Am I Too Old for Invisalign? A Guide To Adult Teeth Straightening

There are lots of reasons why so many people reach their adult years with orthodontic issues. Although treatments often take place during your teenage years, it’s perfectly normal to have crooked and crowded teeth or a gappy and misaligned smile as an adult.

You may have reached the point where you have the time, motivation, and money to invest in straightening your teeth. However, despite feeling able to improve your smile, you may be asking yourself whether you’ve left it too late.

Invisalign is an attractive treatment option because it’s subtle, comfortable, and convenient. But can you have Invisalign treatment as an adult?

Here’s why it’s never too late to perfect your smile with Invisalign along with some information about what to expect from the treatment.

Why Are My Teeth Crooked?

Before we discuss Invisalign, let’s take a look at your smile. Approximately nine out of ten people experience some issues with the position of their teeth, so you’re not alone. There are several reasons why your teeth are in the positions they are today.

Genetics plays a major role in determining what our smiles look like. The size of your jaw and teeth is often handed down from your parents, so if they had a crowded or gappy smile, you might, too.

Habits like sucking on a dummy or your thumb too late into childhood or thrusting your tongue against the insides of your teeth can all affect the shape of your bite, leaving you with protruding and misaligned teeth,

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners which fit over your teeth like a mouthguard. The specially designed aligner material creates a force against your teeth. This constant pressure will gradually move your teeth.

Every aligner is designed and made to measure. Before your treatment, we’ll take digital scans and use the latest dental technology to plot the steps we’ll take to move your teeth into the perfect position. Each step moves your teeth a fraction of a millimetre and will require a new bespoke aligner.

Treatment lengths vary depending on your specific circumstances. However, you can expect to wear your aligner anywhere from six months to two or more years.

Is There An Age Limit for Invisalign?

The good news is that there are no age restrictions on Invisalign. Dentists tend to treat teenagers for orthodontic issues for various reasons. Younger teens are often less self-conscious than adults; the treatment will impact their lifestyle less, and their developing smile makes issues with the position of their teeth more noticeable.

But there is no reason why you can’t use Invisalign to straighten your teeth when you’re in your 20s, 30s, 40s, or beyond.

What Are the Benefits of Invisalign Over Traditional Braces?

There are many reasons why people choose Invisalign over traditional fixed braces. Here are some of the most common reasons.

Predictability

Invisalign is accurate. Before you start wearing aligners, we’ll show you a computer-generated image of how your smile will look after treatment. As long as you stick to the treatment plan as directed and wear your aligner for at least 22 hours each day, the smile you see is the one you’ll get.

Discretion

Made from a translucent plastic material that’s shaped to your teeth, barely anyone will see your aligners. The discreet nature of Invisalign makes it perfect if you’re a professional who works with the public or if you feel conscious about how your smile may look during treatment.

Convenience

Because your aligner is removable, it doesn’t become an issue at mealtimes. Your treatment is not a barrier to you enjoying whatever food you like. Added to this, cleaning both your teeth and your aligner is very easy.

Comfort

Invisalign’s smooth, lightweight aligners ensure a comfortable treatment process. The aligners won’t scratch the inside of your mouth, and after a short period of wear, you will probably forget you’re even wearing them, even when it’s time to sleep.

Flexibility

There are several types of misalignment, and the positions of your teeth are unique to you. Whether you have crowded, gappy, or crooked teeth or any form of misaligned bite, Invisalign can help. This fully customisable treatment is perfect for mild to moderate cases.

Is Invisalign Right for Me?

Although age isn’t a reason to put your Invisalign dreams aside, we’ll still need to check whether it’s the right treatment for you. We’ll assess your smile to see whether Invisalign is suitable. In some advanced cases, you may require another form of treatment.

During this initial consultation, we’ll examine your teeth and gums and discuss your lifestyle and general health. If Invisalign is suitable, we’ll answer your questions and discuss the next steps.

Invisalign In Leeds

If you’re considering Invisalign, don’t let age feel like a barrier. This comfortable, discrete, and convenient treatment is perfect for all ages. A full consultation will determine whether Invisalign is the right option.

Contact us today to schedule your Invisalign consultation.