Is Invisalign suitable for adults, or is it just for teenagers?

There’s a stubborn myth that braces are for teenagers and that if you didn’t straighten your teeth when you were young, you’ve missed your chance. At High St Dental in Melton Mowbray, a significant portion of Invisalign patients are adults who decided, often years after leaving school, that they wanted to do something about their smile. Some are in their 30s. Some are in their 50s.

The question isn’t whether adults can have Invisalign. They absolutely can. The more useful question is whether it’s the right option for you specifically.

Why do adults choose Invisalign over traditional braces

Fixed metal braces work. Nobody disputes that. But for most adults with professional or social lives, the idea of spending 12 to 18 months with visible metal brackets on their teeth is a real barrier.

Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible. They’re made from clear, smooth plastic and fit snugly over your teeth. Most people won’t notice them at all. You can smile, talk, and present in meetings without self-consciousness.

They’re also removable, which matters more than people initially realise. You take them out to eat, which means no restrictions on food. You remove them to brush and floss, which means your oral hygiene doesn’t have to change. And if there’s a big occasion, a wedding, a job interview, a birthday dinner, you can remove the aligners for a few hours without derailing your treatment.

Is there an age limit for Invisalign?

There is no upper age limit. Invisalign can be used effectively at any age, provided certain conditions are met.

The main requirements are:

• Healthy teeth and gums. Any active gum disease or decay needs to be treated before orthodontic treatment begins.
• Permanent teeth. Invisalign is designed for use with fully erupted adult teeth. This is why treatment is typically not started until the mid-teens at the earliest.
• Commitment to wearing the aligners. This is probably the biggest factor for adult patients. Invisalign works when you wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours every day. If that’s realistic for your lifestyle, results follow.

Bone density does change with age, and teeth can move more slowly in older adults. That said, Dr Andy Toy, who has been using Invisalign since 2007 and has completed over 1,000 cases, regularly treats patients across a wide age range with excellent outcomes.

What kinds of problems can Invisalign fix in adults?

Invisalign treats a wide range of orthodontic concerns, including:

• Crowded teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crossbite
• Open bite

For mild to moderate cases, Invisalign is often clinically comparable to fixed braces. More complex cases may still be better suited to traditional orthodontics, and this is something that would be assessed during a consultation.

How long does Invisalign take for adults?

Treatment length depends on the individual case. It can be as short as three months for minor corrections, or up to 18 months for more complex alignment issues. Most patients at High St Dental find their treatment takes around 12 months.

Dr Toy was involved in research that helped halve treatment times compared to earlier versions of the Invisalign system. That’s worth knowing when comparing your options.

What does Invisalign treatment include at High St Dental?

Alongside the aligners themselves, Invisalign treatment at High St Dental in Melton Mowbray includes:

• Three sets of Vivera retainers (to maintain results after treatment)
• Access to the Dental Monitoring app, which reduces the number of in-person appointments needed
• Free home tooth whitening, or 20% off Zoom whitening

Treatment starts with a consultation with Donna, the Invisalign treatment coordinator, followed by a comprehensive examination with Dr Toy.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Can adults get aligners in Melton Mowbray?

A: Yes. Adults make up the majority of Invisalign patients. High St Dental treats adult patients of all ages, and there is no upper age limit for treatment.

Q: Is Invisalign noticeable at work?

A: Most people find that the aligners are not noticeable in day-to-day professional settings. The clear plastic is designed to be as discreet as possible.

Q: How many hours a day do you have to wear Invisalign?

A: 20 to 22 hours per day. You remove them to eat, drink anything other than water, and to brush your teeth.

Q: What happens after Invisalign treatment finishes?

A: Retainers are needed to hold the teeth in their new positions. At High St Dental, three sets of Vivera retainers are included with treatment.

Thinking about Invisalign? Book a consultation at High St Dental in Melton Mowbray. Visit 12 High St, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE13 0TR, or book online.