If you didn’t go through orthodontic treatment when you were younger, you might be worried that you missed the boat on having straight teeth. You might wince at your crooked teeth in the mirror and wonder, “Am I too old for Invisalign?” Luckily, there’s no such thing! These clear aligners make it easy to discreetly achieve a straight smile at any age. Here’s why you can never be too old for Invisalign in South Portland and how to find out whether this solution is right for you.
Does Invisalign Work for Seniors?
Many adults believe that since permanent teeth have finished developing, they’re unable to move from where they’re currently set in the jawbone. In reality, teeth can still shift into more ideal positions regardless of a person’s age! The right amount of pressure can slowly but surely cause your smile to become more well-aligned. Because your teeth are more firmly set in your jaw, Invisalign for seniors may take longer than it would for younger patients. As long you wear and maintain your clear aligners as directed, you can still enjoy a beautiful smile well into your golden years!
Is Invisalign Right for Me?
Whether you have a couple of small gaps between your teeth or an entire arch of crooked pearly whites, there’s a chance that you could benefit from adult Invisalign in Portland. Age is almost never a factor when it comes to eligibility for Invisalign, so you’re never too old to begin treatment! In fact, countless adults postpone dental work until later in life when they’re more easily able to afford it. that’s why it’s not uncommon at all for dental offices to see more older Invisalign patients than younger ones.
Why Seniors Often Make Good Candidates for Invisalign
Compared to teenagers, older adults are often better suited to Invisalign because they’re more likely to:
- Appreciate their smile – People who have had crooked teeth for a significant portion of their lives are probably familiar with feeling self-conscious about their smiles. As a result, they won’t take for granted the ability to gain more self-confidence through Invisalign.
- Be motivated – Parents often put their teens through orthodontic treatment as a rite of passage. If the teenager doesn’t feel as if they had much of a say in the matter, or if they’re particularly rebellious, they might not see the importance of wearing the aligners.
- Listen to their dentist – Adults generally tend to follow instructions from their dentist more closely than younger patients. The success of Invisalign treatment depends on wearing the aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day, so older patients may actually straighten their smiles more quickly if they commit to wearing the trays.
Thanks to Invisalign for seniors, you’re never too old to enjoy a straight smile. If you’re dedicated to boosting your confidence and oral health, then chances are you’re the perfect candidate for Invisalign!
About the Author
Dr. John A. Kivus is a dentist with more than four years of experience in the field! Since earning his dental doctorate from Tuft’s University School of Dental Medicine, he has maintained active memberships with the American Dental Association, the Maine Dental Association, the Greater Portland Dental Society, and the Rotary Club of Westbrook-Gorham. At Gannett Drive Dental, he gladly provides Invisalign to eligible patients of all ages. To learn more about adult Invisalign in South Portland, ME, visit Dr. Kivus’ website or call (207) 253-5600.