Invisalign for Older Adults: A Smart Choice or an Overrated Trend?

Have you ever wondered about Invisalign for older adults or whether it’s even possible to straighten your teeth after age 50 without the hassle of traditional braces?

Well, the good news is that there's no upper age limit for Invisalign. Provided you have sufficient bone density and good oral health, Invisalign can be just as effective at straightening teeth whether aged 8 or 88.

Did you know that increasing numbers of older adults are retaining their natural teeth? Wanting to improve the appearance of their smile reflects a growing awareness of the benefits of good oral health and the desire to maintain a youthful-looking appearance.

That said, while Invisalign offers several benefits for older adults, there are some potential drawbacks to consider.

This article walks you through the pros and cons of Invisalign for older adults and shares other information that’s helpful for older people keen to have a beautiful smile.

Pros and Cons of Invisalign for Older Adults

Invisalign is undoubtedly the best method of straightening teeth if you’re looking for a comfortable, convenient and discreet treatment. Here are the benefits and disadvantages of Invisalign:

Invisalign pros

Transparent and discreet: One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners are clear and virtually invisible, making them a great choice for older adults who may feel embarrassed wearing more noticeable metal braces. The aligners fit snugly over the teeth, so you’ll feel more confident wearing them at work and on social occasions.

Comfortable: Unlike fixed metal braces that have metal brackets and wires, which could irritate your mouth and chafe soft tissues, Invisalign aligners are smooth and comfortable to wear, although they often feel tight when you switch to a new aligner. However, any discomfort can be eased with over-the-counter painkillers and should subside within a few days.

Removable: Another benefit of Invisalign for older adults is that, unlike metal braces, which remain in place throughout treatment, aligners are removed for eating, drinking, and brushing and flossing your teeth. You can even remove them at your discretion for a special event, but be sure to place them back in the mouth as soon as possible to avoid disrupting your treatment plan.

The benefits of Invisalign’s removable feature are:

• You can continue to eat your favorite foods without restrictions
• It’s easier to maintain your oral health.

It’s a win-win solution!

Customizable and predictable treatment: Advanced 3D imaging technology enables precision treatment planning from start to finish. You can even see how your new smile will look before commencing treatment to give you a better idea of what to expect and how long your treatment will take.

Potential health benefits: Aligning your teeth can improve bite functionality, reduce jaw pain and lower the risk of gum disease and cavities, contributing to better overall health.

Effective treatment: Older adults may also wonder about the effectiveness of Invisalign. The good news is that Invisalign is incredibly effective for almost all the common alignment issues seen in adults. The treatment is best for mild to moderate problems and can address a range of issues, including:

• Small gaps between the teeth
• Slight overbite
• Overcrowding

So, those are the benefits of Invisalign. Now let’s look at the disadvantages of this treatment.

Invisalign cons

Requires commitment: The most important thing to know about getting Invisalign, whatever your age, is that commitment is critical. It’s recommended to wear Invisalign aligners for 22 hours a day to achieve the desired results. If you frequently remove them and forget to put them back in, your treatment can be impacted. So, while it’s great that Invisalign is removable, it requires a good deal of willpower to ensure you wear them for 22 hours every day throughout your treatment.

Cost considerations: Invisalign can be more expensive than traditional braces and may not be covered by insurance. Always check with your insurance provider before committing to treatment so you know what to expect. Most dental policies will cover a portion of your treatment, saving you some money. Alternatively, ask your Invisalign provider about potential finance plans that could help you pay for your treatment in convenient instalments.

Suitability for complex cases: As mentioned earlier, Invisalign is best suited for mild to moderate cases. If your case is complex, you may have no alternative but to wear traditional braces.

Risk of losing aligners: We all lead busy lives, and as we get older, many of us also become more forgetful. Either way, it’s easy to place your aligners down somewhere when you’re eating and then misplace them. Losing an aligner can slow your treatment. Furthermore, ordering a replacement will add to your overall costs.

Additional oral health requirements: We’ve already mentioned that you need a clean bill of oral health before starting Invisalign, but it extends further than this. You’ll need to up your game to ensure your mouth and trays remain clean. Whenever you take your trays out for eating and drinking, we recommend brushing your teeth before putting them back in your mouth. This prevents any food debris from becoming trapped under the tray, which could increase the risk of tooth decay and cavities. You’ll also need to care for your aligners, as discussed in one of our previous posts.

By understanding the pros and cons of Invisalign, you can make an informed decision about your orthodontic treatment and enjoy the benefits of a straighter, healthier smile.

Is Invisalign the right choice for you?

If you are committed to wearing your aligners as directed and have a mild to moderate alignment issue, Invisalign can be a great option. However, if you have severe misalignment, gum disease, or difficulty keeping track of removable aligners, you may want to explore alternative treatments, such as:

• Traditional metal braces (fixed on the front of teeth).
• Lingual braces (fitted behind the teeth).
• Veneers (provide a cosmetic solution minus orthodontic treatment.

Are you considering Invisalign as an older adult?

The best way to know if Invisalign is suitable for you is to schedule a consultation with our experienced orthodontist team at Chesterfield Dentistry. Call today at 314-936-3621 or use our online booking system.