Is Invisalign Suitable for All Ages?
According to studies, over 50 percent of Americans feel insecurity over their teeth, with most wishing they could change at least one aspect of their teeth. Unfortunately, misaligned teeth impact an individual’s quality of life, leading to eating problems alongside poor self-confidence and self-esteem. In fact, those with teeth issues are more likely to have a negatively impacted mental health status, which is why Invisalign is an important dental treatment to consider.
Invisalign treatment is one of the best dental procedures to straighten teeth and has become more popular than braces. However, it’s natural to be concerned about whether it is the right dental treatment for you—especially if you’re wondering what the right age for Invisalign is.
The team at Huntington Bay Dental provides expert Invisalign treatment on Long Island, NY, and answers the question about when you can get Invisalign. So read on to learn about Invisalign, its age limits, and who shouldn’t undergo this treatment.
What Exactly Is Invisalign?
Before we look at the right age for Invisalign, it’s important to know more about this dental treatment.
Although Invisalign seems only popular in recent years, it has been around since the late 1990s. Since their inception, these dental devices have been helping millions of people—including children, attain the perfect smile through straighter and more aligned teeth.
Those who wear Invisalign are given a pair of clear Invisalign aligners. If you opt for this treatment, you must wear these dental devices for months to years to allow your teeth to move closer together gradually into a straight position.
Most will be required to wear them for 20 to 22 hours daily for about two weeks and then less and less until you only need to wear them three to five times a week forever.
Unlike braces, you will wear various pairs of Invisalign as your teeth move closer together, with each pair customized to fit your mouth’s current sizing. You also won’t be able to easily discern that they are being worn, which is a huge plus for many people. Another benefit is that no special diet needs to be followed like traditional metal braces.
However, it’s important to note that results vary with Invisalign. Some will see a marked difference within the first ten weeks, while others might not see results until several months have passed. Since each dental situation is unique, it’s best to speak with a dentist to determine how long you would need to use Invisalign to straighten your teeth initially and when you would see improvement.
How Old Do You Have To Be To Get Invisalign?
At what age can you get Invisalign? This question is almost impossible to answer since you can undergo an Invisalign treatment at any age, as there is no official minimum age. However, it is recommended that Invisalign isn’t undergone until an individual reaches age seven.
This is because children shouldn’t begin wearing teeth straightening devices before this age as their teeth are still aligning and growing. It’s also incredibly difficult for a parent to get their children to wear Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily for the first two weeks.
That’s why, in most cases, it’s recommended only to begin Invisalign when a child has entered their adult years.
Invisalign Age Limit—Is There A Maximum Age For Invisalign?
Despite what you might have been told in the past, there is no age limit for Invisalign. Our dental practice often sees patients in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s successfully completing Invisalign treatment. Yet, it’s crucial to note that the Invisalign process might take longer in full-grown adults than it does in children and teenagers.
Who Shouldn’t Get Invisalign?
Although Invisalign is an incredibly useful, practical, and effective dental solution, not everyone can undergo this treatment.
Below, we have listed who shouldn’t get Invisalign to help you determine if it’s the right treatment for you.
Should you not be an ideal candidate for Invisalign, you shouldn’t worry, as we can help you find the right solution for your dental problems at Huntington Bay Dental.
Those With Severe Bite Alignment Problems
Invisalign often cannot provide enough restriction for those with neuromuscular issues that prevent aligned bites.
Often those who are suffering from severe bite alignment problems will need to undergo corrective jaw surgery. This type of surgery is often highly successful in correcting misalignments and dental abnormalities.
Any minor issues remaining after surgery can often be treated with Invisalign.
Individuals Who Don’t Want To Wear Retainers Regularly
Invisalign is a significant commitment for the rest of one’s life. That’s why it is not a dental procedure that should be taken lightly. You should consider other corrective dental procedures if you cannot commit to wearing Invisalign retainers regularly after the initial treatment.
Should you choose to undergo Invisalign treatment and not wear your retainers three to five times a week, your smile is going to revert to its original state—which is not something you want to happen.
Likewise, if you commit to Invisalign treatment, you must dedicate time and effort to cleaning and maintaining your retainers throughout your life. For some, this is not a viable option time-wise or finance-wise, so be sure to keep this in mind.
Book An Invisalign Appointment With Huntington Bay Dental Today
Ultimately, Invisalign is one of the best dental treatments for the young and old to undergo if they want straight teeth. Although this dental procedure isn’t ideally suited for everyone, most can benefit.
Luckily, you won’t have to guess if this is the treatment you should get. If you want to determine if Invisalign (or a different treatment) is right for you, schedule an appointment with Huntington Bay Dental today.
One of our talented dentists can offer you a consultation and discuss your treatment options. Our dentists and offices use the latest advancements in orthodontic technology and treatment, so you know you can trust us to help you get the smile you’ve always wanted.
