Invisalign has quickly taken the world of orthodontics by storm, and these days, more and more patients are opting to straighten their smiles and boost their confidence with these clear aligners. That said, if you’ve been thinking about undergoing treatment yourself, you might be worried that you’ve missed your window and you’re too old for treatment. However, you have no reason to feel discouraged – this isn’t the case! Here’s what you need to know.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign does the exact same job as traditional metal braces – the aligners gradually shift the teeth into straighter, healthier positions through a series of micromovements that occur over the course of several months. The aligners come in different sets that you’ll advance throughout different stages of treatment are made from a special, durable plastic material and they comfortably and snugly rest over the teeth. Patients must wear the aligners for 22 hours or so each day, only removing them to eat and brush their teeth – this is considered one of the primary advantages of Invisalign, in addition to faster treatment times and overall discretion.
Is There an Upper Age Limit for Invisalign?
In short, there is no upper age limit for Invisalign treatment, despite any myths you may have heard. It is true that many people associate orthodontic treatment with teens and young adults, but the fact of the matter is that anyone who has gone through a portion of their life with crooked teeth is a viable candidate for Invisalign.
The reason teens and youths are a common demographic for orthodontic treatment is that the jaws are more malleable during this stage in life, meaning the teeth are simply easier to move. Plus, it also makes more sense to address orthodontic issues early in life, rather than later, in order to mitigate potential problems.
All of that said, though, a patient might still not decide to receive orthodontic treatment until they’re an adult, or their teeth might have become crooked since undergoing a first round of treatment. In any case, they can still benefit from the clear aligners; a straighter smile has lifelong benefits!
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Orthodontics has served families in Dayville for several years, offering a wide range of preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and several other types of services. We proudly offer Invisalign treatment to help our patients achieve straighter, healthier smiles that inspire confidence and function perfectly. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with our team to set up an appointment for yourself or a loved one, please feel free to reach out online or by phone for assistance. Telephone: (860) 774-2008.