Am I too old to get Invisalign?

woman with Invisalign
Whether you never had braces as a child or your once-straight teeth have crept out of position over the years, if you’re looking in the mirror and wishing your smile was straighter, you may be wondering “Am I too old to get Invisalign?” Usually, when we think of braces, we think of kids. We remember back in middle school, comparing braces band colors in the mirror with our friends. But not everyone is fortunate enough to get braces in their younger years. For adults, Invisalign is the go-to tooth-straightening option that’s perfect for adults. But how old is too old for Invisalign?

How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign is a clear aligner system that straightens the teeth. It works similarly to traditional metal braces to move your teeth into a straight, beautiful position. But that’s where the similarities end. Invisalign aligners are clear, removable, and typically straighten teeth about six months faster than traditional metal braces. All of these are good news for adults who want to straighten their teeth.

  1. Because Invisalign is clear, you can wear your braces to work, out with friends, or any time of day without looking like a little kid. We think braces look adorable on faces of any age, but many adult patients say they like that Invisalign doesn’t affect their style the way visible metal braces would.
  2. Because Invisalign aligners are removable, you don’t have to compromise your diet or your social life while straightening your teeth. Although Invisalign aligners needs to be worn 22 hours a day to be effective, you can take them out at meals, on date nights, or any other time when it would be inconvenient to be wearing your aligners. Eat what you want, when you want! There are no dietary restrictions with Invisalign like there are with traditional metal braces.
  3. Because Invisalign is faster than traditional braces, adults who want to straighten their teeth don’t have to wait as long as their younger counterparts. They say kids are the ones without patience, but when it comes to accomplishing a goal, it’s adults that want results faster, and they aren’t willing to wait!

Anyone at any age can get Invisalign!

Invisalign aligners are recommended for adult patients of all ages. No matter if you want to start on the career path with a smile that opens doors, or you’re about to hit retirement and want to look great for all those pictures you plan on taking during your trip around the world, Invisalign can work for you.

Who does Invisalign NOT work for?

There are a few limitations that may make Invisalign a less-than-ideal choice for you. Prior dental work such as bridges and dental implants may make Invisalign more difficult, but not impossible. Active gum disease, excessively worn teeth, or TMJ issues may also disqualify you for Invisalign. The only way to know for sure whether or not you’re a good candidate for Invisalign is to see an Invisalign provider. We’d be happy to let you know if your dreams of Invisalign are possible, so schedule your consult. All our specialist are ready to help. Dr. Moody Williams, Dr. Michael Stewart, Dr. Melissa Rathburn or other specialist will be happy to answer on all your questions.