Why Clear Aligners Are Popular With Adults Who Need Braces

When we think of braces we usually think of bulky metal and kids and teens; however, if you’re an adult with misaligned teeth, you may be wondering if traditional braces are the only option. While metal braces are the most well-known solution for straightening teeth, there are other options that adults may find more appealing. If you’re an adult struggling with misaligned teeth, here is what you need to know about your options.

Invisible Aligners

In the United States, more than 4 million people are wearing braces, 75% of which are under the age of 18. While it’s usually recommended that you begin a straightening treatment early, this doesn’t mean adults can’t — or don’t — undergo treatment. Today, invisible aligners are becoming a popular choice for adults who want to straighten their teeth discretely. Options such as Invisalign can be beneficial for a couple of significant reasons.

• Treatment Time: Traditional braces are typically worn for about two years; however, for adults Invisalign only needs to be worn for around 12 months. (Though this will depend on the overall severity.) The good thing about this is that treatment can be undergone and completed faster, without the need for clunky metal braces. For the most part, no one will even know you’re wearing aligners until you show off your new straightened smile.
• Fixing More Than Misalignment: Invisalign can also fix more than just misaligned teeth. Gaps, underbites, overbites, and crowding are a couple of the most common issues that Invisalign can fix. Abnormal bite patterns can cause stress to the jaw and lead to pain and joint issues, while overcrowding and gapping can create a buildup of plaque and gum disease respectively. Invisalign helps prevent these issues and gives you a healthier better-looking smile.
• Less Interference: Traditional metal braces force you to change a number of daily routines. From brushing to eating, you have to be careful to not damage your braces. Invisalign doesn’t have these issues and is easy to take in and out for brushing, eating, and drinking. This ensures that you can continue doing things as you usually would, without worrying about your braces getting in the way.

If your dentist agrees that you are a good candidate for Invisalign, the first thing they will do is take a 3D scan of your mouth and teeth. These images are used to create a series of aligners that are uniquely made for your mouth. Throughout treatment, you simply switch out to the next aligner to continue straightening. This method also means you won’t have to visit your dentist as much as with traditional braces. The most you’ll have to do is get another set of aligners and have a check-up to make sure everything is moving together correctly. If it causes tooth pain, go back to your dentist to identify the cause of your discomfort and make the necessary adjustments.

How Old Is Too Old?

Another concern many adults have when considering braces is if they are too old to undergo treatment. The fact of the matter is that as long as your teeth and gums are in good condition, you may be eligible for treatment. Beforehand, your dentist will perform a full dentistry evaluation in order to determine your bite alignment, oral health, and straightening needs. If everything is in good shape, treatment can continue; however, if you have cavities or other signs of decay or disease, your dentist will want to clear up those issues before starting straightening. Your dentist may also recommend additional services such as dental veneers to further improve your smile.

Millions of people worldwide from ages 12 and up have benefited from Invisalign treatment. If you’re an adult, no matter what age, it’s worth asking your dentist about the next time you head in for a check-up.

Taking Care of Braces

If you’re planning on getting Invisalign, or already have started treatment, it’s important to know how to properly take care of your new aligners. Here are a couple of tips for taking care of your Invisalign:

• Soak your aligners regularly with a specialized cleaning solution to keep them clean.
• You can also use an anti-bacterial soap to gently clean your aligners. This removes bacteria and plaque even if you don’t have a special solution.
• Take care to thoroughly brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back in. This will help prevent cavities from forming during treatment.
• Take out aligners every time you eat or drink anything that isn’t water. Colored drinks can stain the clear aligners and eating could create cracks that compromise them. Overall, it’s easier to take them out and give them a rinse before putting them back in.
• When you take your aligners out to brush them, don’t use toothpaste as this can harm aligners. When brushing, gently scrub your toothbrush around the aligner. Take care not to use too much pressure either as this could cause abrasions.

In the United States, the sale of organic foods reached $45.21 billion in 2017. With Invisalign, eating foods like apples and corn doesn’t have to be a chore. While traditional braces would force you to eat things differently, with Invisalign you can just pop them out and enjoy. So long as you remember to rinse them and put them back in, you won’t have to worry about changing your diet or eating habits.

Straightening Smiles

Invisalign is an option to consider for all ages. Clear aligners like this can be especially beneficial for adults however, who might otherwise be embarrassed to wear metal braces in a professional setting. This fact is making them increasingly popular among adults and there is no age limit to when you can get them. As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, you should be able to begin treatment.

Overall, investing in Invisalign treatment is something adults with misaligned teeth should seriously consider. Not only can clear aligners treat a variety of problems, but you won’t have to put your life on hold during treatment. If this sounds like an option you’d like to consider, speak with your dentist for more information. They can tell you if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign.