Can Adults Get Invisalign?

If you’re an adult interested in orthodontic treatment, there are numerous options that you can choose from. One of the most popular choices for adults who want to benefit from orthodontics is Invisalign. Invisalign aligners are much more subtle than other types of treatment, like traditional braces, and they can solve many different issues and leave you with a beautiful smile. Can adults get Invisalign?

Adults Need Orthodontic Treatment Too

While many people associate orthodontics with children and teenagers, adults can also have challenges that make Invisalign an excellent solution. Some of the many different benefits of getting Invisalign as an adult include:

• You will have a more beautiful smile that makes you feel confident in how you look and speak.
• Straight teeth are much easier to brush and floss than crowded teeth. If you can properly clean your teeth, you have a lower risk of tooth decay and other oral health problems.
• A properly aligned bite is more comfortable and can also lessen symptoms of other conditions like sleep apnea and TMJ.
• Invisalign can properly space your teeth so that your jaw bone stays healthy and strong and you minimize bone loss as you age.

Can Adults Still Benefit from Invisalign?

Absolutely! While there are different advantages to having braces or Invisalign as a teen or child, it’s also perfectly appropriate and effective for adults. Providing that you are healthy and taking proper care of your teeth and gums, you are probably a great candidate for Invisalign. In many cases, adults have unique advantages over younger patients when investing in Invisalign.

For example, many teens have trouble wearing their aligner trays consistently, which can lead to poor outcomes or a longer treatment period. Adults have less of a problem cleaning their trays and wearing them for at least 20-22 hours a day, which means that treatment will breeze by quickly and leave them with a beautiful smile.

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

The length of time that you undergo Invisalign treatment will depend on a variety of factors. Many adults who had braces as a teenager but allowed their teeth to shift back into their prior position end up using Invisalign to realign them and get a perfect smile again. However, if you have never had orthodontic treatment before or have more serious gapping or alignment problems, it might take a couple of years to have a perfect result.

Invisalign uses innovative 3-D mapping technology to scan your mouth and project treatment outcomes through every aligner tray that you use. A dentist can help you see exactly how your smile will shift over time, and they can also provide you with detailed information on what to expect.

Can Adults Get Invisalign If They Have Implants or Crowns?

Absolutely! Some adults worry that they won’t be able to get Invisalign because they have crowns, dental implants, fillings, or missing teeth. However, there is no problem with having orthodontic treatment if you have implants or crowns. Your dentist can work with you to determine the best treatment plan for you.

Is Invisalign Painful?

Particularly for older adults, who grew up when braces technology was not as advanced and was associated with a painful process, there are concerns about Invisalign treatment and braces being uncomfortable. However, Invisalign is remarkably comfortable. Each aligner tray is made of a proprietary material that is somewhat flexible for an easy time taking them in and out. Instead of sharp movements, you’ll just experience slight pressure as your teeth are shifted into place.

What Are the Benefits of Getting Invisalign as an Adult?

• Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, so you don’t need to worry about feeling self-conscious because of the way that your smile looks. The only way that someone would be able to tell that you have aligners in is if they are closely looking at your teeth or they see you take them out. In order to keep your trays as clear as possible, make sure that you use the right cleaner.
• Invisalign is lower maintenance than traditional braces, as it does not require you to alter your diet or habits much. Other than taking your aligners out when you eat and thoroughly cleaning them, your lifestyle will not be impacted very much. You also don’t need to worry about having wires tightened. Instead, when it’s time to go to your next aligner tray, you’ll slip your current tray out and put the new one in.
• The Invisalign process is fairly fast, and it might take less than a year for you to have the perfect smile that you have wanted for many years. Your dentist can help plan out the course of your treatment and give you an idea of what to expect.