Does age matter with Invisalign?

Introduced in the late 1990s, Invisalign has since become a mainstream alternative to traditional metal braces. This treatment system involves wearing a series of clear aligners over different phases or months, with each set of aligners slowly moving teeth to their proper position. Due to their transparent colour, these aligners are barely noticeable to others, unlike metal braces. It is mainly this characteristic that makes these so popular across different ages.

Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment known for its clear aligners that gradually shift teeth into their desired positions. One common question is whether age affects the suitability and effectiveness of this treatment. Here, we will uncover does age matter with Invisalign. 

How does a typical Invisalign treatment process look like?

In general, patients are advised to wear their aligners about 20-22 hours a day for 2 weeks. Following which, they’ll receive another set of aligners and so on. Unlike traditional metal braces, patients using these do not need to adhere to a soft diet and are allowed to eat whatever they want. This is because patients are required to remove it when they eat or drink anything apart from water.

Some patients might see improvement in their front teeth in as little as 3.5 months! Everyone’s teeth and condition are different, so there’s no hard-set timeline on how long this treatment will last. But in general, the average treatment process takes about 12 to 18 months.

After treatment is complete, patients will need to wear retainers to allow the bones around their jaw to get used to the new teeth placements. There are various types of retainers available. Click here to learn more. It is recommended to wear a retainer immediately after teeth straightening treatment to prevent your teeth from shifting. 

Does age matter with Invisalign?

While Invisalign treatment accounts for 31% of adult orthodontics, it is available to individuals across all age groups, including children. Children as young as 5 can start wearing it as long as they are under the watchful eye of a dentist or orthodontist. There is no specific age requirement for wearing the same; rather, it depends on the development, maturity and arrangement of teeth.

Here’s how it works differently for different age groups.

For young children

Invisalign+ Buddy is a treatment approach designed by Dental Designs Clinic, specifically for young children aged 5-8. The goal is to treat a broad range of teeth straightening issues like crowding and making space for existing and incoming permanent teeth. 

Early intervention can also prevent pre-existing bite problems and eliminate habits like thumb sucking. Eradicating these will shorten the time required for future orthodontic treatments. As with regular aligners for adults, plus aligners for kids are removable for hygiene and designed without wires or brackets for comfort.

Maintaining good oral hygiene by teaching your child to brush and floss regularly is essential for their overall oral health. Early intervention helps in developing a healthy smile and addresses crowded teeth or bite issues before they worsen. By focusing on oral hygiene from a young age, you can help ensure your child's teeth stay healthy and strong, contributing to their long-term good oral health.

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For teenagers

Invisalign+ Teens is a treatment approach designed by Dental Designs Clinic for teenager. Teeth straightening during the ages of 9-18 years old is a good option for kids who wish to straighten their teeth without the noticeable appearance of traditional braces. The aligners are virtually invisible, allowing teens to maintain their confidence throughout the treatment.

For the treatment to be effective, the clear aligners must be worn for at least 20 hours a day. If a teen does not have the discipline to wear their aligners for the stipulated number of hours daily, then it might not be an optimal course of treatment.

For adults

Age is not a barrier when it comes to orthodontic treatment using Invisalign aligners. Older adults can benefit from this treatment, whether they need to correct teeth movement that has occurred over time or address more complex crowding issues. It may take a longer treatment time to yield desirable results for adults compared to younger patients.

Often, bone density is what determines whether an adult is suitable for this method. As older individuals tend to have issues with bone density, there may be issues with teeth movement. At Dental Designs clinic, our dentists will guide you through the process and help you attain good oral health. 

Is there a minimum age requirement for Invisalign?

 A very common question people have before starting Invisalign is whether their age might disqualify them, and the good news is that age alone is generally not a barrier to treatment. 

There is no strict universal minimum age for Invisalign, but this requires some important context. The most important factor is not age, but rather dental readiness, that is whether enough permanent teeth have come through, and whether the teeth and jaw are in a suitable condition for orthodontic treatment. Your dentist will assess this during a consultation. 

There is no upper age limit for Invisalign. Adults of all ages can successfully undergo Invisalign treatment. In fact, more adults than ever are choosing Invisalign because it is discreet and fits comfortably into a professional lifestyle.

That said, it is worth being mindful that as we age, our bone density and overall oral health can change. Conditions like gum disease or significant bone loss around the teeth may need to be treated and stabilised before orthodontic treatment can begin.

What type of retainers will suit me?

Post-treatment, wearing retainers is crucial to prevent relapse cases and maintain the new smile achieved through the treatment.

After your smile is corrected with this modern treatment method, you will need to wear a retainer to maintain your new straightened teeth. At Dental Designs, we offer Zendura retainer. Advantages of Zendura includes:

• Proven resistance to stains
• Improved durability against trauma
• Safe and non-toxic material

Read more about the different types of retainers here.

Find out more about Invisalign with Dental Designs today!

Conclusion

Age should not stand in the way of having well-aligned, healthy teeth. Whether it's a child who needs early orthodontic intervention, an adult looking to correct long-standing concerns, or an older patient seeking to improve function and comfort, Invisalign can be considered as a treatment option across a wide range of clinical needs.

That said, a thorough initial assessment is an important first step. At Dental Designs Clinic, we use 3D digital scanning technology and Invisalign's ClinCheck treatment planning software to map out your tooth movements in detail before your first aligner is made. This allows your dentist to plan your treatment based on your individual teeth, bite, and lifestyle.

If you would like to find out more about whether Invisalign is right for you, please feel free to leave us a message here.

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Frequently Asked Questions On "Does age matter with Invisalign?"

Q) Does Invisalign take longer for adults?

It can, yes. Because adult bone is fully mature, teeth may move a little more slowly compared to younger patients. Most adults complete their Invisalign treatment within 12 to 24 months, depending on the complexity of their case. Your dentist will give you a realistic timeline after assessing your teeth.

Q) Does the cost of Invisalign change with age?

The cost of Invisalign is based on the complexity of your case, not your age. That said, older patients sometimes require additional dental work to be completed before treatment can begin, such as addressing gum concerns or replacing worn restorations. This can affect the overall cost of your care. 

Q) Can I still get Invisalign if I have dental implants?

In many cases, yes. Dental implants are permanently fixed into the jawbone and cannot be moved by aligners, but the natural teeth around them can still be repositioned. Your dentist will design a treatment plan that works around the implant, moving your remaining natural teeth into better alignment while keeping the implant stable. 

It is worth noting that if you are planning to have both Invisalign treatment and a dental implant, the timing and sequence of these treatments matters. In many situations, it is preferable to complete orthodontic treatment first, so that the implant can be placed in an appropriate position once your teeth are aligned. Your dentist will advise you on an optimal approach for your specific situation. 

Q) Is it safe to eat with my aligners in?

No, aligners should always be removed before eating. Eating with them in can cause the trays to crack or warp, and food and liquids can become trapped against your teeth, which is not good for your oral hygiene. Once you have finished eating and cleaned your teeth, simply pop your aligners back in before continuing with your day. 

Q) Can Invisalign help with teeth that have become crowded over time?

Yes. Teeth can shift and become more crowded with age, and this is one of the more common reasons adults seek orthodontic treatment. Invisalign can be used to address crowding that has developed over time, provided your gums and bone are in a healthy enough state to support tooth movement. Your dentist will assess this as part of your initial consultation. 

References

1. Haouili, N., Kravitz, N. D., Vaid, N. R., Ferguson, D. J., & Makki, L. (2020). Has Invisalign improved? A prospective follow-up study on the efficacy of tooth movement with Invisalign. American journal of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics : official publication of the American Association of Orthodontists, its constituent societies, and the American Board of Orthodontics, 158(3), 420–425. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajodo.2019.12.015
2. Kuncio D. A. (2014). Invisalign: current guidelines for effective treatment. The New York state dental journal, 80(2), 11–14.