You’ve reached a point where your 21st birthday is a distant memory. You may have children of your own…a career you’ve worked hard for…your own home. Even though you still feel like a teenager when that absolute banger from your youth turns up on a Spotify playlist, you can’t escape the fact you’re an adult.
Along with the nostalgic longing for youth, you may wish you’d straightened your teeth when you were 14. Now, with convenient treatments like Invisalign being more commonplace, you wonder if it’s too late for you.
So, what is the upper age limit for Invisalign? Can you realign your teeth in your 20s, 30s, and older?
The good news is that you can still straighten your teeth as an adult. Here’s why it’s never too late to get Invisalign, along with all of the information you need to make a decision about the future of your smile.
A Quick Introduction To Invisalign
Invisalign has been a big thing in dentistry since around the turn of the millennium. It’s a clear, removable alternative to braces.
The beauty of Invisalign is that it produces tooth movements through applied gentle pressure, but unlike braces, it doesn’t need brackets and wires. Gone are the old “train tracks”, and instead, you get clear aligner trays made to fit your teeth perfectly.
You can take your aligner out at mealtimes or for cleaning. This means your treatment won’t get in the way of living your life.
Every treatment requires digital planning before it begins. Throughout the process, you’ll swap aligners every couple of weeks. The new aligners will further the adjustment made by the last.
Every smile is unique. Some people only need around 12 aligner stages, while others may need considerably more. This means treatments can run from six months to around two years.
What Is the Age Limit for Invisalign?
There is no upper age limit for Invisalign. Orthodontic treatment often occurs during the teen years due to jaw growth and the fact that younger teenagers are a little less self-conscious about wearing braces.
But we get amazing results in patients of all ages. And, given that Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, it means barely anyone will notice you’re wearing them.
Adults Make Great Invisalign Patients
Although Invisalign is perfect for straightening teenage smiles, the treatment has some fantastic outcomes for adults.
Here are a few of the factors which drive success in adult patients.
Adults Comply With Treatment
If you’re getting Invisalign as an adult, there’s a strong chance you’re paying for the treatment out of your own pocket. You know how much you’ll have had to work to pay for your treatment costs, And while Invisalign is affordable and finance options are available, it’s still a major financial decision for many people.
All of this adds up to increased commitment. You care about getting results, and you’ll wear your aligner exactly as directed.
Adults Remember Why They’re Doing It
Ultimately, you’ll have decided to receive Invisalign treatment because you want to change something about your smile. While teenagers may also want to see similar changes, it’s sometimes easier to focus on your treatment aims when you’re a little older.
Adults Are Often Better at Oral Care
By reaching adulthood, you probably appreciate the value of looking after your smile. Whether you’ve needed fillings or have had other dental problems in the past, or you just want fresh, bright teeth, you’re self-motivated to practice good dental hygiene.
This helps you look after your teeth during Invisalign treatment. Wearing an aligner against your teeth all day can trap plaque and food particles in, potentially increasing the risk of decay. Better brushing habits will mean this won’t be an issue for you.
Are There Any Reasons Why I Can’t Have Invisalign As An Adult?
Of course, with any treatment, there are reasons why it might not be for you. There are two factors we’ll need to consider— however, these are things we’d also need to consider if you were 15. These are:
- Complexity
- Current oral health
Invisalign is good in most mild to moderate cases and can close gaps, straighten teeth, reduce crowding, and tackle issues like crossbite, overbite, underbite, open bite, and more. But in cases where the teeth need to move too far, Invisalign might not work, or you may need a combination of treatments.
Additionally, your teeth, gums, and jaw need to be healthy. You’ll be wearing an aligner 22 hours a day, and although the constant pressure won’t hurt, we want to ensure it’s not going to cause any issues if your teeth are already compromised in any way.
It’s Never Too Late
Don’t let age be a barrier to getting the smile you’ve always wanted. Call us today and take your first steps on your Invisalign journey.
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