Can Older Adults Still Straighten Their Teeth with Invisalign?

People who are bothered by crooked teeth can often benefit from Invisalign, a convenient, image-friendly alternative to traditional braces. However, many adults assume that they are no longer eligible for Invisalign once they reach a certain age. But is this actually the truth, or can Invisalign still be an excellent option for older patients? Here are the facts that those wishing to straighten their smiles need to know.

How Does Invisalign Work?

The clear aligners that you wear during the Invisalign process are designed to put a small amount of pressure on your teeth. This results in tiny movements, causing the teeth to gradually change position over time. Each aligner helps move the teeth closer to their proper alignment until you achieve the straighter smile that you deserve.

For Invisalign to work, you must keep the aligners in your mouth for at least 20 to 22 hours every day. You should normally plan on switching to the next aligner in the series roughly every two weeks.

Can Older Patients Still Benefit from Invisalign?

You actually cannot be too old for Invisalign. Adults of all ages can still use the treatment to correct crooked or otherwise misaligned teeth. It’s worth keeping in mind that orthodontic treatments – Invisalign included – tend to take longer for adults due to higher jawbone density; nevertheless, many find that the results are worth it in the long run.

Are You a Candidate for Invisalign?

Regardless of your age, your candidacy for Invisalign will depend on a number of factors. In particular, the severity of your orthodontic problems needs to be taken into account. When it comes to especially complex alignment issues, traditional braces may be a better solution; on the other hand, Invisalign can be a great choice if you only need to make mild or moderate orthodontic corrections.

Your oral health also needs to be considered. Untreated gum disease and cavities can potentially complicate an Invisalign treatment; as such, they need to be taken care of before the process of straightening your teeth can begin. During your initial Invisalign consultation, your dentist will take a close look at your teeth to see if there are any oral health issues that need to be addressed.

It’s never too late to take the first steps toward a straighter smile. If you think that Invisalign may be a good choice for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist today to set up an appointment.

About the Practice

At Wayland Dental, our dental experts are here to provide truly comprehensive care for all of our patients, from tooth-saving restorative treatments to smile-transforming cosmetic dentistry. We also provide Invisalign as an option for patients who may want to straighten their teeth without having to wear traditional braces. To schedule a consultation with our team, visit our website or call (508) 651-0500.