Many people with dental alignment issues never wore braces as children, and many former orthodontic patients find that their teeth drift out of alignment after treatment. Thankfully, Invisalign allows teens and adults of all ages to comfortably and discreetly straighten out their smiles without conspicuous metal parts or bothersome dietary restrictions. Here’s why Invisalign can be an excellent way for older adults to achieve healthier and more beautiful smiles.
How Does Invisalign Realign Teeth?
Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that uses a sequence of customized clear aligners to gradually shift teeth into healthier alignment. Each pair of aligners is designed to snugly fit over a patient’s teeth while exerting the gentle but constant pressure needed to reposition them, and these appliances must be worn for at least twenty hours a day to keep treatment on track. After about two weeks, the patient switches to the next set of aligners in the sequence. This process goes on until the teeth have achieved their ideal alignment.
What Are the Benefits of Invisalign?
Invisalign clear aligners are virtually invisible, meaning that casual observers won’t notice them, and removable, meaning they can be taken out so you can practice oral hygiene normally and eat whatever you like. However, they also deliver significant long-term benefits such as:
- Preventing dental injuries
- Reducing dental wear
- Lowering the risk of oral infections
- Improving chewing ability
- Preventing headaches, backaches, and other TMJ-related issues
- Beautifying the smile
- Bolstering confidence
What Is Invisalign Treatment Like for Older Adults?
Depending on the severity of the misalignment being treated, Invisalign can take anywhere from six to eighteen months, but the process generally takes longer for older adults since they have more solidified oral anatomy. However, the length of your treatment may be significantly shorter if you strictly comply with your dentist’s instructions. When wearing Invisalign aligners, never eat or drink anything but water to prevent appliance damage as well as oral infections.
It is imperative that the teeth be kept clean when the aligners are worn, so you must thoroughly brush and floss before reinserting your appliances. Food and plaque trapped between the aligners and the teeth will be sheltered from the mouth’s natural cleaning process, which can lead to stains and treatment-delaying infections. Since it’s best to wait at least thirty minutes after eating before brushing, it’s important to schedule snacks and meals so you can wear your aligners for twenty hours daily while having enough time for oral hygiene.
Invisalign can be a great way for senior adults to enjoy the benefits that come with a beautifully well-aligned smile. The best way to determine if you can be a good candidate for this orthodontic treatment is to schedule a consultation with your dentist.
About the Practice
Radiant Dental offers the finest oral healthcare available in Farmington Hills. Led by Drs. Reem Saywa and Carolyn Romzick, the staff provides exemplary customer service with genuine compassion while maintaining a clean and welcoming office environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as Invisalign services. To schedule your Invisalign treatment, contact the office online or dial (248) 855-4850.