Not all of us were born with the beautiful smile that we have always dreamed of. Fortunately, there are numerous teeth straightening options out there. They are very common among kids, teenagers, and young adults, but what if you missed out on orthodontic treatment when you were younger? Are you too old to undergo Invisalign now? The truth is that you are never too old to get Invisalign! Continue reading to learn more about the treatment process as an adult.
How Does Orthodontic Treatment Work for Seniors?
Many adults believe that it is too late for them to benefit from orthodontic treatment because they have been told that their jaws and teeth are fully developed and set in place. However, teenage patients still have malleable jaws and teeth allowing them to be moved around more easily. The truth is that you are able to align your smile at any age. When the correct amount of pressure is applied the teeth will slowly move into their optimal locations. Whether you have slightly misaligned teeth or they are more severely crooked, orthodontic treatment is an option.
What Is the Invisalign Process Like?
As opposed to using metal brackets and wires to move teeth, Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to slowly shift teeth into their new, perfectly aligned location. Most people wear each set of aligners for about two weeks before switching to the next set, but this can very depending on your individual treatment plan. The number of sets that you need and the length of your overall treatment will be determined by your dentist.
What Are the Benefits of Invisalign?
There are numerous benefits of Invisalign at any age. Here are just a handful of them:
- Easy Maintenance: It can be difficult to keep your teeth clean when you have metal braces in the way. Invisalign aligners can be removed, so it is much easier to brush and floss properly. You won’t need to take extra time to work around the metal brackets and wires.
- Better Appearance: The obvious advantage of Invisalign is that they are virtually invisible! Adults don’t usually prefer showing off metal brackets and wires everywhere they go. No one will even be able to tell that you are wearing Invisalign aligners.
- No Dietary Restrictions: Something that many patients dread about getting braces is the fact that they need to give up some of their favorite foods and drinks. This isn’t an issue with Invisalign. Since you remove your aligners to eat, you can eat anything you want! Just make sure you clean your teeth thoroughly before putting them back in.
- Comfortable: You can’t straighten your teeth completely free of discomfort, but Invisalign tends to use less pressure than traditional braces in order to move your teeth. This means minimal soreness. You also don’t need to deal with the pointy brackets and wires.
- Effectiveness: Just like traditional braces, Invisalign can fix a variety of misalignment issues, including overcrowding, underbites, crossbites, open bites, and gaps.
Your age won’t get in the way of your ability to get Invisalign. Just schedule a consultation with your dentist so a treatment plan can be made just for you!
About the Author
Dr. Jack Markusen is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for over four decades. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, he earned his dental doctorate from the Medical University of South Carolina School of Dentistry. Currently, he is a proud member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics, and the Academy of General Dentistry. For more information on Invisalign or to schedule an appointment at his office in Myrtle Beach, visit his website or call (843) 916-0990.