Invisalign for Adults: What Are the Benefits?

Do you have teeth that are crooked? Are you embarrassed about the appearance of your smile but concerned about getting braces as an adult?

Dr. Izadi treats adult patients and offers convenient and discreet treatment for many adult orthodontic needs with Invisalign clear aligners. Clear braces and clear aligners have transformed orthodontics for adults, offering some important benefits and making it easier to straighten teeth and improve dental health.

Benefits of Invisalign for Adults

As an adult orthodontic patient, there are additional considerations when receiving orthodontic treatment. Your lifestyle is far different from that of a younger child or teen! The ability to address orthodontic concerns without having to wear traditional metal braces offers:

  • Discreet treatment: no one has to know you are wearing clear aligners to straighten your teeth. The aligners fit snugly over your teeth and are virtually unnoticeable
  • Non-irritating: clear aligners will not cause irritation of the gums and soft tissues, something that can happen with metal braces. After the first couple of weeks, you may even forget you are wearing an aligner.
  • Removable: Invisalign aligners are easily removed for eating meals and for daily oral hygiene. It is easy to join friends and colleagues for meals without dietary restrictions or concerns about food getting caught in the brackets.
  • Efficient: although treatment time will vary from patient to patient, most cases are completed in 12-15 months. As an adult, you know how quickly this time can go. After a few months, you will have a smile that is beautiful and healthier.

Why do I need braces as an adult?

There are several reasons that an adult patient may need orthodontic treatment. The first is to straighten teeth and improve the aesthetics of the smile- crooked teeth can detract from your smile confidence. Other common reasons include:

  • TMJ disorders: straightening teeth may be part of a treatment plan to balance the bite and resolve a TMJ problem.
  • Jaw structure concerns: if you have a maxillofacial issue, orthodontics may be necessary to reposition the teeth as part of your overall treatment plan.
  • Orthodontic relapse: have you had braces as a young person only to see your teeth begin to shift and change the appearance of your smile? Orthodontic relapse is a common occurrence as we age and in more severe cases, the teeth can become significantly repositioned and lead to other problems.

Do I need to wear a retainer for the rest of my life?

Yes, Dr. Izadi will recommend that you do so to avoid orthodontic relapse. Wearing a retainer while sleeping will maintain your beautiful new smile and help to support optimal dental health.