Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment option using clear, removable aligners to gradually shift teeth to their desired alignment. This discreet method has gained popularity among people of all ages, including older adults who want to improve their oral health and the aesthetics of their smile.
However, before deciding on Invisalign, weighing the pros and cons of this treatment option is crucial to making your final decision.
When considering whether to get Invisalign, it’s essential to think about your lifestyle, oral health needs, and budget. If you’re an adult considering orthodontic treatment, you may wonder if Invisalign is the right option. Today, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the benefits and drawbacks of Invisalign to help you make a more informed choice about your oral healthcare.
Pros of Invisalign for Older Adults
Aesthetics
One of the most visible (or invisible) advantages of Invisalign is its discreet nature. Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible, which makes them ideal for adults who want to straighten their teeth without drawing unwanted attention to their mouths. Unlike traditional metal braces, which can be seen even when you smile, Invisalign aligners are clear plastic, so they blend in with your teeth and are hardly noticeable.
Comfort
Many patients find that Invisalign aligners are more comfortable than traditional braces and don’t irritate your cheeks or gums like metal brackets and wires. This is a significant advantage for older adults, who may be more sensitive to discomfort than younger patients.
Removability
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners can be easily removed when eating, brushing, flossing, and drinking. This means that there are no dietary restrictions that patients need to worry about; you can eat whatever they want while wearing your clear aligners.
Patients with braces are typically advised to avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods that can damage the brackets and wires. This can be incredibly challenging for older adults with dietary restrictions or preferences. Invisalign removes these limitations on what you can eat and drink.
Shorter Treatment Time
Another advantage of Invisalign for older adults is that the treatment process is typically faster than traditional braces. The average length of treatment depends on your case’s severity, but most patients can expect to wear their aligners for 12-18 months or less. This is shorter than the average time for metal braces, ranging from 18-24 months or longer.
Risk of Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
A great advantage of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable, making cleaning your teeth and the aligners much more manageable. Traditional braces can be challenging to clean, as food and plaque can easily get trapped in the brackets and wires, leading to bacteria buildup.
Cons of Invisalign
Cost
The cost of Invisalign treatment, which typically ranges from $3,500 to $5,000, is one concern that many patients focus on when deciding on Invisalign. Price can vary due to several factors, such as the complexity, treatment duration, and your geographical location.
Some patients may find that Invisalign is not covered by their dental insurance, but some providers offer a portion of the treatment cost. Patients should always confirm with their insurance provider to determine if they have coverage for Invisalign treatment.
When you’re reviewing your options for straightening your teeth, you can also inquire with your orthodontist about any financing options that they offer. Instead of a hefty upfront sum, you can break the payments out into lower monthly installments, so you can receive your treatment without financial barriers preventing you from doing so.
Compliance
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are removable. However, this may be a challenge for patients who need more flexible schedules to accommodate the recommended wear time of 22 hours per day.
Patients are recommended not to remove their aligners for more than two hours each day, which is used for meals and oral hygiene. This requires a high level of commitment and discipline from the patient to adhere to the recommended wear time.
Speech Impediments
Some patients experience a slight lisp or speech impediment when wearing Invisalign aligners. The aligners are intended to fit snugly over the teeth, changing how you pronounce certain sounds. However, this usually goes away after you get used to wearing them.
Must Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Habits
One downside of Invisalign is the need to maintain good oral hygiene habits. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are removable and must be cleaned regularly to prevent bacteria buildup, and failure to do so can lead to bad breath and tooth decay.
May Not Be Suitable for Complex Cases
Although Invisalign is effective for many types of alignment issues, it may not be able to correct complex movement problems. Invisalign aligners work by gradually shifting teeth into their desired position over time, but if the movement required is too complex, traditional braces or other orthodontic treatments may be necessary.
Get Invisalign in St. Augustine, FL
Ready to transform your smile? Contact Henry Orthodontics today to learn more about Invisalign in St. Augustine, FL. Our experienced team can help you determine if Invisalign is the best choice for you and guide you through the process from start to finish.
To get started, contact us now to schedule your first appointment, or visit our adult orthodontics page to learn more.
