Invisalign is one of the most popular teeth straightening solutions for a good reason — Invisalign results are extremely reliable. It is also preferable because, unlike metal braces, Invisalign straightens teeth with clear plastic aligners that are almost invisible when worn. As they are removable, you can also eat whatever you want, and brushing and flossing your teeth is much easier.
If you are considering teeth straightening, you might be wondering if you are too old for good Invisalign results. Or you may have a teenager who needs orthodontic treatment and is not happy about the prospect of having metal braces. In this blog, we take a closer look at how Invisalign treatment for teens and adults works and if there is an optimal age to get the most successful Invisalign results.
Invisalign treatment corrects your bite and straightens your teeth and is therefore suitable for teens with almost any orthodontic issue. Starting orthodontic treatment when younger can make the process easier because teeth are not as resistant and will move faster. Regardless of age, if your teenager has been advised by their dentist that they would benefit from orthodontic treatment, they might be able to have Invisalign.
The factor to consider when choosing Invisalign treatment is whether your teenager will be happy wearing the aligners for 22 hours a day. The results of Invisalign treatment depend on this, and it can be difficult for teenagers, who may be tempted to remove their aligners for longer periods. Invisalign aligners for teens do have the advantage of a tiny blue dot indicating how long they have been worn, so you can check that your teenager is not taking them out.
However, another option, such as hidden braces — called lingual braces — that use metal brackets attached behind the teeth may be more suitable. This is something to discuss with your teen before deciding on Invisalign or braces. Find out if Invisalign treatment is the best option for you and your teen, without risk, with a free Invisalign video consultation.
You may not have wanted orthodontic treatment when you were younger, and now as an adult want straight teeth. The good news is there is no upper age limit for Invisalign, and it is just as effective. Another common misconception is that Invisalign treatment can not treat more severe orthodontic issues in adults.
The good news is that Invisalign is the only brand of clear aligners that have done extensive research and can provide treatment for more severe orthodontic issues, such as a prominent overbite or crossbite. Although, there may be a small chance that Invisalign results might take longer to straighten your teeth than metal braces.
The only criteria for the best age to get Invisalign treatment is your jaw bone levels. Jawbone levels can reduce as you age and is also affected by chronic periodontitis (gum disease) and tooth loss. Losing a tooth naturally or via extraction, either due to gum disease, decay, or overcrowding, can cause as much as 25% bone loss in the first year. This bone loss continues at a slower rate; the longer you have had a missing tooth or teeth, the more bone loss you will have.
Invisalign works by putting pressure on your teeth to make them move. When you have a loss of jawbone levels, your teeth could be looser so we need to ensure we move them safely.. The same will also apply to teeth straightening with metal braces.
Loss of one or a few teeth will rarely mean you can’t have Invisalign. If you have lost several teeth in a row and have an implant or tooth-supported permanent bridge, then Invisalign can’t move these teeth. That’s not to say that you can’t move the other teeth in your mouth though.
In most cases, you can have Invisalign with veneers or crowns. Your crowns and veneers will not crack or become loose because of Invisalign.
You will not be able to have Invisalign treatment if you have gum disease. However, gum disease is treatable and can be reversed. Once it is gone, you will normally be able to have Invisalign unless there has been severe jaw bone loss. Even if you can’t have Invisalign following treatment of gum disease, you will have prevented future tooth loss.
Invisalign will normally take longer for an adult than a teenager as you’re no longer growing. The amount of time it will take depends on your bite and the complexity of your case. Your dentist will be able to advise how long your Invisalign treatment will take after you have had your 3D scans, which are done as part of your treatment.
It’s highly likely and easy to find out! We are a specialist Invisalign dentist, and because we also provide cosmetic dentistry, if you have veneers, crowns or implants, we can check they are secure enough, and if they need replacing, we can do this prior to starting your Invisalign treatment. Our cosmetic dentists in Bournemouth will analyse six photos of your teeth and provide a Confident Smile Report, which will explain the treatment you need, including Invisalign, to give you a smile you feel good about. You can then decide if you want a complimentary free video consultation.
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Dr Gareth Edwards BDS (Hons) MFDS RCPS (Glasg) qualified from dental school with honours. Practising from Bournemouth and Poole, he has a keen interest in orthodontics and aesthetic dentistry and is a certified Invisalign provider. Smile Stories provide teeth whitening Bournemouth.