If you are an adult who has not been able to straighten your teeth at a younger age, it’s not too late to do so now. There are many adults who would like straighter or less misaligned teeth but have the impression that it would be too late or too inconvenient to achieve the smile they’ve always wanted. Fortunately, the Invisalign custom-made aligner can help adults straighten and shift their teeth into place. It’s important to have well-aligned teeth not only for aesthetic reasons but for your oral health as well. Misaligned teeth can have negative effects on your bite, and make teeth cleaning more difficult and less effective. These conditions can create oral health issues which can become more and more serious over time.
What Are Invisalign Invisible Aligners?
Traditionally, the majority of teeth straightening or orthodontics treatments were thought to be suited for pre-teens or teenagers since they involved metal braces which may need to be worn for several years. Even though braces can be used to treat adult orthodontic issues, adults are hesitant to have braces for aesthetic reasons. However, Invisalign invisible aligners offer adults a discreet way to have straighter teeth without the inconvenience of metal braces.
Invisalign uses custom-made aligners that discreetly and gently straighten and shift teeth into place. It is ideal for any adult who wants to enjoy the many benefits of straighter teeth without having to wear uncomfortable metal brackets and wires. The process involves the use of a series of clear trays that are worn for a few weeks at a time. Over time, these trays gently and effectively move the teeth until they are perfectly aligned.
Is There An Age Limit For Invisalign?
Normally, orthodontic issues are dealt with during puberty but this doesn’t mean that there is an age limit for orthodontic treatments to straighten your teeth. Nowadays, there are many adults who straighten their teeth either with traditional metal braces or with Invisalign aligners with extremely effective results.
Invisalign treatment for adults may take longer than the treatment for teens to produce the desired results but generally, though, it has been effective for adults of all ages, even people in their 80s. What is important to the success of Invisalign for adults is the state of bone density. You have to have sufficient bone density and no loose teeth for the treatment to be effective.
Can Invisalign Treat Any Orthodontic Issue?
Invisalign can be used to treat a variety of dental problems but it generally can’t fix large overbites and extensive jaw damage. Instead, Invisalign is used to treat mild dental issues, such as crowded and gapped teeth, and for issues of misaligned bite (overbite, underbite, and crossbite).
What Is The Invisalign Treatment Process?
The first step is your consultation with our South Surrey / White Rock dentists at My Dentist At Morgan Creek. After your dentist takes X-Rays and impressions of your teeth, a digital 3D image is created to map out the precise movement of your teeth and get an estimated time frame for how long the treatment will take. Then you will receive a series of custom-fitted aligners. Each aligner will shift your teeth every two weeks. Once you have used one aligner, you can discard it. With the help of Invisalign, your teeth will slowly change day by day.
You also have to be aware that you must wear your aligners every day and night. They can be taken out to eat, to brush and floss your teeth, but you should otherwise wear them for at least 20 to 22 hours a day for the duration of your treatment plan which may last one to one and a half years.
Why Is It Important To Have Straight Teeth?
Straightening your teeth is more than just a matter of aesthetics. If your teeth are crooked or overlapping, they are more likely to decay or get damaged. This is because you may not be able to properly brush or floss them. Consequently, the bacteria in plaque that has been left hiding between your teeth can interact with the food you eat to release acids that can cause cavities and even lead to the inflammation of gums which can lead to gum disease.
What’s more, an overbite or underbite can also affect dental health by changing the stability of your bite. When you don’t have bite issues, you are able to chew and speak properly. It has been suggested that improper chewing can negatively affect our ability to maintain a well-balanced diet and optimal health.
Additionally, an improper bite can result in an increase in stress on the jaw joints which can cause TMJ pain, headaches, and migraines.
Of course, having crooked teeth can affect your self-confidence as well since we all know that first impressions can be very important. Studies have shown that individuals with straight teeth and beautiful smiles can be perceived as more successful, healthier, smarter, happier, and wealthier.
Get Invisalign For Adults In South Surrey / White Rock, BC
If you are unhappy with your smile and would like to have straighter teeth schedule your Invisalign consultation at My Dentist at Morgan Creek. Our Invisalign specialists can determine whether Invisalign is the right solution for you, answer all your questions regarding the treatment, and create a customized plan just for you. Book your consultation online or call us at 604-542-0123 to find out what your options are.
