Am I Too Old for Invisalign?

When you think about Invisalign, you might be inclined to think orthodontic treatment a young person’s game, and as an adult it’s simply too late for you to correct your smile. But the good news is that when it comes to straightening your teeth, there is no such thing as an age limit. In fact, Invisalign is great for patients from their teens all the way to their twilight years!

Whether you’ve never had braces, or your teeth have shifted back out of alignment following a treatment in your youth, here’s why Invisalign could be the answer to your dental dilemma!

Age and Orthodontics

As we age, our bones solidify, making it harder for teeth to shift during orthodontic treatment. This is why your dentist typically recommends starting when you’re in your childhood or teens. But just because your bones are harder doesn’t mean that treatment is no longer possible, it just means that you may need to wear your Invisalign aligners a little longer than you would have if you’d started as a teen.

The Benefits of Invisalign

In addition to having a prettier smile, Invisalign offers many oral health benefits you may not have considered. First, straighter teeth are much easier to clean, helping to reduce your risk of cavities, gum disease, and tooth infections.

Furthermore, straighter teeth can make things like speaking and chewing much easier and can even alleviate jaw pain from a bad bite or temporomandibular joint problem. These issues can affect patients of any age, and it’s never too late to correct them.

Reasons You Can’t Start Invisalign

Thankfully, while age is not a factor in getting Invisalign, the condition of your teeth and gums is. This means that in order to undergo orthodontic treatment, your mouth must be in good health. If you have any issues such as gum disease, untreated cavities, tooth infections, or damaged teeth, your dentist will want to correct these either before or during your Invisalign treatment.

If you are missing teeth or have crowns or implants, this does not disqualify you from Invisalign. Your dentist may recommend a dental implant to help protect your jaw and restore your bite force, but this will be determined at your consultation. Should your teeth already have restorations such as crowns or fillings, your treatment with aligners can still be a success.

Remember, there’s no time limit on excellent oral health, and that includes correcting your bite with the help of Invisalign. To learn more about if Invisalign aligners are right for you, schedule a consultation with your dentist today.

About Dr. Freyne

Dr. Ronan Freyne believes in creating a meaningful bond with his patients. This trust helps them make better decisions about their oral health and makes it easier for them to come to him in an urgent situation. Whether you need a regular cleaning, a cosmetic procedure, or you’re interested in learning more about Invisalign, Dr. Freyne and the team are standing by to help!

To schedule an appointment for Invisalign, please visit our website or call us today at 301-986-0700.