Many people associate orthodontics with adolescence because it’s incredibly common for patients to undergo treatment in their teens. However, even if your grin was evenly spaced for most of your life, the pressure from daily biting and chewing or chronic teeth grinding (bruxism) can eventually push your teeth out of alignment. This can contribute to oral problems, such as worn-down enamel, bite issues, or TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders later in life.
Invisalign can straighten smiles more comfortably and discreetly than traditional braces, but if you’re an older adult, you might worry you’ve waited too long to complete this service successfully. Continue reading to learn why you can still have hope!
How Does Invisalign Work?
Unlike standard orthodontics, which use metal brackets and wires attached to your enamel, this option relies on a series of transparent plastic trays customized to fit over your arch. They must be worn for 20 to 22 hours daily to shift your teeth gently to their ideal places and prevent them from reverting back to their starting positions.
Then, after a week or two, your dentist will direct you to switch to the next pair, which has slightly different dimensions to account for your shifting teeth. Many patients complete Invisalign within 12 to 18 months, though your total treatment timeline can vary based on your unique circumstances.
How Does Age Affect Orthodontics?
Are you curious why so many adolescents undergo orthodontic services? Braces and Invisalign are incredibly common among teenagers for a couple of reasons. For starters, most experts recommend orthodontics once most of a patient’s adult teeth have already arrived. Most permanent teeth erupt between the ages of 6 and 13, though the wisdom teeth might not grow in until they’re 17 to 21 years old.
Not only that, but the jawbone is usually still growing during these earlier stages of dental development, making it easier for teeth to shift in the arches. This often results in shorter and more comfortable treatments for teenagers.
Am I Too Old to Get Invisalign?
Invisalign may be more common among teens, but that doesn’t mean adults are automatically considered ineligible. There are no real age restrictions on straightening your smile, and dentists typically handle candidacy on a case-by-case basis. With that said, if your jawbone has already fully formed, your treatment might take longer or cause more throbbing than it would have if you had orthodontics in your youth.
If you’re considering Invisalign but aren’t sure it’s the best fit for your needs, you can learn more by scheduling a consultation with your provider!
Meet the Author
Dr. Jason Aptaker takes pride in helping his patients build and maintain the healthiest, most beautiful versions of their smiles. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, and then went on to complete a General Practice Residency at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ. Today, he has 10+ years of experience providing a full menu of services, including Invisalign, using state-of-the-art technology for more accurate, long-lasting results. You can request an appointment on the website or call (732) 223-9199.