Invisalign for Adults – Why It’s Never Too Late To Straighten Your Teeth

Whatever your age, it’s never too late to set your sights on a straight, healthy smile. Data obtained between 2016 and 2018 revealed that approximately 60,000 US adults had taken steps to correct their dental alignment through orthodontic procedures. Invisalign has given adults more confidence to achieve a straight smile without the aesthetic concerns or lifestyle limitations of traditional metal braces. But before we dive into the unique benefits of Invisalign for adults, let’s discuss the reasons for straightening your teeth in the first place.

Why do adults straighten their teeth?

Many adults who, for whatever reason, were denied the chance of straightening their teeth as a child or who have suffered a relapse since a previous treatment, choose to align their teeth for cosmetic and health reasons.

Here are some of the most common reasons for adults to seek orthodontic help:

• Appearance and confidence – A straighter smile can make you feel more attractive, increasing your confidence and opening up new doors both socially and in the workplace.
• Oral health – Misaligned teeth are difficult to brush and floss, increasing the risk of tooth decay and caries.
• Jaw pain and bite issues – Misalignment can also cause joint pain and tense muscles.
• Aging changes – Teeth slowly shift over time and adults often notice spaces or crowing issues that weren’t there before.

What makes Invisalign a good choice for adults?

Invisalign is popular with adults because of its discretion and convenience. Clear aligners let you straighten your teeth without any significant impact on your appearance or lifestyle. The key benefits are:

1. Almost invisible – Invisalign aligners are worn over the teeth like a gum shield and because they’re transparent, they don’t stand out like metal braces.
2. Removable – Unlike fixed metal braces, aligners are removed to eat, drink and clean your teeth.
3. Minimal impact on daily life – With no dietary restrictions or major changes to your routine, Invisalign easily slots into a busy adult lifestyle.

The American Association of Orthodontists states that currently one in three orthodontic patients are adults and with advancements in clear aligner technology, more adults are starting treatment each year.

Invisalign for adults – how it works

Invisalign treatment commences with an initial consultation with an Invisalign provider where your teeth will be assessed and a customized treatment plan created. A digital impression is taken of your teeth and used to make a 3D replica of your teeth, enabling the dentist to plot tooth movement and gauge the number of aligners needed. Invisalign technology also means you get a sneaky preview of how your teeth will look at the end of your treatment.   

The customized aligners apply gentle pressure to gradually move the teeth into their correct positions and are switched for the next set of aligners every 1-2 weeks. To achieve optimal results, the aligners must be worn for between 20-22 hours a day.

Treatment takes between 12 and 18 months on average but in some cases, it can be as quick as six months, depending on your specific needs.

Oral health benefits of Invisalign

Straightening your teeth isn’t just about aesthetics, it also plays an important role in your oral health in the following ways:

• Easier cleaning – Straighter teeth are easier to clean, lowering the risk of bacteria and plaque that lead to tooth decay. Moreover, because aligners are removable, it’s even easier to stay on top of your oral health.
• Reduced tooth wear – Misaligned teeth can place pressure on nearby teeth leading to premature wear and potential fractures.
• Jaw alignment and comfort – Invisalign addresses issues like crossbite, overbite and underbite, alleviating jaw pain and teeth grinding.

Why Invisalign fits into busy adult lifestyles

Adults want orthodontic treatment that is efficient, effective and minimally disruptive to daily life and this is where Invisalign excels in several ways:

• Fewer dental visits – Unlike braces that require frequent dental visits for tightening the wires, Invisalign requires no such adjustments. Patients are issued with several sets of aligners to take home with them and mostly return for dental checks every 6 to 8 weeks for a progress check and to receive their next batch of aligners. Remote monitoring via a smartphone app is also an option in between office checks.
• Comfort – Without the need for wires and brackets, Invisalign fits smoothly against the gums eliminating the irritation and friction often caused by traditional braces. While a new aligner can cause some discomfort initially, most patients work around this by switching their aligners just before going to bed and taking a painkiller so they sleep through it.
• No food restrictions – Since aligners are removed to eat and drink, you can still eat all your favorite foods without worrying you might snap a wire in the process or get food stuck beneath a bracket.

Because of the minimal time commitment, adults busy with work commitments or children, find Invisalign fits effortlessly into their routines.

Is Invisalign right for you?

While Invisalign is a great option for many adults some factors may influence whether it’s right for you:

1. The complexity of your situation – Invisalign is best suited to minor or moderate dental issues. Patients with more complex misalignments may require braces.
2. Commitment – Because the aligners can be removed, patients must commit to wearing them for up to 22 hours a day, 24,7 to achieve success.
3. Lifestyle preferences – If comfort, discretion and convenience matter to you, then Invisalign could be just right for you.

If you’re still unsure, schedule a consultation with an experienced Invisalign provider, like Chesterfield Dentistry, to get a personalized recommendation and discuss any questions or concerns.

How much does Invisalign cost for adults?

While Invisalign may set you back a little more than traditional braces, with an average cost of between $3,000 to $5,000 most people consider it worthwhile for the comfort, aesthetics and flexibility.

At Chesterfield Dentistry, payment plans and financing options are available to make treatment accessible for a wide range of budgets. Many dental insurance plans now cover a portion of orthodontic treatment for adults, so be sure to check your insurance benefits to see if Invisalign may be covered.

Take the first step to a new smile

It’s never too late to achieve a beautiful smile. Invisalign offers a modern, discreet solution tailored to the unique needs of adult patients. If you’re ready to explore Invisalign and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile, the team at Chesterfield Dentistry is here to help. Our experienced dentists will guide you through each stage of treatment, ensuring you get personalized care and a treatment plan designed just for you. Book your appointment today by calling 314-916-3621 or using our online booking service.