Invisalign® for Adults: Your Comprehensive Guide to a Straighter Smile at Any Age
When you think of orthodontic corrective measures, braces might come to mind. Or maybe headgear (extra-oral appliances) that help promote teeth and jaw alignment.
Invisalign aligners in a stylish case, perfect for on-the-go convenience.
It’s also common to assume that these steps are only for your earlier years (look no further than your junior high yearbook), and that if corrections weren’t made back then, it’s too late for you now.
The truth is, every age is the right age for a confident, healthy smile, and many adults today are on the hunt for effective orthodontic solutions. Maybe you didn’t have the same access to care or resources that you do now, or maybe an issue developed over the years that you’re ready to reverse. Regardless of the reason, aesthetic or essential, now is the time.
Invisalign is a popular option, offering a number of benefits that make it perfectly suited for adults of all ages.
Why Adults Are Choosing Invisalign
As you weigh your options, you likely are looking for something discrete and effective above all else. In other words, you want results, but you also don’t want something as obvious as braces. Especially in this stage of life.
Here are a few of the key reasons why Invisalign can be the perfect fit:
Discreetly adjusting Invisalign aligners while dining out.
Discreet appearance. Made from clear, medical-grade plastic, Invisalign aligners allow you to straighten your teeth without conspicuous metal braces.
Comfort and convenience. If you’ve ever worn braces, you already know how irritating the wires can be. Invisalign aligners are smooth and comfortable, plus they’re removable for brushing, flossing, or eating. Perfect and adaptable for adults with busy lifestyles. As an extra benefit, there are no dietary restrictions. Since you can easily remove your aligners, feel free to have all the popcorn and sticky treats you want (well, within reason…).
Flexible care. Here at Grace Orthodontics, we take comfort and convenience to a new level with virtual care and monitoring. We can check your progress weekly through our app, and also offer evening and weekend appointments. It’s always nice to see you, but we know that keeping in-office visits to a minimum can be beneficial.
Customized for all ages, including older adults. Invisalign is perfect for adults of all ages, from young professionals to those in their 50s, 60s, or 70s. The technology and treatment plans can be tailored to address any issue, including age-related changes in dental health. Again, it’s never too late.
Improved oral health. How your smile looks and makes you feel is important, but so is maintaining a healthy mouth. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, easier to floss between, and have reduced risk of gum disease and tooth decay. See? Even more reasons to smile.
Which Orthodontic Issues Can Invisalign Fix for Adults?
To best understand how and why Invisalign is so effective, and the issues it can correct, you need to go back to the beginning of the process.
Invisalign clear aligners: Effective for various dental issues.
We start with an iTero™ digital scan, providing a 3D impression of your mouth. The goal is to precisely map your teeth, how they’re rooted, and understand any misalignments (or malocclusions, like overbite and underbite). This blueprint allows us to create an Invisalign liner just for you with laser precision.
Typical issues that can be addressed include:
Overcrowding
Spacing
Bite issues
Underbite
Overbite
Gaps
Tooth shape… and more
It’s important to remember that Invisalign is not a one-size-fits-all solution. This approach works so well because of the time taken to customize and tailor your treatment plan.
How Does Invisalign Treatment Work for Adults?
All of this sounds good, even exciting, but now it’s time to get practical. How does it work, and what kind of process can you expect?
Initial consultation and assessment. The first step involves scheduling a consultation with your orthodontist to determine if Invisalign is right for you. During this visit, the orthodontist will evaluate your dental health, discuss your smile goals, and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. If you’re an older adult, the orthodontist will take into account any additional dental considerations, making sure that Invisalign is your best option.
iTero scans and outcome simulations. There’s no guessing involved. Using the best orthodontic technology, your orthodontist will use an iTero™ scanner to take digital impressions of your teeth. This 3D scan allows for precise mapping of your teeth's current alignment and helps create a digital simulation of what your smile will look like after completing Invisalign treatment. Having a better understanding of the journey and the destination is key.
Aligner fitting and wear instructions. Once your custom-made aligner is ready, you'll come back for your fitting and detailed wear/care instructions. The aligners are designed to fit snugly over your teeth, gradually guiding them into the right position. Typically, aligners are worn for 20-22 hours a day and changed every 1-2 weeks, depending on your specific treatment plan.
Routine check-ups and progress monitoring. Throughout your treatment, you’ll have regular check-ups with your orthodontist to ensure everything is on track. These visits are generally short and involve checking the fit of your aligners and making any necessary adjustments. As a reference point, Invisalign treatment for adults usually takes between 6-18 months, but your orthodontist can give you a more accurate timeline.
Completion and retention phase. Time to slip into maintenance mode! Once you have finished wearing your aligners and are loving your smile, you’ll move into what’s called the “retention phase.” This involves wearing a retainer to simply maintain your new smile and prevent teeth from shifting back into their original positions. Your orthodontist will let you know how often to wear your retainer for the best results.
Why Invisalign Can Help Adults Over 50
So, is Invisalign for adults over 50? Yes, it absolutely can be. But as we grow older, our dental needs and history become more nuanced, and it’s natural if you have a few concerns about your specific care plan.
Here are a few reasons why this process can offer not only fantastic results, but also peace of mind along the way.
Confident smile after Invisalign treatment.
Gentle and non-invasive. The Invisalign process is non-invasive, working gradually and gently to shift your teeth. This is not an aggressive orthodontic treatment.
Customized solutions based on your dental history. If you’ve had dental work like crowns, bridges, or implants, your orthodontist can design your Invisalign treatment around these past procedures.
Health and aesthetic benefits. Remember, this is about more than a pretty smile (as important as that is). Properly aligned teeth reduce the risk of gum disease, decay, and other dental issues that can become more pronounced and serious with age.
Top FAQs
Q. Is Invisalign effective for older adults?
Yes! Invisalign is designed for patients of all ages, and can be particularly beneficial for older adults looking for a discreet and effective way to take their smile (and oral health) to a new level.
Q. How long does Invisalign treatment take for adults?
It all depends on your specific case and goals. That’s the beauty of Invisalign: it’s customized for you. On average, however, it can take between 6-18 months before you go into more of a maintenance mode.
Q. Can you use Invisalign if you’ve had past dental work?
Absolutely! Invisalign aligners can be customized to work around existing dental work, including crowns, bridges, and implants, making it a versatile treatment option.
What’s Your Takeaway?
It’s never too late.
Invisalign is a customizable solution for people of nearly any age, improving smiles and overall oral health. If you have more questions, please feel free to contact us at Grace Orthodontics, serving Fort Lee, Edgewater, Cliffside Park, and surrounding areas in Bergen County, NJ. We’d love to speak with you and share our passion for all that Invisalign offers.
