Maybe you missed out on braces when you were younger. Or perhaps you wore braces as a teenager, only to watch your teeth gradually shift over the years. Either way, you may assume that having straighter teeth is no longer an option.
Fortunately, that’s not the case! Invisalign can be an effective orthodontic treatment for many adults, and there is no specific age at which you’re automatically considered too old for clear aligners.
Invisalign Isn’t Just for Teenagers
When you picture orthodontic treatment, you might imagine a teenager with a mouth full of metal brackets and wires. While traditional braces are still an excellent option for many patients, modern clear aligners have made orthodontic treatment more discreet and convenient for adults.
Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners that gradually guide your teeth into their desired positions. Because the aligners are nearly invisible, you can straighten your teeth without drawing as much attention to your treatment.
For adults who didn’t have orthodontic treatment as children or who have experienced shifting after previous treatment, that can be particularly appealing.
Why Do Teeth Shift as You Get Older?
If your teeth were straight in your younger years, you might wonder how they became crooked again. Unfortunately, teeth aren’t permanently locked into place after orthodontic treatment.
Teeth can naturally shift over time. Changes in your jaw, tooth loss, gum health, and everyday forces from biting and chewing can all influence their position. That’s why wearing a retainer as recommended after orthodontic treatment is so important.
If your teeth have shifted, Invisalign may provide a way to gradually move them back into a more desirable position.
Are You a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
Age isn’t usually the deciding factor when determining whether someone is a good candidate for Invisalign. Instead, your dentist or orthodontist will consider the health and position of your teeth, gums, and jaw, as well as the type of alignment or bite issues you want to address.
Clear aligners can treat a variety of mild to moderate orthodontic concerns, including crowded teeth, gaps, and certain bite problems. However, more complex cases may require another treatment approach.
Good oral hygiene is also important. Because Invisalign aligners are removable, you’ll need to take them out when eating and clean your teeth before putting them back in. You’ll also need to wear the aligners according to your provider’s instructions to keep treatment on track.
What Are the Benefits for Adults?
For adults, Invisalign can offer several advantages beyond a straighter smile. Properly aligned teeth may be easier to brush and floss, which can make maintaining good oral hygiene more manageable.
Clear aligners are also removable, allowing you to eat your favorite foods without the dietary restrictions associated with some traditional orthodontic appliances. And because the aligners are discreet, you may feel more comfortable completing treatment while working, attending social events, or simply going about your everyday life.
Of course, Invisalign isn’t right for everyone, and treatment plans are customized to the individual.
It’s Never Too Late to Ask
If you’ve been putting off orthodontic treatment because you think you’ve missed your opportunity, it may be time to reconsider. Adults can pursue orthodontic treatment at many different stages of life, provided their teeth and gums are healthy enough for treatment.
A dental evaluation can help determine whether Invisalign is appropriate for your smile and what kind of results you can realistically expect.
Straightening your teeth isn’t reserved for teenagers. If improving your smile has been on your wish list, your age doesn’t have to stand in the way.
About the Practice
Dr. Drennan and Dr. Carlson of Drennan Family Dentistry provide comprehensive dental care for families, with services focused on helping patients maintain healthy, functional, and confident smiles. The practice offers preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and orthodontic services, including Invisalign clear aligner treatment. Patients interested in Invisalign can discuss their concerns and smile goals with the team to determine whether clear aligners may be an appropriate option.
Call us at (817) 732-5522 or schedule your appointment online.
