3 Advantages Of Invisalign For Older Adults

Invisalign isn't just for teens and young adults. It doesn't matter how old you are. Invisalign can straighten your teeth and give you a straighter and healthier smile. Moving the teeth of an older adult is a little more difficult than moving the teeth of a teenager. But with time and patience, Invisalign can give you the results you desire.

As an older adult, Invisalign offers you several useful benefits.

1. You Can Undergo Treatment Discreetly

Traditional metal braces are very noticeable. This is why teenagers and adults alike can feel uncomfortable about wearing them. But noticeability isn't an issue with Invisalign because Invisalign aligners consist of clear medical-grade plastic. As a result, you can undergo Invisalign treatment without worrying about what others might think.

If you do need to take your aligners out for up-close social interactions, you can do so. But make sure you arrange with your orthodontist just how long you can remove your aligners each day.

2. You Can Eat What You Like

Orthodontists usually allow patients to remove their aligners for about two hours a day. Part of this time is allocated to eating. While traditional braces will limit what you can eat, Invisalign aligners don't. As long as you store your aligners away carefully during meals — not in your pocket — you can remove them to eat.

Invisalign aligners do stain, so this is an important benefit. If you enjoy pasta, you can eat as much as you want and not worry about the mess it will make of your braces. Just ensure that you rinse your mouth out before you replace your aligners.

3. You Can Protect Your Teeth and Gums

As you age, your teeth and gums become more susceptible to oral conditions like gum disease and tooth decay. Invisalign can help to protect your teeth against these conditions. By moving your teeth into more favorable positioning, Invisalign makes it easier for you to care for your teeth during oral hygiene sessions.

But one issue to keep in mind as you undergo treatment is dry mouth. As people age, they are more susceptible to dry mouth. A dry mouth is more at risk of tooth decay. And Invisalign could worsen this issue for some people. If dry mouth is an issue for you, keep yourself well hydrated with plenty of water throughout the day.

If you are interested in how Invisalign can improve your smile, talk to your dentist. Your dentist will be able to perform a dental x-ray to determine if you have enough bone density to move teeth safely with Invisalign. As long as your mouth is healthy and you have sufficient bone density, you can achieve your desired smile.