Am I Too Old For Invisalign?
Invisalign is a fantastic solution for patients dealing with mild to moderate alignment issues or unhealthy bites. However, there's a common misconception that these types of treatments are primarily for younger patients. The truth is, you're never too old to benefit from Invisalign, and there are some unique advantages to pursuing this treatment later in life.
Check them out below:
1. Make Your Own Decisions Regarding Your Oral Health
When you’re older, you're also financially independent and get to make choices regarding your oral health and smile aesthetics based on what you want, not what your parents want.
You can read up on Invisalign, other clear aligners, and even traditional orthodontics and make informed decisions that can help you be happier with your tooth alignment.
2. Follow the Treatment Carefully
Invisalign has some strict rules that patients need to follow to get the results they want. Teenagers and younger patients may struggle to follow all the rules, which could mean their treatments won’t properly fix their malocclusions.
Some of the rules that Invisalign comes with include:
- Wearing the trays for at least 22 hours a day
- Never eat or drink anything other than plain water with the trays on.
- Never expose the aligners to heat.
- Cleaning the trays by brushing them once a day.
- Brushing your teeth at least twice a day
Older patients typically have a better time following all these rules because they are slightly more motivated to see their treatment through.
3. Make It Easier to Care for Your Smile
An improper alignment or bite doesn't just lead to aesthetic issues. Misaligned teeth, for example, are much harder to clean, and food tends to be easily trapped between the teeth. This increases your risk for cavities and gum disease, especially if you don't regularly get professional dental cleanings.
An unhealthy bite, on the other hand, can wear down your teeth since the pressure you’re applying while chewing your food isn’t distributed properly.
All these risks can be reduced with Invisalign, allowing you to have a healthier smile.
4. Be More Confident in Your Appearance
Lastly, one of the biggest benefits of getting Invisalign when you’re older is becoming happier about your teeth’s appearance.
Clear aligner therapy can offer you impressive results and lead to a more visually pleasing smile on top of improved oral health.
5. Maintain Your Lifestyle Uninterrupted
As an adult with a busy and dynamic life, you likely have numerous commitments and activities. Invisalign aligners offer the advantage of minimal disruption to your daily routine. Unlike traditional braces that may require frequent adjustments and can interfere with certain activities, Invisalign allows you to continue your lifestyle without significant interruption. Whether it's work, social events, or hobbies, Invisalign fits seamlessly into your life, allowing you to achieve a straighter smile while keeping up with your busy schedule.
Find Out if Invisalign Is Right for You
There is no age limit for Invisalign, but there are some factors Dr. Bobby Marzban will consider to determine if you’re a good candidate for these clear aligners, which include your specific type of tooth misalignment.
But you can learn more about your options once you get a consultation. Schedule your visit to The McLean Orthodontist online and stop by to learn more.
If you have more questions about Invisalign or our other orthodontic services, call us at (703) 356-8781 today.