Teeth straightening systems, such as Invisalign, are increasingly popular, but if you are older, you may wonder if there is an upper age limit for treatment. If you are considering orthodontic treatment in Newcastle, age isn’t generally a barrier.
West Bowmanville Family Dental frequently sees older adults who would like to straighten their teeth. It doesn’t matter if you are young or old; the process of moving teeth and tooth roots is the same.
Teeth Move in the Same Way Regardless of Age
Your teeth can move due to the pressure placed on them, and even if you are older, we can still successfully straighten your teeth and create a healthier, more attractive smile. The main difference between straightening your teeth during childhood and adulthood is that treatment can take a bit longer when you are older. This is because your jawbone is fully mature, so it takes more time for teeth to move through the bone.
Why Choose Invisalign?
Invisalign is popular with adults because it is extremely discreet. Invisalign is also highly effective and can address a wide range of orthodontic issues, from minor misalignments to more complex bite problems.
Your teeth are removed using a series of clear plastic aligners, custom-designed to place a specific amount of force on individual teeth, gradually repositioning them. All you need to do is change your sets of aligners every 10 to 14 days until your teeth are fully straightened.
Treatment has minimal impact on everyday life, as you don’t need to make any dietary changes or adjust your oral care routine. However, you must ensure that you wear the aligners all the time, preferably removing them only for meals, brushing, and flossing.
Determining If Invisalign Is Right for You
If you are interested in teeth straightening in Bowmanville, our Invisalign dentist will consider several factors when determining if treatment is right for you.
These factors include whether you have any missing teeth, dental implants, and existing restorations, such as fillings and crowns. We also check for other conditions, such as teeth clenching and grinding, as well as signs of active dental disease, including gum disease or tooth decay.
Although these conditions may not prevent you from having Invisalign in Courtice, you might require treatment for any signs of active dental disease. We would also need to take precautions to protect restorations, such as implants.
How Long Will Adult Teeth Straightening Take?
The time required depends on the complexity of the teeth straightening needed. Everybody is unique, and therefore, you will receive a customized treatment plan that specifies the time required to straighten your teeth.
Sometimes treatment can be relatively quick, and mild misalignments might only take a few months to complete. Other, more complex issues can take longer. Typically, most people complete treatment within a year.
Understanding How Invisalign Treatment Is Planned
During your initial consultation, we would examine how your teeth meet together, checking for bite issues that may require correcting. We will also discuss your treatment goals.
The next stage is to take a digital scan of your teeth, creating a digital 3-D model that we can manipulate using Invisalign’s proprietary software. The digital scan can be combined with facial photographs, allowing us to provide you with virtual images of how your teeth may look based on the proposed treatment plan.
We find these virtual images extremely helpful in enabling patients to decide if treatment is right for them. It’s also a good opportunity to get involved with the planning process.
If you’ve always wanted to achieve a straighter smile, Invisalign might be the solution. Please ask us for more information during your next visit to West Bowmanville Family Dental.
