Crooked and misaligned teeth are a condition many people worldwide face. Whether or not this is a bad thing is subjective and depends entirely on how you perceive it. However, it is a fact that this condition has been shown to cause a few problems, one of which is poor oral hygiene.
That is why more and more people, including adults, are rushing towards an orthodontist to seek treatment for their crooked teeth. One of the most sought-after orthodontic treatments in this modern day and age is Invisalign aligners. But there is a question that stands in the minds of most American adults, “am I too old for Invisalign?” or, more importantly, “is Invisalign worth it for adults?”
This article will demystify all age-related doubts about Invisalign and also help you understand why Invisalign for adults is a worthwhile investment.
What Are Invisalign Aligners?
Invisalign aligners are a type of braces that are essentially a series of custom-designed clear braces made from the impressions of your teeth to force them into the correct position. The aligners are made of a solid piece of plastic that applies constant pressure to certain areas of your teeth, gradually shifting them into a better place. Since the aligners are transparent and quickly taken off, they are much less noticeable than metal braces.
Each set of Invisalign aligners loses its effectiveness over time and, therefore, must be swapped with a group of aligners designed for the proceeding phase of the treatment.
Invisalign for Adults – Am I Too Old for Invisalign?
The most significant difference between young people and adults is that the teeth and mouths of youngsters are still in their development phase. This means that the teeth are likely to grow and shift in the coming years, so using this gradual movement in favour of a more straightened teeth alignment seems a pretty practical approach.
However, in the case of adults, the teeth have already settled in at their permanent positions and will no longer undergo any shifting on their own. Perhaps this dissimilarity is what births the doubts and misconceptions about orthodontic treatments, especially Invisalign, not working on adult teeth.
If you were troubled by these same doubts, you’d be glad to learn that you can never be too old for Invisalign since it has no age restrictions! Thanks to the revolutionary advancements made in orthodontics and manufacturing and designing techniques, cosmetic dentistry and procedures such as Invisalign are becoming increasingly prevalent among adults who want the most incredible smile possible.
Orthodontists now report seeing patients well over 40, 50, and even 60 years of age every day. Just like for the young demographic, a set of Invisalign aligners are custom-made based on the teeth impression of the adults. The rest of the treatment is also similar, with the adult having to wear the aligners for a significant part of their day and then swap the aligners with a new set after a few weeks to keep the treatment progressing.
Certain factors, however, can complicate orthodontic treatment for adults. For instance, tooth movement and readjustment necessitate bone restructuring; therefore, you must have healthy gums. This should not be an issue if your periodontal health is good, but if the gums or supporting structures are unstable, your treatment will have to be delayed until they are.
You should also be informed of the limitations and capabilities of Invisalign. Generally, Invisalign is excellent for crowding and spacing issues and straightening moderate cases of crooked teeth. However, traditional metal braces would be the way to go for more major tooth movements, as may be required in cases of severe underbites, overbites, and crossbites.
Is Invisalign Worth It for Adults?
Since Invisalign treatment, unlike metal braces, involves designing multiple clear aligners for different stages of the treatment, Invisalign treatment is more expensive than braces. Knowing this, the question “is Invisalign worth it for adults” becomes even more critical.
In the United States, a large percentage of adults suffer from dental problems. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, one out of every four adults has at least one decaying tooth. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that nearly half of the adult population in the United States suffers from severe periodontal disease.
If left unaddressed, these issues might result in tooth loss and other health issues. Fortunately, oral health professionals can help you deal with these issues. Many dental problems that plague adult teeth in the United States arise from misaligned and crooked teeth. These conditions make it challenging for adults to adequately care for their teeth, leading to poor oral hygiene.
Dental health issues, such as periodontal disease and misalignment of teeth, can be avoided or remediated with the help of orthodontic treatments such as Invisalign. But why Invisalign, you ask? The following advantages will help you understand why Invisalign is a better option for most adults.
Significant Advantages of Invisalign for Adults
Invisalign Aligners Are Inconspicuous
Having to wear unsightly metal braces is a factor that discourages many from undergoing orthodontic treatment. However, Invisalign is clear and hardly noticeable, meaning you can go about your day without worrying about looking bad.
Little to No Dietary Restrictions
Since Invisalign aligners can be quickly taken off, you can eat almost anything. Just don’t eat while wearing the aligners.
Fewer Visits to the Dentist
With braces, one has to visit an orthodontist after every few days to have the braces readjusted. This, however, is not a problem with Invisalign.
Better Oral Health and Hygiene
Undoubtedly the most significant advantage of Invisalign is that it grants you better oral health by helping you avoid many dental health problems. It can also enable you to provide better care for your teeth, improving your oral hygiene.
Conclusion
When considering orthodontic treatment, try to focus on the many benefits you will receive rather than the seeming inconvenience of going to the dentist for adjustments or any dietary limitations you’ll have to adhere to. Adults who receive orthodontic treatment enjoy a significantly higher quality of life than those who do not. And so, to answer “Is Invisalign worth it for adults?” it is! Also, it is essential to remember that you can never be too old for Invisalign.
Chiswick Park Dental practice has a team of dedicated and passionate dental specialists who have administered countless Invisalign treatments throughout their 30 years of service in dentistry. To get started on your orthodontic treatment, call us now at 020 8987 9977.
