Can I Get Invisalign as an Adult?

Yes, you can get Invisalign® as an adult. But, you need to work with a dentist near you who is skilled and experienced with Invisalign dental treatments for adults. Keep in mind though that the orthodontic treatment may take longer for adults because the jaw has attained maturity.

While children are mostly affected with orthodontic problems, adults can suffer from malocclusion too. Teeth misalignment makes your smile unattractive and can also affect your dental health. This is because it makes it challenging to clean all the teeth properly.

Most of the orthodontic devices are also geared to improve malocclusion in children. For instance, the traditional braces are fixed on the teeth and are visible. It’s because of this that most adults actively avoid orthodontic treatment.

But, with the introduction of Invisalign orthodontic treatment, teeth repositioning is an option for adults now.

Invisalign are removable clear braces that can reposition your teeth just like the metal ones. The only difference is that they do not have visible wires and brackets. Moreover, these clear aligners are specifically designed for teenagers and adults, and not children.

Here are a few reasons why you need Invisalign as an adult.

1. Invisalign Treatment is Convenient

These invisible braces are made from a clear thermoplastic material that is gentle on the gums. Plus, they are nearly invisible and usually take up the color of your teeth. Furthermore, these aligners are removable and therefore do not change your lifestyle. You can eat what you want, as long as you remove the aligners when doing so.

2. The Invisalign Orthodontic Treatment is Relatively Faster

Compared to the metal braces, the Invisalign treatment is reported to be faster. This is probably because the aligners are used to correct moderate dental malocclusion.

Invisalign treatment is done in a few steps that include:

Examination, mapping, and planning

Our Invisalign dentist in Phoenix will first examine your teeth and dental structure. An x-ray may be done to check the condition of the bone. A 3D digital scanner is used to take a precise image of your dental structure to create the aligners. Dental software is also used to determine the pressure and the timeline needed to reposition the teeth. You will preview the expected results after the treatment is done.

Our dentist in Phoenix, AZ, will share vital information on what to expect of you during the treatment process and what you need to and not do.

Treatment process

The treatment duration will depend on the severity of the malocclusion and your discipline to follow the dentist’s instructions. During the treatment, you will receive a set of aligners that are designed to gradually move your teeth.

For maximum results, you have to wear the aligners for 22 hours every day, 14 days each set. It takes about two weeks for the teeth to attain a new position.

Retainer phase

After the treatment is done, the dentist will give you a retainer to hold the teeth in place. Failure to wear the retainer device will cause the teeth to revert to the previous position.

Why Are Invisalign Ideal for Adults?

There are two main advantages of Invisalign for adults:

Diligence and discipline

Invisalign aligners are removable that need to be worn for a couple of hours per day. This means you only remove the aligners when eating, drinking, or brushing. You need to be diligent and disciplined to follow the dentist’s instructions. Adults are more likely to remember to wear the aligners and take them off when they are eating and drinking.

Hygiene

You need to have high standards of hygiene for the aligners to be successful. While they are more convenient than metal braces, oral hygiene is still needed. You are required to remove the aligners and clean them daily to remove the plaques. The Invisalign aligners are bonded to the teeth with white buttons. Plaques can accumulate in these buttons and not cleaning them will increase the risk of decay.

It is also important to rinse your mouth before wearing the aligners.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit All Smiles Dental for more information on Invisalign and other orthodontic treatments for adults.