“Is Invisalign effective for adults?” We get asked this question all the time. The popular “invisible braces” have quickly become the go-to choice for enhancing smiles, and over 14 million people have already said “yes” to using Invisalign.
People celebrate Invisalign for its nearly invisible design. The plastic aligners fit snugly over your teeth and gently shift the position of your smile without metal brackets. Adults love this option because they can maintain a professional appearance while undergoing orthodontic treatment.
But does the treatment live up to the hype? And how effective are Invisalign braces for adults? Let’s take a closer look at Invisalign, who the treatment is best suited for, and the advantages of Invisalign over traditional braces. We’ll answer some of the most common questions about Invisalign for adults, including:
- Does Invisalign always work to fix teeth?
- Is Invisalign worth it, or should I stick with traditional options?
- Does Invisalign work for everyone?
- Is Invisalign effective for adults?
After reading this blog, you’ll be one step closer to understanding if Invisalign is right for you!
How Invisalign Works vs. Traditional Braces
How good is Invisalign? To answer that, you must understand the differences between Invisalign and traditional braces.
Invisalign treatment involves wearing clear plastic aligners molded to fit your teeth precisely. The aligners shift teeth slowly over time. You get a new set of aligners weekly as your smile gradually moves into place. Depending on your needs, the process can take up to 18 months.
With traditional braces, metal brackets are attached to your teeth, and a wire runs through each one. The wires are then adjusted over time to move teeth into their desired positions.
Traditional braces often require periodic visits to the orthodontist for adjustments, while Invisalign doesn’t. The metal brackets and wires can also cause patients more discomfort than if they were to utilize Invisalign treatment.
With Invisalign, you can eat, drink, brush, and floss like normal without wires poking the inside of your mouth or brackets requiring extra attention.
But does Invisalign always work for adults? Fortunately, the answer is generally yes. Most adults can use Invisalign to improve their smile, but it’s not suitable for every case.
How Effective Are Invisalign Braces?
Invisalign – sometimes called “invisible braces” – effectively treats orthodontic issues such as overbites, underbites, crowding, and spacing. Studies have shown the results work just as well as traditional braces and, in some cases, are even resolved in less time.
Success depends on the severity of the case, the age and compliance of the patient, and how well they adhere to the treatment plan their orthodontist prescribes. More severe problems like overly-rotated teeth, abnormal tooth shapes, or severe malocclusion might require traditional braces.
Do Invisible Braces Really Work? How to Boost Your Success With Invisalign
Is Invisalign effective for adults? That depends on your willingness to follow the plan! Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your treatment.
Follow Your Prescribed Treatment Plan
How well does Invisalign work? Pretty well – if you’re compliant. Your orthodontist will work with you to develop a customized plan and explain how to wear the aligners correctly. In general, you should wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours a day and switch to a new set as instructed.
Make Routine Visits to Your Orthodontist
If you’re wondering, “How effective are Invisalign braces?” know that they’re a very viable treatment option – even more so if you trust your orthodontist and work closely with them. Go to your follow-up appointments so your orthodontist can examine your teeth, ensuring they’re moving into the appropriate position and staying on schedule.
Clean Your Aligners Regularly
It’s important to keep your aligners clean. Cleaning them with mild soap and water daily will help keep plaque away from your teeth and gums. It’s also a good idea to brush and floss regularly to make sure bacteria doesn’t build up between visits.
Avoid Foods Drinks That Can Damage Your Aligners
While wearing your aligners, try to avoid drinking beverages that can stain or damage them, like coffee and soda. If you need to indulge, it’s a good idea to brush your teeth afterward to minimize the risk of staining both your teeth and your aligners. Plus, this habit will carry over to your post-treatment life and help you maintain your beautiful smile.
Be Responsible
Above all, remember that Invisalign comes with responsibility. It’s easy to get complacent and forget to wear your aligners or leave them out longer than you should. But that can extend the treatment time and affect your final results. The last thing you want is to compromise your smile because you weren’t consistently wearing the aligners!
Is Invisalign Effective For Adults? With Bates, Your Perfect Smile Is Possible
Is Invisalign worth it as an alternative to traditional braces? In short, yes. But always rely on the professional opinion of an orthodontist to determine whether you’re a good candidate for Invisalign.
For those who are Invisalign candidates, 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. If you follow these tips, Invisalign can be an excellent choice for adults who want a straighter smile without metal brackets.
The most crucial element is working closely with your orthodontist and following their directions to get the desired results. If you’re looking for a discreet, comfortable way to straighten your teeth, Invisalign is the way to go.
At Bates Orthodontics, you can get the smile of your dreams. Our team of experienced orthodontists specializes in multiple teeth straightening options, such as Invisalign for adults, helping patients like you take the first steps toward a straighter smile.
Book a complimentary consultation online to see if Invisalign is the right fit for you!
