Am I Too Old for Invisalign?

You might feel like you should have had something done to correct any problems with your teeth when you were younger, that you might be too old for something like Invisalign to help you now. You might feel that way, but this is not the case. Are you too old for Invisalign? The short answer is no, and here’s why:

Who Is Eligible for Invisalign?

1 out of 5 orthodontic patients is over 18. While it is true that the majority of patients having corrective orthodontic work done are teens and young adults, the percentage of adults getting orthodontic work done, especially those over the age of 50, is growing each year. 

In fact, many dentists feel that 50 and over patients are ideal for Invisalign since they have qualities that make it more likely to succeed. These are:

• Adult patients practice better hygiene. You will need to brush after eating to not stain your clear aligners. Younger patients are more likely to skip or forget this step. Adults, while having busy lives of their own, do tend to make the necessary time for good oral hygiene.
• Adults don’t take their good health for granted. Adults tend to have the life experience to know how important good oral health is. You know that crooked teeth or gaps in teeth can be the cause of issues like plaque buildup or gum disease. Invisalign helps to straighten your teeth so it is easier to keep them clean and free of any of these problems.
• Adult patients are more willing to follow dentist instructions to the letter. In fact, by reading this, you are already showing your commitment to this process. You will need to wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours a day, or else your teeth will not move on the schedule that your dentist has planned for you. The aligners should only be removed for eating, drinking, and brushing.
• You have a better understanding of your motivation. You know how embarrassing it is to feel like you need to hide your smile in a picture or the self-conscious feeling when you meet someone. Adults have this experience and understanding which is what you need to remain motivated to wear your Invisalign clear aligners for the needed 20to 22 hours a day.
  

There is absolutely no difference between the treatment for adults and younger patients. Your first appointment will be a consultation to find out if Invisalign is right for you and after that, your dentist will use advanced technology to scan your mouth so that your custom-made clear aligners can be made specific to your needs. These aligners are designed to slowly move your teeth into a better alignment. 

Call Us Now!

Contact Dr. Alexander Cox and his team at Scarsdale Smiles if you want to know more about Invisalign and to book a consultation.