Am I Too Old to Get Invisalign®?

It’s a myth that you can’t straighten teeth after a certain age. In fact, many people choose to delay orthodontic treatment until they’re able to afford it later in life. While you’re never too old to get Invisalign®, it’s important to be aware that your treatment may take longer than if you had started as a teen. In addition, every patient is different. This is why we recommend seeing one of our Invisalign dentists in Grand Rapids, MI. Continue reading to learn why it’s never too late to get Invisalign.

Compared to teenagers, adults often make better patients when they:

• Remember their motivation
• Don’t take their health for granted
• Listen to our dentists
• Practice better oral hygiene

Remember Your Motivation

Have you ever covered your smile in a group photo? Do you feel self-conscious about your teeth when meeting people for the first time? Your smile affects not only your oral health, but your confidence. Adults are better able to understand the value of a beautiful smile. which is why they’re often more motivated to wear their Invisalign braces the necessary 20 to 22 hours a day.

Don’t Take Your Health for Granted

It’s easy to take good oral health for granted. However, adults tend to have enough life experience to know that oral health is important. They know how cavities can form between crowded teeth or how gum disease can lead to tooth loss. Teenagers haven’t acquired enough experience to understand the long-term consequences of crooked teeth. As a result, they’re often not as motivated to wear their clear aligners, if they don’t already have braces.

Plaque loves to hide where toothbrush bristles can’t reach, like between crooked teeth. Over time, this plaque increases your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Plaque can also harden into tartar, which you can’t remove at home. Instead, one of our dentists or dental hygienists will need to remove plaque from your teeth and gums. Invisalign straightens teeth so it’s easier for you to care for your smile.

Listen To Our Dentists

You’ll need to wear your Invisalign braces 20 to 22 hours a day. Otherwise, your teeth won’t move like our Invisalign dentists planned. Your clear aligners only work as long as you’re wearing them. 

Only remove your clear aligners to eat, drink, brush, and floss. If your Invisalign spends more time in its container than in your mouth, you won’t get the fast results you want. Instead, your teeth will stay where they are or even revert back to how they were before treatment. Invisalign braces only work when you wear them consistently.

Adults often do well with Invisalign because they’re more likely to follow instructions. In fact, reading this blog post means you’re taking your Invisalign treatment seriously.

Practice Better Oral Hygiene

You’ll need to brush your teeth after eating so you don’t stain your clear aligners. Teenagers are more likely to skip brushing their teeth or forget altogether and instead rush to their next class or hang out with friends. While adults tend to have busier lives, they’re also more likely to make time for oral hygiene. That way, they’re able to maintain a healthy smile during Invisalign treatment.

It’s Never Too Late To Get Your Dream Smile

Generally speaking, there is no specific age requirement for Invisalign. You are a candidate no matter your age. As long as you are someone who is serious about wanting to improve your smile and overall oral health, we encourage you to consider clear aligners. Our Invisalign dentists in Grand Rapids, MI are accepting new patients! To request an appointment, call Contemporary Family Dental at (616) 209-3969.

This blog post has been updated.