If you didn’t have orthodontic treatment as a kid, you may assume the ship has sailed on your dream of having a beautiful smile you can be proud of. Good news! There are no age restrictions when it comes to getting Invisalign, the revolutionary clear aligner treatment that both teens and adults choose to fix issues like crooked teeth, gaps, crowding, or bite problems.
Your age alone doesn’t determine whether you’re a good candidate for treatment. What matters is your oral health, tooth movement needs, and treatment goals.
Can Adults Get Invisalign?
You bet! Invisalign can be an option for many adults, including those who have never had braces or experienced tooth movement after previous orthodontic treatment. You may assume that because you’re older than the typical orthodontic patient, your teeth aren’t capable of being shifted and manipulated, but the right amount of pressure can move teeth at any age!
Clear aligners are removable and much less noticeable than traditional braces, which can make them appealing to adults who want to improve their smiles but may feel self-conscious about wearing visible metal brackets and wires at their age.
Invisalign can be used to address several common orthodontic concerns, including certain cases of crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. However, not every orthodontic problem can be treated with clear aligners.
What About Older Adults?
Senior adults can still be candidates for Invisalign, but your dentist will need to consider your overall oral health. Healthy teeth and gums provide an important foundation for orthodontic treatment. In other words, if you’ve taken good care of your teeth over the years and kept up with your dentist appointments, you should have no cause for concern.
On the other hand, if you have some problems like untreated cavities, gum disease, or significant bone loss, those may need to be addressed before you begin moving your teeth. Your dentist may recommend an examination and X-rays to evaluate the health of your teeth, roots, and supporting bone.
It’s also important to understand that teeth can move more slowly in some adults than they did when they were younger. Your provider can give you a more individualized estimate of your treatment timeline.
Why Do Adults Choose Invisalign?
For many adults, Invisalign offers benefits beyond creating a straighter smile. Improving tooth alignment may make certain areas easier to clean and, in appropriate cases, help address bite-related concerns. Invisalign-wearers also appreciate the discretion Invisalign provides so they can keep smiling with confidence.
Because the aligners are removable, you can take them out for meals and your regular brushing and flossing routine. However, don’t leave them out for too long as you’ll need to wear them consistently according to your provider’s instructions to keep your treatment progressing. The biggest reason patients have to wear their aligners longer than expected isn’t because of age; rather, they don’t adhere to the 22-hour daily wear time requirement.
What If I Had Braces Before?
You may still be able to use Invisalign even if you’ve had braces in the past. Teeth can naturally shift after orthodontic treatment, particularly if you don’t consistently wear your retainer.
Clear aligners can sometimes provide a convenient way to make minor or moderate corrections. Your orthodontist will conclude whether Invisalign is appropriate for your current alignment.
Being an adult doesn’t automatically rule you out of orthodontic treatment. Your oral health and specific alignment concerns are much more important than your age. Whether you’re in your 20s, 40s, 60s, or beyond, the right time to explore your orthodontic options is when you’re ready to invest in your smile and oral health.
About the Author
Catonsville, MD dentist Dr. Maryam Bemani is pleased to offer her patients Invisalign treatment in a calm, nurturing environment, whether they’re 14 or 40. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and keeps herself current with the latest advancements through continuing education courses. Best of all, she’s a certified Invisalign provider, so if you’re seeking clear aligner orthodontic treatment, contact us online for an appointment or call (443) 251-5580.