Am I past the Invisalign age limit at 64? My teeth are shifting, and it is noticeable. I have compared pictures of myself smiling five years ago, and I don’t like the change. Also, my teeth feel awkward when I close my mouth. My dentist does not do orthodontics, so I haven’t talked to her about getting Invisalign. I am concerned that it might be too late for Invisalign, and if braces were my only option, I would decline. Thank you, Diane, from MD
Diane,
Thank you for your question. Mature adults can get Invisalign.
What Is the Invisalign Age Limit?
There is no age limit for Invisalign. People in their 60s and beyond get great results with treatment. If you are willing to commit to wearing the aligners as directed by an Invisalign dentist, you should consider the treatment. Your Invisalign provider will ensure your teeth and gums are healthy enough to begin treatment. Otherwise, they will recommend treatment to improve your oral health before you get the clear aligners.
Why Is Invisalign Effective for Mature Patients?
Regardless of age, mature patients benefit from Invisalign for many reasons, including:
- Convenience
- Easy to maintain
- Socialize without being self-conscience
- Comfort
- Commitment
- A more youthful smile
Convenience
Invisalign clear aligners are convenient. Your provider will show you how to put on and remove your Invisalign trays. You will not have to worry about uncomfortable brackets and wires during your treatment. You will get a supply of aligners and switch them every two weeks.
Easy to Maintain
It is easy to maintain Invisalign and keep the aligners clean. Invisalign removes the challenges of navigating floss and a toothbrush around braces because you will remove the aligners to clean them and your teeth. You will remove the aligners for these reasons:
- While you eat
- Brush and floss your teeth
- Rinse the aligners after meals
- Clean the aligners at night
Socialize Without Being Self-Conscious
Many adults avoid braces because they do not want to see or feel bulky appliances on their teeth. Clear Invisalign aligners often go unnoticed by friends and family. You can enjoy your favorite activities without hesitating to smile or laugh because people will see your smile, not your braces.
Comfort
Wireless, bracket-free Invisalign trays are comfortable for you to wear all day. Successful treatment requires wearing the aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily. But wearing Invisalign is not a hassle. The aligners gently apply pressure to your teeth, and each new set of aligners feels comfortable in a few days.
Commitment
Your desire for orthodontics as a mature patient increases your determination to diligently follow the protocol for wearing the aligners. Unlike younger patients who may forget to put on or remove their aligners, your maturity can help you stay on track with your treatment plan and keep the momentum going. Still, if you lose or break an aligner, your dentist can get a replacement and help you stay on track with treatment.
A More Youthful Smile
Misaligned teeth can prematurely age your smile. Invisalign can correct spacing and shifting that occur with age. After treatment, you will have a more youthful, attractive smile.
How Can You Get Started with Invisalign?
Invisalign treatment begins by consulting with a skilled provider. During your consultation, you will experience the following:
- You will discuss your goals with the Invisalign dentist.
- The dentist will examine and digitally scan your teeth.
- The dentist will explain whether you are a candidate.
If you want to proceed with treatment, your Invisalign dentist will use a 3-D model of your teeth to create a treatment plan. Schedule a consultation with an Invisalign provider.
Dr. Brian LeSage, an accredited Fellow of cosmetic dentistry in Beverly Hills, sponsors this post.