Invisalign® for Teens and Adults (What to Expect)

It’s a myth that only teenagers can get orthodontic treatment. The truth is that Invisalign® is more accessible than you think. With advances in technology, we’re able to treat more issues with Invisalign braces.

This means that you may not need traditional metal braces to get the smile you’ve always wanted. Instead, you may be able to wear clear aligners that are more comfortable and discreet.

Our Invisalign dentists in Westland, MI are ready to help you start smiling with confidence!

Continue reading to learn why you may be the perfect candidate for Invisalign braces. We’ll also tell you what teenage and adult patients can expect.

Invisalign for Adults & Teens

Teens

Teenagers can wear Invisalign braces, as long as they have all their adult teeth. Our teenage patients must also be able to wear their Invisalign trays at least 20 to 22 hours a day. This means that you should only take out your clear aligners to eat, drink, brush, and floss.

It’ll take longer to straighten your teeth if you don’t wear your aligners as directed. Invisalign works by exerting pressure on your teeth to move. Yet, your clear aligners can’t do this if they’re sitting in their case all day. The less you wear your aligners, the more likely you won’t be able to enjoy your new smile by the original time frame.

In the past, our Invisalign dentists had to rely on the patient’s word to learn if they were wearing their aligners. Today, we can check the blue “compliance indicator” dot on your aligners. If you wear your aligners at least 20 hours a day, the dot should fade. Otherwise, the visible blue dot will let us know you haven’t been compliant. This is one of the ways we encourage teens to wear their Invisalign braces as directed.

Adults

Unlike teenagers, adults tend to be more motivated to wear clear aligners. This is because they’re often paying for their own orthodontic treatment. Adults also know how a smile can affect first impressions, such as on job interviews or first dates. Our dentists may recommend Invisalign if you don’t want metal on your teeth. Many of our adult patients appreciate how Invisalign is discreet, yet effective.

Mature Adults

It’s never too late to get the smile you’ve always wanted. In fact, many of our Invisalign patients are mature adults. Our dentists have long recognized the value of making patients feel comfortable. This is why they take the time to answer any questions our older patients might have about Invisalign. We want to make sure adults don’t feel self-conscious about seeking orthodontic treatment.

Invisalign can be great for patients with gum disease. This is because Invisalign straightens teeth, making it easier to brush and floss. Invisalign is also removal so you can maintain your oral hygiene routine. Unlike traditional metal braces, you don’t have to clean around wires and brackets.

While your bones have stopped growing, we’re still able to move teeth with Invisalign. There’s no reason why you have to live with a smile that makes you feel embarrassed. Call today to request a consultation with one of our Invisalign dentists.

Our Invisalign dentists in Westland, MI can help you get the smile you’ve always wanted with clear aligners. To request an appointment, call the Parkside Dental Team at (734) 261-6060.