Invisalign has become one of the most popular and effective dental treatments for people looking to improve their smiles. In fact, Invisalign has successfully improved over 15 million smiles.
You’ve probably heard of Invisalign — the “invisible” braces that straighten teeth without metal brackets and wires. Although the use of this treatment has continued to grow, orthodontists still receive many questions from patients, such as:
- How old can you be to get Invisalign?
- Is Invisalign for all ages?
- Am I too old for Invisalign?
- Is there an age limit for Invisalign?
To help answer the questions “What age can you have Invisalign?” and “How old do you have to be for Invisalign?” let’s break down some of the most important details you need to know, including how the process works, what to expect, and who the ideal candidates are.
What’s Invisalign?
Invisalign is an effective orthodontic treatment that uses clear aligners to move teeth into their desired position gradually. As an alternative to traditional metal braces, Invisalign can help you get a great smile without worrying about poking wires and brackets. But at what age can you get Invisalign to see the best results, and will it work for you?
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign treatment includes a consultation, treatment plan, aligner creation, aligner replacement, and follow-up appointments.
- Consultation: During the initial consultation, you’ll discuss your desired results with an Invisalign-trained professional.
- Treatment Plan: Your treatment plan revolves around your individual needs and goals. This includes the number of aligners you’ll need and the estimated treatment timeline.
- Aligner Creation: Your Invisalign aligners are custom-made to move your teeth into their desired positions.
- Aligner Replacement: You’ll wear each set of aligners for the prescribed time, usually weekly, then switch to the next set in your treatment plan.
- Follow-Up Appointments: After you’ve finished your treatment, you’ll need to schedule regular check-ups to ensure your teeth haven’t moved from their desired position.
Your orthodontist will walk you through what to expect before beginning treatment.
The Benefits Of Invisalign
There are a variety of benefits to Invisalign:
- The aligners are nearly invisible, so treatment goes virtually unnoticed by others
- The aligners are removable, allowing you to eat and brush your teeth as normal
- Most patients report a much more comfortable experience with Invisalign
- Treatment is typically shorter than traditional braces
The associated benefits of Invisalign are unique to each patient and depend on the reasoning behind deciding to use this form of treatment.
How Old Can You Be To Get Invisalign?
At what age can you get Invisalign? Is there a maximum age for Invisalign? These are common questions that orthodontists often hear regarding the use of Invisalign.
The truth is that Invisalign can be effective at nearly any age, from children to adults. It’s less about the age of the patient and more about the state of their teeth and overall dental health. The best way to determine if Invisalign is right for you is to make an appointment with a local orthodontist who can assess your case and create a customized treatment plan.
Who Is Invisalign Not Suitable For?
Not everyone is a candidate for Invisalign.
- Oral Health: A patient must have healthy gums and teeth to be eligible for Invisalign. If there’s any existing gum disease, tooth decay, or other oral problems, then those issues need to be resolved before considering Invisalign.
- Severity of Misalignment: Invisalign is best suited for mild to moderate misalignment issues. However, by working with an experienced orthodontist, it’s possible to use a combination of treatment types to address severe cases.
- Motivation and Compliance: To get the full benefit of Invisalign, you must follow your prescribed treatment plan. If you’re not compliant, such as wearing your aligners less than 22 hours per day, you may not see the best results.
As you can see, the question isn’t so much “At what age can you have Invisalign?” or “Is Invisalign for all ages?” Instead, your orthodontist will want to complete a thorough examination and review your individual case before making a recommendation, regardless of age.
What’s The Best Age To Get Invisalign?
There’s really no maximum age for Invisalign. But generally speaking, most orthodontists agree that Invisalign is best for adolescents and young adults. Teens and pre-teens are still growing, which makes them well-suited for the shift in teeth alignment that Invisalign provides.
However, that doesn’t mean you’ve aged out of being an Invisalign candidate! Let’s answer the question, “How old can you be to get Invisalign?” and what to expect at each stage.
Invisalign As An Adolescent
Most orthodontists encourage kids and teens to explore Invisalign as soon as possible. This is because adolescence is a prime time for shifting and realigning teeth. However, compliance is a big concern for younger Invisalign patients because they are usually not as responsible as adults.
Invisalign As An Adult
Invisalign can be an excellent choice for adults who want a straighter smile without the obvious appearance of wires and brackets. For best results, adhere to your prescribed treatment plan, make routine visits to your orthodontist, clean your aligners regularly, and avoid foods and beverages that can potentially leave stains.
Invisalign As A Senior
Does Invisalign work for seniors? Absolutely. With proper care, Invisalign can help you achieve a straighter, healthier smile well into your senior years. However, it’s important to note that your orthodontic treatment plan may be influenced by age-related changes such as shrinking bone density or missing teeth.
Where Can I Get Invisalign? At Bates Orthodontics
Though Invisalign may not be the right fit for everyone, its popularity over the years has made it one of the most trusted methods for straightening teeth.
Begin your Invisalign journey by scheduling a consultation with an orthodontist like Dr. Bates. Not only can he answer many of the most common questions about the treatment, but he will recommend the teeth straightening method that’s best for your unique situation.
At Bates Orthodontics, we’ve helped countless patients achieve their dream smile. Schedule a consultation with our team to discuss whether Invisalign is the right treatment type for you.
