Am I Too Old for Invisalign?

Here's a  misconception common among adults: if you're past your teen years, then it's too late to get orthodontic treatment. The reasoning is that your teeth are not that malleable anymore to be moved and placed into their correct position as effectively as in the case of younger patients. 

Fortunately, this just simply isn’t true. 

So, What Is Invisalign? 

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment used as an alternative to traditional metal braces. Invisalign therapy utilizes a series of removable, transparent aligners that help correct the position of crooked teeth. They are similar to a mouthguard, but made from a thinner material and are virtually invisible while being worn.

Your dentist can recommend Invisalign for various reasons, like if you:

• Have uneven teeth
• Have trouble biting 
• Have trouble chewing 
• Have wide gaps between teeth 
• Have crooked teeth 
• Have a misalignment of your jaw 
• Feel insecure about your smile

Is There an Age Limit for Getting Invisalign?

The short answer is no.

Many people wait to straighten their teeth later in their adulthood for several reasons such as: financial stability, confidence in wearing braces, and other personal reasons. 

People of any age can begin treatment to fix their smiles if they decide to do so. 

How Does Invisalign Work?

• Material 

Invisalign is made out of thermoplastic, which is a soft material that does not create discomfort. 

• Pressure 

Invisalign moves the teeth by applying pressure to different parts of the teeth during different phases of the treatment. Specific teeth move during each stage, making it less painful than wearing traditional braces, which move all of the teeth at the same time.

• Duration 

This treatment varies depending on each person’s needs. The duration takes into account the patient’s overall dental health, how severely their teeth are misaligned, and the steps each patient needs to take for proper alignment.

Benefits of Wearing Invisalign

• Flexibility 

Unlike braces, this orthodontic device can be removed. The patient can take them off for a couple of hours a day while eating and cleaning their teeth. 

• Visibility

The big difference between Invisalign and metal braces is the fact that they are virtually invisible, providing a discreet solution for misaligned teeth that can be worn with confidence. 

• Food Restriction 

There aren’t any. Patients can eat what they want while wearing them. 

• Comfort 

Because of the material the aligners are made of, Invisalign therapy is very comfortable and relatively easy to adjust to. 

Are You Ready to Begin Your Orthodontic Treatment? 

As you can see, it doesn't matter if you are 16 or 46, or even older - as long as you are a good candidate for Invisalign, then you can get the smile of your dreams. You just have to discuss it with your dentist and find the best option for you. 

At Molly Hottenstein Orthodontics, our Wyomissing orthodontists work with patients of all ages and are always excited to get people on the journey to beautiful, healthy smiles.

Wear your smile proudly and let us be a part of that process. You can book an appointment by clicking here.