Whether you’re looking to straighten your teeth, improve your bite, or finally begin the smile journey you’ve been waiting for, an AAO orthodontist can help you start the new year with confidence.
Book Your Consultation Before the Year Ends!
- Use It or Lose It: Most FSA dollars don’t roll over—schedule treatment before December 31.
- FSA Covers Orthodontics: From braces to aligners, you can use pre-tax dollars to pay for care.
- Act Fast: Appointments fill quickly during the holidays.
- New Year, New Smile: Begin treatment now and make 2026 the year you love your smile.
- Expert Care: Orthodontists have received specialized training to offer the highest quality care
Use Your FSA Dollars to Pay for Treatment
An FSA (Flexible Spending Account) is a special account you can use to set aside pre-tax money for qualified health expenses, including orthodontic treatment. If you’re unsure whether you have an FSA, check with your employer or HR department. The most important thing to know is that FSA dollars typically do not roll over. If you don’t use them by year’s end, they disappear.
That means now is the time to put those funds to work for your smile. Don’t let your hard-earned money vanish! Book a consultation with an AAO orthodontist today and start planning your treatment before the holidays are over.
New Year, New Smile!
There’s no better way to step into the new year than by investing in yourself. Orthodontic treatment not only improves the appearance of your smile but also enhances oral health, boosts confidence, and can even make daily functions like eating and speaking more comfortable.
By beginning treatment now, you’ll already be on your way to achieving the smile you’ve always wanted by the time 2026 unfolds.
Custom Treatment Options for Your Unique Smile
When it comes to creating your dream smile, AAO orthodontists offer personalized treatment plans that are so advanced, they might as well already be from 2026:
Braces
- Modern braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more efficient than ever before.
- They work around the clock to straighten teeth, correct bite issues, and improve alignment for lasting results.
- Options include traditional metal braces and more discreet ceramic braces to match your lifestyle.
Clear Aligners
- A virtually invisible alternative to braces, clear aligners use a series of removable trays to move your teeth into place over time.
- Perfect for patients who want flexibility, aligners can be taken out for meals, brushing, and special occasions.
- With guidance from an AAO orthodontist, aligners are customized to ensure a safe and effective treatment.
No matter which treatment path you choose, your AAO orthodontist will help you decide what’s best based on your age, lifestyle, and orthodontic needs. Both options are eligible for FSA coverage, meaning you can put your pre-tax dollars toward the smile you’ve always wanted.
Getting Braces: What You Can Expect
The average procedure for placing braces typically takes about an hour. You may notice a few changes once your braces are on.
Moderate Discomfort: Braces work by applying gentle, continuous pressure to move your teeth into alignment. When you first get them, and sometimes after adjustments, it’s common to feel some soreness or discomfort in your mouth. This is normal and only temporary.
Slight Changes in Speech: The position of your teeth and the shape of your mouth affect how you speak. Because braces take up space, you might initially notice small changes in your speech as your mouth adapts. This is temporary and will improve as you adjust to it.
Soreness in the Cheeks and Lips: At first, your lips and cheeks may rub against the brackets and wires, causing irritation. As your mouth gets accustomed to the braces, the soreness will gradually fade.
Dietary Changes
When you first start treatment, you’ll need to make a few adjustments to your diet. Some foods simply need to be cut into smaller pieces so they don’t damage your braces or get stuck. Others should be avoided until your treatment is complete.
Stop Eating on Day 1:
- Hard and sticky candies are off limits
- Refrain from foods like popcorn with small kernels that can get stuck in braces
- Avoid tough or chewy foods
- Do not chew ice cubes
For your first few weeks:
- Stick to soft or liquid foods like soups, oatmeal, and noodles
- Eat cold or chilled foods to help with swelling and irritation
For a more detailed look at what you can and can’t eat during treatment, check out our guide to what you can eat with braces.
Book a Consultation Now! Appointments Fill Fast!
The clock is ticking on both your FSA dollars and your chance to kick off your smile journey before the year ends. The holiday season is one of our busiest times, so schedule your free consultation now to ensure you can receive the care you need before 2026.
Book your appointment with a highly trained AAO orthodontist who specializes in creating custom orthodontic treatments tailored to your unique needs. With AAO members, you can feel confident you’re receiving expert orthodontic care.
Find your local AAO orthodontist today and make this holiday season the start of a healthier, more confident smile.