While proper oral care is important for people of all ages, it is especially important to maintain a healthy smile in our later years. Though problems like dental crowding and overbites affect people of every age, adults over 60 are particularly susceptible to oral health problems.
As we get older, it’s natural for our bodies to change — and our oral health changes right along with it. Bone density can gradually decrease, muscles may lose some strength and flexibility, and gums often begin to recede slightly from the teeth. These shifts are a normal part of aging, but they can influence both the health of your mouth and the appearance of your smile. Over time, they may also affect how your teeth function and align.
For example, gum recession and more porous bones can cause mildly crooked teeth to shift even further with time. If you are someone who has had crooked teeth their whole life, you may have noticed this trend in your own smile. If you have a crossbite or other bite issue, you may also have seen it growing worse with age.
Poor tooth alignment isn’t merely a cosmetic issue. Severe alignment issues can create a number of health problems, including:
- Complicated oral care routines (e.g., less effective brushing, more difficult flossing, etc.)
- Decreased oral function
- Bone loss
- Tooth enamel erosion
- Chronic headaches
- Jaw pain
At Beverly Hills Orthodontics, we want all of our patients to be as healthy as possible and love the way they look. That’s why we offer a range of orthodontic treatments for older adult patients—including Invisalign.
Chances are that you’ve been hearing about Invisalign for years. As the world’s #1 clear aligner program, millions of people have benefited from Invisalign’s comfortable and convenient treatment approach.
If you have been considering Invisalign for yourself, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we explore all the different Invisalign pros and cons for older adults (over 55) to help non-traditional patients make the best decision for their health.
Invisalign Pros and Cons for Older Adults: The Advantages of Clear Aligner Treatment
First, it’s important to note that Invisalign is just as effective for mature adults as it is for young people and teens. More than 13.4 million people across the globe have used Invisalign to improve their smiles, with no exceptions for age. In fact, Invisalign—like other orthodontic treatments—offers some excellent benefits for gum and bone health.
Orthodontic care provides patients with numerous health benefits. Both Invisalign and braces strengthen your jaw bone and improve gum health. As with every other bone, your jawbone also weakens over time and your gums tend to recede. Orthodontic work stimulates the jaw and makes brushing/flossing more effective, helping older patients maintain healthier teeth.
Invisalign in particular is an excellent choice for health-conscious orthodontic patients. Invisalign aligners are completely removable, which means that patients can take them out whenever they need to brush or floss. While oral care is possible with braces, it is more time-consuming and difficult to perform, especially if you suffer from poor eyesight or arthritis—both common “features” as we age.
In addition to its oral health benefits, Invisalign offers several practical advantages that appeal to many adults. Clear aligner treatment typically requires fewer in-office visits than traditional braces, which need periodic adjustments. Most Invisalign treatment plans include a series of custom aligners — often around 20 sets — that are worn for about one to two weeks at a time before progressing to the next stage. Because each set is designed to gradually guide teeth into place, patients can continue advancing through treatment with minimal supervision between scheduled check-ins.
Because Invisalign aligners are completely clear, easily removable, and custom-made to fit patients’ mouths, treatment is:
- Physically comfortable
- Free of dietary restrictions
- Cosmetically discreet
See the chart below for a quick summary of Invisalign’s benefits:
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Invisalign Pros and Cons for Older Adults: Disadvantages of Clear Aligner Treatment
Although there is a lot to love about Invisalign, it isn’t perfect for everyone.
For ideal results, patients must wear their Invisalign aligners for around 22 hours every day. This offers enough time to remove aligners for meals, oral care, and physical activity, but not much time beyond that. If you think you may be tempted to leave your aligners out for longer than that (or misplace them), braces may be a better option for you.
Braces are also better suited for correcting severe alignment problems. Although BHO’s founder, Dr. Monica Madan, does create hybrid treatment plans to correct severe issues with Invisalign and additional appliances/procedures, braces offer a simpler treatment route.
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Have More Questions About Invisalign? Call Beverly Hills Orthodontics Today
If you’re an adult over 55 and ready to improve your smile, Invisalign could be the perfect fit for you. Convenient, attractive, and comfortable, Invisalign is an easy way to improve the look of your smile and boost your overall oral health.
While Invisalign is a great option for many adults, it isn’t the right solution for every orthodontic case. To ensure every patient receives the care that best fits their needs, Beverly Hills Orthodontics offers a full range of treatment options, including traditional braces alongside Invisalign. If you’re interested in learning which option may be right for your smile, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our team at one of our four convenient locations in Beverly Hills, Studio City, Alhambra, or Downtown Los Angeles.