More than 57% of Americans cover their smile while they’re laughing, and if you’re an older adult, you’ll be happy to know that Invisalign for adults over 60 (or under!) can change that.
If you’ve been conscious of your smile and ever wondered, “Can adults get Invisalign?” or “Is 50 too old for Invisalign?” you’ll want to keep reading. Today, we’ll be giving you the answers to commonly asked questions like:
- Can anyone have Invisalign braces?
- Can you get Invisalign at any age?
- Is Invisalign worth it for adults?
Let’s start by reviewing who’s a good candidate for Invisalign and then jump into the Invisalign pros and cons for older adults.
Can Anyone Have Invisalign Braces (Trays)?
The simple answer is yes!
Invisalign for adults over 60 (or under) is possible. However, not everyone is an ideal candidate. Some of the factors that determine if Invisalign will work for you include:
- The severity of your alignment issues
- The number of teeth you may be missing
- Your general and bone health
- The amount of wear and tear on your teeth
- Any previous dental work you’ve had done
- Your oral hygiene habits
With the right orthodontist and treatment, Invisalign can give you beautiful, healthy teeth at any age. But if you’re unsure whether you’re a candidate for Invisalign, you can always consult with an experienced orthodontist.
Just like any dental procedure or treatment, you should consider the pros and cons of Invisalign for older adults before making your decision.
What Are The Invisalign Pros And Cons For Older Adults?
Invisalign is a more modern method for straightening teeth that doesn’t require metal braces. Instead, your orthodontist uses a progressive series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners that fit snugly over your teeth and switch every week—Invisalign is discreet and easy to use. Patients also love that Invisalign can produce results in the same amount of time (or less!) as traditional braces.
Let’s take a look at the Invisalign pros and cons for older adults, and why many adults feel Invisalign is the best option for braces for senior citizens.
The Pros of Invisalign for Adults
1. Invisalign Is Very Discreet
Let’s face it: Many adults avoid braces because having a mouth full of metal is unappealing.
One of Invisalign’s greatest benefits is that they’re practically invisible. This feature is huge if you’re looking for inconspicuous teeth straightening for older adults.
2. Invisalign Aligners Are Removable
Invisalign is completely removable, so you can take them out for special occasions, like weddings or job interviews. And, since you take your aligners out for meals, you can eat whatever you want. (Even popcorn!)
3. You Don’t Have To Change Your Lifestyle
Since you can take your Invisalign aligners out, you don’t have to change your lifestyle like you do with traditional braces. You can continue participating in your regular sports and activities without concerns of oral injury due to metal.
However, it is important that you follow any of your orthodontist’s recommendations and safety precautions to ensure your treatment stays on track.
4. Invisalign Is Actually Quite Comfortable
Traditional braces stick out and put a lot of pressure on your teeth with wires and bands. The brackets can also irritate your gums, mouth, and lips. But Invisalign for older adults is different, as the aligners are more comfortable and fit flush over your teeth.
The Cons of Invisalign for Adults
1. Invisalign For Adults Over 60 Can Be Expensive
If you’re wondering, “Is Invisalign worth it for adults?” the cost may be a concern.
The average cost of full Invisalign for adults is $5,700, though it can cost as little as $3,500 depending on the severity of the corrections needed and the number of aligners required. If your dental insurance doesn’t cover some or all of your treatment, you might have to pay entirely out of pocket.
However, many older adults can take advantage of payment plans (whether through your insurance or your orthodontist) to offset the costs. Check with your orthodontist to see if they offer payment options for Invisalign.
2. You Need to Wear Invisalign For A Significant Part Of Each Day
For Invisalign to work, you need to wear your aligners for around 20 -22 hours a day. This requirement can be a challenge for those hoping for a more flexible lifestyle or to only wear the aligners at night.
3. You Need To Be Disciplined About Your Oral Hygiene Habits
Good oral hygiene habits are generally important, but even more so if you move forward with Invisalign for older adults.
If you don’t clean your aligners properly or have good oral hygiene habits, bacteria can build up, possibly leading to gum disease, bad breath, and a host of other oral health issues.
Always brush your teeth after eating or drinking and before reapplying the aligners. We also recommend watching what you’re eating and flossing regularly between teeth and around any Invisalign attachments.
4. Not Everyone’s A Good Candidate For Invisalign
Can you get Invisalign at any age? Yes!
But can anyone have Invisalign braces? Not necessarily.
Though most adults can have Invisalign, not everyone is the best candidate. Invisalign might not be the best option if you:
- Have a severe misalignment that may first require surgery
- Don’t have enough healthy teeth to support the aligners
- Have weak or brittle bones
- Are taking certain medications that can hinder the treatment
- Have gum disease or an infection that needs to be treated before starting Invisalign
If you’re not sure whether you’re a good candidate for Invisalign, consult with an experienced orthodontist. They’ll work with your unique smile to make sure you get the best possible treatment.
Can Adults Get Invisalign? You Can With Bates Orthodontics!
Invisalign for adults over 60 (or really any age) can help you get a healthy, beautiful, more confident smile in the most comfortable, flexible, and invisible way. There are some factors that can be prohibitive to treatment, but many adults find that they are a candidate for Invisalign, even later in life.
Interested in learning more about Invisalign for older adults and how it can help you?
Here at Bates Orthodontics, we’re one of the leading providers of Invisalign for adults in Richmond, VA. We work with patients of all ages and serviced kids as young as eight (early orthodontic treatment) and adults as old as 88.
From traditional options to modern treatments like Invisalign, we work with you to get the best possible long-term results. Regardless of your age, you deserve to have the smile of your dreams, and it’s our goal to help you get there. We can’t wait to bring your smile to life!
Schedule a consultation with Bates Orthodontics to learn if Invisalign or another straightening method is right for you.
