Some adults don't begin to consider straightening their teeth until later in life, but may wonder, 'Is 50 or 60 too old for Invisalign?'. Here, our Surrey orthodontists talk about Invisalign for older adults and what you can expect during treatment.
Invisalign for Adults Over 50 (or Even 60!)
Invisalign has no age restrictions. Many patients seeking cosmetic and oral health improvements with Invisalign are adults in their 50s, 60s, and beyond.
Having straight teeth can be a benefit at any age. If you are in your 50s and 60s and still have all or most of your natural teeth, and follow proper oral hygiene habits. Invisalign treatment can effectively straighten your teeth or close gaps. Additionally, having straight teeth makes them easier to clean and maintain.
Reasons Adults Seek Invisalign Treatment
Many adults with misalignment problems underwent orthodontic treatment in their youth. In some cases, typically when retainers aren't worn consistently after treatment, their teeth might have gradually shifted again.
Some patients have always had crooked teeth. Not everyone had the opportunity to undergo treatment with braces as kids.
Whether your teeth have shifted, or you missed the chance to straighten them during your teenage years, it’s never too late to experience the comfort and discretion of Invisalign treatment.
Is treatment different for older patients?
The biggest difference in orthodontics for adults vs. children or teens is that the bones in an adult's face and mouth are no longer growing. While this doesn't impact the type of treatment used, there may be differences in treatment times due to the bones already being fully formed.
Other factors your orthodontist will evaluate when deciding on the ideal orthodontic treatment include existing fillings, absent teeth, misshapen or worn teeth, and dental disease. Certain medications and habits, such as smoking, teeth clenching or grinding, and tongue thrusting, can impact treatment results.
Orthodontists often collaborate with the primary dentist to manage orthodontic care. In more complex cases, the primary dental care provider and orthodontist may need to call in other dental specialists such as oral surgeons, periodontists, and endodontists to achieve the ideal outcome.
Benefits of Invisalign Treatments as an Adult
When considering the many options for orthodontic treatment as an adult, Invisalign provides several advantages that make it a compelling choice:
- Discreet appearance: The aligners are transparent, allowing adults to keep a professional appearance without attracting attention to their treatment.
- Comfort: Invisalign aligners consist of smooth, BPA-free plastic, which means there is no discomfort from metal brackets or wires that may cause irritation.
- Removable: Unlike conventional braces, Invisalign aligners can be removed, enabling you to eat, brush, and floss without any restrictions. This eliminates dietary limitations, which typically involve avoiding hard or sticky foods.
- Convenience: With busy lives, many adults find that Invisalign fits in well with their schedule. While there are no adjustment appointments, you will need to visit the dental clinic for regular checkups.
What to Expect During Orthodontic Treatment
Invisalign treatment offers great convenience. After your orthodontist determines your eligibility for Invisalign, an appointment will be scheduled at our clinic. During this visit, we will take images of your teeth and jaw to send to an authorized Invisalign laboratory, where your new Invisalign trays will be created.
When your trays arrive, you will receive guidance on caring for and maintaining your new aligner trays. Usually, the trays are worn for two weeks each. After using all of your trays, you will be fitted with a retainer. You will need to wear this retainer as per the guidelines set out by your orthodontist.
How long does adult orthodontic treatment take?
Adult Invisalign treatment timelines differ based on the severity and complexity of each case, resulting in tailored plans for every patient. During your initial consultation, your orthodontist can provide a precise timeline for your individual treatment.
Nonetheless, it is reasonable to expect that individuals with slightly misaligned teeth will require approximately eight to twelve months for treatment, whereas more complicated cases could take several years. Throughout this period, appointments with the orthodontist are arranged at regular intervals to track your progress. This relatively minimal time commitment yields significant benefits in dental health, jaw function, biting, chewing, oral hygiene, and overall self-esteem.