Since the company started in 1997, Invisalign has helped over 12 million people achieve straighter, more beautiful smiles. Invisalign clear aligners are a popular alternative to traditional metal braces and offer a more aesthetic look. They are highly effective at correcting bite issues, gaps between teeth, alignment problems, and more. Though these aligner trays are the orthodontic method of choice for many patients, you may be wondering: am I too old for Invisalign? Read on to find out if it’s ever too late to get clear aligners, what bite problems they can fix, and the benefits of getting them as an older adult.

Why It’s Not Too Late to Get Invisalign

When many people imagine orthodontic treatments, they think of kids wearing bulky metal braces. Not only is Invisalign less visually invasive, but it can also be worn by adults of all ages. In some cases, people who had braces as a kid are interested in getting Invisalign as an adult due to their teeth shifting back to their original position. In most cases, your orthodontist will give you the okay to move forward with treatment.

The Benefits of Getting Invisalign as an Adult

Getting Invisalign as an adult may improve the look of your smile, but it can also benefit your oral health. Misaligned teeth can create crevices where food and other debris can get stuck, which makes those areas difficult to clean. This gives harmful oral bacteria plenty to feed on. Those bacteria will then release acids, which attack your tooth enamel and make you more likely to develop cavities. Along with correcting this issue, there are also several benefits of getting Invisalign as an adult, including:

• Being more diligent – Invisalign needs to be worn 20-22 hours per day to be effective. You also need to make sure to properly care for your aligners to prevent damage to them. Adults often have a better understanding of how to properly care for their aligners and the importance of using them as recommended.
• Responsibility – Adults have a better grasp of responsibility, especially since they have to pay for treatment on their own. This makes them more likely to take it seriously.
• Improved oral hygiene – Kids and teens are often not as good at brushing and flossing their teeth as adults. This means that going through Invisalign treatment as an adult makes you more likely to take good care of your teeth, which will prevent treatment delays.

Not only is there no age limit on Invisalign treatment, but there are some ways it may be even more beneficial if you get it as an adult. Reach out to your dentist today so you can get started on your journey to a healthier, happier smile!

About the Practice

Dr. James Olsen and his compassionate Ann Arbor team of oral health professionals take pride in providing their patients with an exceptional office experience from the moment they walk through the door. If you’re interested in straightening your smile but aren’t sure if you’re too old to get Invisalign, they can walk you through the process and benefits of getting it as an adult. Call Dr. Olsen’s office at (734) 996-0200 or visit his website for more information on Invisalign or to make an appointment.