Brace(less) Face: Getting the right fit with @Invisalign #ad

After getting x-rays and examined by the orthodontist we learned that The Bee has congenitally missing teeth as well as severe crowding, making her a perfect candidate for braces. Pricing options were provided for both traditional braces and Invisilign. We have been weighing our options when it comes to our final decision but I had an opportunity to attend a meet and greet with representatives from Invisalign and learned a few things that are helping me research such an important decision for my daughter.

Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners made of lightweight plastic that sit smoothly on the teeth allowing for a more comfortable fit and they work as effectively as traditional metal braces. The aligners are a firm piece of plastic that fits over the teeth. This allows some flexibility in use such as being able to take out the aligners during meals and being able to remove them during teeth brushing (which is a bonus for those with...rushed dental habits).

Invisalign works the same way as braces. Force is applied to the tooth forcing it to move into the proper position.

The teens present who were both wearing Invisalign braces said that there was a little pressure when they are first fitted but otherwise no pain as their teeth are being straightened. 

If your teen plays sports they are less likely to have a serious injury if hit in the face while wearing Invisalign than braces.  

This was important to The Bee who had previously suffered from a tooth injury. She has recently started playing volleyball and was worried about getting hit in the mouth with the ball. She is still worried about getting hit in the mouth she does not feel that her injury will be "so traumatic!"

Everyone is different and there are many factors that determine the cost of Invisalign. But, in most cases, Invisalign is comparable in cost to traditional braces.  Check out the Cost Calculator. Most dental insurances plans cover Invisalign.

The estimate from our insurance carrier priced the Invisaligns at a wee bit more than traditional braces but it is not impossible. The Dad and I are making a plan to do what will be best for The Bee. 

The Invisalign aligners must be worn 22 hours a day and have an indicator that helps parents to know if their teen is wearing them as indicated. 

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this!

My kid is at that stage where she is non compliant about things that really are not debatable. That said, she will not be able to fake her way through her dental treatment. There is a blue indicator that fades away between fittings so any claims of, "But I *was* wearing them at all times!" can and will be backed up. 

The aligners can be cleaned with a toothbrush and water. 

Another bonus to having aligners able to be removed is that they can be easily cleaned during routine morning and evening routines. 

Overall, this seems like the best choice for us. We have a follow up with our dentist to continue our research.

If you'd like more information, please visit Invisalign and make your own decisions. 

Good luck and happy smiles!

Gratuitous shot of kid. Notices how she hides her lower teeth. 

Read about our other adventures in dentistry:
My Tooth is Loose!
*Her* Tooth is Loose!

This post was sponsored by Invisialign and offered by SITS. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Wake me with a cuppa: #MaxwellHouseRules

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This content has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias® and Kraft Foods #MaxwellHouseRules #cbias #SocialFabric however all opinions are my own.

Coffee is a part of my daily life and in an effort to become more money savvy I have been buying coffee and preparing it at home. I do have a Keurig machine which brews a fresh single cup. This is perfect as I am the only person at home who drinks coffee and I don't waste half a pot. But finding the best brand for me was a challenge.

Good Morning!

Coffee is a part of my daily life and in an effort to become more money savvy I have been buying coffee and preparing it at home. I do have a Keurig machine which brews a fresh single cup. This is perfect as I am the only person at home who drinks coffee and I don't waste half a pot. But finding the best brand for me was a challenge.


When I ran out of K cups I headed towards my local Walmart to buy more. The Walmart is located in a shopping center that is near work and it's convenient to get to during the day if I need to run an errand. I headed out midweek to make my purchase and apparently everyone had the same idea.

Walmart was PACKED!

I was lucky to score some Maxwell House single cups. It seemed as if they were the most popular at my Walmart! As I browsed the aisles I wondered how I could make my coffee more than my morning wake-up.

Yay! Coffee!

My precious!

I checked out the variety of creamers and decided that I would create concoctions instead of "just having coffee" and added creamers and whipped cream to my purchase. Heading towards the register I took a detour through the fresh food aisle for inspiration for my perfect coffee mates.

Who should flavor my cuppa?

The ladies at the checkout area were very friendly. I chatted with them about coffee and we had a brief conversation about our preferred way of preparing coffee. One lady said she didn't, GASP drink coffee and another said she was all about a milky cup.

Almost home!

The next morning I woke early to enjoy the fist cup. Piping hot and fresh, laced with hazelnut creamer. This was a perfect way to ease into my busy day. For my second cup I added soy milk and flavored syrup as my teen, who is allergic to dairy, likes to steal a sip of my coffee.

After work, and my work out, I tried an iced coffee. Instead of my normal brew of nine ounces I set my brew to five ounces, added a hand full of ice cubes, creamer and a (large) dollop of whipped cream.

Iced coffee, refreshing on a warm day!

I believe I have found an alternative to coffeehouses.

In the past, before my single cup brewer, I preferred to use Maxwell House Coffee however I would find myself trying to drink the whole pot or dumping half of the pot. With the single cup brewer I can make what I want, when I want and still have that flavor I enjoy. Compared to other brands, Maxwell House has a smooth taste, it isn't bitter and is a pleasure to inhale.

To learn more about Maxwell House please visit them online. They are on Facebook or head over to their site.

Enjoy a cuppa on me and remember...your coffee, your way.
-r

The Life Improvement Project presented By Ikea #sp

When The Bee and I moved, we had the luxury of getting a new kitchen. We live in my grandmother's old house and the change has been bittersweet. Gone are the memories from my childhood, replaced with new memories The Bee and I have are creating. With our new kitchen,  The Bee and I using it to actually prepare food for ourselves and friends, we are always on the look out for ways that we can make the most out of our space.

The idea of redecorating can be daunting. What to get? What to spend? Do I do the whole room over? Can I do one area? Luckily I can visit my local Ikea for ideas. Appearing at my local Ikea this Saturday will be Family Circle and Designer Dad Stephen Saint-Onge. Stephen will lead a FREE IKEA Life Improvement Store Seminar and provide creative tips and techniques on how to refresh and update your kitchen.

Bonus: Event attendees will receive FREE gift giveaways!

Watch Stephen share some tips with simple ideas to refresh your space. His tips for the house are simple and doable. (Secret: the throw pillow idea is genius in its simplicity and totally works!)




Hope to see you on Saturday. If not, check out the Life Improvement website for tips and other event dates.




Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I was compensated to share the event with you, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Macy's Celebrates Black History Month!

Celebrate the life of Gordon Parks by viewing iconic images in our photographic art installation featuring some of his most beloved works, such as American Gothic, Washington D.C. 1942 during the month of February!

Join us in “In Conversation” with actor Malik Yoba for a spirited discussion on Gordon Parks’s influence on film and the future of African-American cinema.

Following the discussion, enjoy light refreshments. Plus, with any $5O or more purchase made during the event, receive a commemorative Gordon Parks journal.
* RSVP for this event at macyscentercitybhm.eventbrite.com

Plus, from February 1st through February 28th, visit macys.com/ celebrate to enter for a chance to win a trip for two to The American Black Film Festival in Miami, courtesy of American Airlines, a $1OOO Macy’s shopping spree and Gordon Parks: Collected Works, a five-volume set of his photography.**

The Gordon Parks Foundation permanently preserves the work of Gordon Parks, makes it available to the public and supports artistic and educational activities. The Foundation is a division of the Meserve-Kunhardt Foundation. For more information visit gordonparksfoundation.org.





In the spirit of disclosure I received and invitation to the event and compensation for this post.