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Have you heard of Invisalign for adults over 50?
I wish they’d been available when I was young. Instead, I had to endure the discomfort of traditional metal braces.
I don’t regret it, especially now that I have straight adult teeth. They were painful, though, and required a care.
I vaguely remember some kind of special floss that I had to weave through the braces. I used a lot of wax on the inside of my cheeks as well. Otherwise, the metal would create sores.
I’m not sure if today’s metal braces have changed that much. Invisalign, however, has quickly gained popularity since it was introduced to the market in 1999 by Align Technology.
Finally, there was a clear, removable alternative to traditional braces!
Invisalign For Adults Over 50 – Not Everyone Is a Good Candidate
There are several reasons why a person may not be a good candidate for Invisalign. Some key factors include the following:
Severe Orthodontic Issues
Severe dental issues like significant misalignment, large gaps, or extreme overcrowding may respond better to traditional braces. Invisalign, unfortunately, may not apply the right pressure needed to address these issues.
In this case, Invisalign may not be a viable opton.
Pre-existing Dental Problems
Dental problems like untreated cavities, tooth loss, gum disease, or a weakened jaw bone might disqualify you from benefitting from Invisalign.
Invisalign aligners are designed for healthy teeth and gums, so it’s essential to address any existing problems beforehand.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene is crucial when using Invisalign. Food particles and bacteria can get trapped after putting the aligners back in unless you brush and floss throughly.
This increases your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Lack of Commitment
I couldn’t take the metal brackets off of my teeth, as much as I wanted to sometimes. Invisalign, however, makes it easy to remove the tray. That’s not always a good thing!
For Invisalign to work effectively, they have to be worn for 20-22 hours per day.
Bone Density or Missing Teeth
Invisalign for adults over 50 may not work if you have low bone density in the jaw or if you are missing teeth.
The aligners rely on natural teeth or anchor the trays and guide movement. In other words, it won’t work if you have dental implants.
The Benefits of Invisalign for Adults Over 50
65 Successful Beauty Bloggers Over 50 If you’re an older adult looking for a great option to achieve a beautiful smile, the benefits of Invisalign might surprise you.
The following are 16 great reasons to try invisalign braces to get that dream smile you’ve always wanted.
1. Discreet Treatment
Invisalign aligners are made from clear, virtually invisible plastic trays.
Metal braces look terrible, feel terrible, and are hard to get used to. Unlike traditional metal brackets and wires, these clear aligners are nearly invisible.
For adults over 50, the discreet nature of Invisalign can be especially appealing. You can get the beautiful smile you want without the self-consciourness that often comes with visible braces.
2. Comfort
Invisalign aligners are made from smooth, BPA-free plastic, making them much more comfortable than traditional braces.
Those sharp metal brackets and rubber bands should be taken out of orthodontic care and put in a museum where we can all marvel at how things “used to be”.
Obviously, using a smooth, hard plastic to straighten teeth is a much more comfortable experience for orthodontic patients.
Honestly, if you didn’t have sensitive gums and teeth before wearing metal brackets, you will once they’re glued on.
I’ll never forget how painful those metal brackets were!
Invisalign’s smooth design, however,minimizes discomfort, making them a more comfortable option for older patients.
The custom fit of Invisalign aligners also ensures that they sit snugly on your teeth, offering a gentle and gradual shift toward straighter teeth without the pain that sometimes accompanies traditional braces.
3. Removable
In addition to the discomfort of metal braces, I remember constantly having to check my braces for chunks of food. It was gross. I think I just had a little flashback to what it was like.
I had interdental brushes to clean areas where food got trapped, floss threaders to weave around the brackers, dental wax paper, and orthodontic wax.
You won’t need any of those things with Invisalign. That’s because you can remove the aligners while eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.
This makes it easier to maintain a healthy mouth, which is crucial for adult patients, especially those who may be dealing with gum issues or other dental concerns.
You simply take out the plastic trays, eat as you please, and put the aligners back in once you’re done.
Amazing!
4. Improved Confidence
I’m already a little self-conscious about my sprouting grays and wrinkled skin. Add a full set of metal brackets to the mix and I probably wouldn’t leave the house!
Straightening crooked teeth with Invisalign, however, would be a game-changer.
For adult patients over 50, improving the appearance of your smile can also make you look more youthful and vibrant.
A straighter smile enhances facial aesthetics, and Invisalign’s clear aligners offer a discreet treatment that won’t draw attention.
5. Better Oral Health
Crooked teeth can make it difficult to brush and floss effectively, leading to a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Straight teeth aren’t just more attractive—they also contribute to better overall oral health.
For older patients who are more prone to these issues, Invisalign can help by aligning the teeth in a way that makes it easier to clean your teeth properly.
The plastic trays are designed to fit snugly and gradually shift your teeth, ensuring that you can maintain better oral hygiene.
Straighter teeth also reduce the risk of developing bite problems that could lead to jaw pain or discomfort later on.
6. No Dietary Restrictions
Since Invisalign trays are removable, you can eat whatever you want without worrying about breaking wires or food getting stuck in your braces.
7. Customizable Treatment
Invisalign offers a customizable treatment plan designed to fit your specific needs.
Your orthodontist will use advanced 3D imaging to create a personalized treatment plan for you. This ensures your teeth are gradually shifted into the desired position.
8. Less Risk of Gum Recession
Crooked teeth can contribute to gum recession over time, especially if misaligned teeth cause uneven pressure on the gums.
Traditional braces with metal brackets can sometimes worsen the problem because they apply more force to move the teeth.
Invisalign, on the other hand, offers a gentler and more gradual pressure, which reduces the likelihood of gum damage.
This is especially important for older patients who may already be experiencing gum recession. By using Invisalign, you can move toward straighter teeth while also protecting your gum health throughout the process.
9. Fewer Office Visits
Invisalign requires fewer office visits compared to traditional braces. Who has time to visit the orthodontist? Of course, you’ll still have appointments, but not as many as you would with traditional braces.
Traditional metal brackets require frequent adjustments to tighten the wires. Invisalign, however, only requires a check-up every six to eight weeks.
This makes it easier for adult patients, particularly those over 50, to fit treatment into their busy lives without the need for constant trips to the orthodontist.
10. Long-Term Benefits
Correcting crooked teeth, even in later years, can have lasting benefits for your dental health.
Misalignment can lead to uneven tooth wear, tooth sensitivity, and jaw discomfort.
Aligning your teeth can improve your bite, reduce strain on the jaw, and even alleviate headaches caused by misalignment.
The length of treatment varies, but for those who are committed to wearing their aligners for the recommended 20-22 hours per day, the results can be long-lasting and transformative.
11. Less Risk of Damage to Teeth
Crooked teeth can wear unevenly over time, leading to cracks, chips, or even tooth loss.
Invisalign works to align the teeth in a way that reduces the risk of this kind of damage. Invisalign for adults over 50 offers controlled pressure on the teeth. This can prevent excessive wear and tear.
12. No Age Limit
Invisalign isn’t just for younger patients. It’s a treatment option available to people of all ages, including older patients.
Whether you’re addressing functional issues, aesthetic concerns, or both, Invisalign can be a viable option for adults of any age.
13. Supports Overall Facial Aesthetics
The alignment of your teeth plays a key role in the overall aesthetics of your face.
Straighter teeth can improve the symmetry of your smile, enhance your profile, and even reduce the appearance of sagging or aging around the mouth and jawline.
Invisalign for adults over 50 can have a significant impact on your facial appearance.
The subtle, clear aligners are perfect for those who want to achieve a perfect smile without the bulky appearance of traditional braces.
14. Convenient for Busy Lifestyles
Invisalign is an ideal treatment for adult patients with busy lifestyles.
The aligners are removable, meaning there’s no need to adjust your daily routine around your orthodontic treatment.
You can continue with your normal activities, whether it’s business meetings, family gatherings, or travel, without the inconvenience of metal brackets and wires.
15. Reduced Risk of Tooth Loss
By correcting crooked teeth with Invisalign, you may reduce the risk of tooth loss caused by misalignment.
For older patients, preventing tooth loss is often a top priority, and Invisalign provides an effective way to maintain long-term dental health and avoid complications that could arise from misaligned teeth.
Summary
Invisalign for adults over 50 may be the perfect option for you. The best thing to do is schedule an appointment or consultation with your dentist or an orthodontist.
They will determine if there are any serious oral health concerns to determine whether Invisalign is a good option. There’s no sense wasting money on something that won’t work!
If you do end up using Invisalign, make sure to follow all advice and instructions from your orthodontist. Good luck and happy smiling!