Am I Too Old to Get Clear Aligners?

Clear aligners are a popular orthodontic treatment option for people of all ages. While clear aligners have been traditionally used to treat teens and adults, there is no age limit on who can benefit from this type of treatment. Let’s dive deeper into how clear aligners work and whether you’re too old for this teeth straightening method:

How do clear aligners work?

Clear aligners are an excellent option for people who are looking for a more discreet way to straighten their teeth. The clear plastic trays are virtually invisible when worn, making them a popular choice for adults who want to improve their smile without drawing attention to their orthodontic treatment.

Clear aligners work by gently moving the teeth into their proper position over time. Each clear aligner is custom-made for the individual patient and is designed to move the teeth a small amount each week. As the patient wears each clear aligner, their teeth will gradually shift into the desired position.

The length of time that clear aligners need to be worn varies from patient to patient, but many treatment plans last between 6 and 18 months. Once treatment is completed, the patient will need to wear a retainer to maintain their new smile.

Are people too old to get clear aligners?

If you’re considering clear aligners to straighten your teeth, you may be wondering if you’re too old for this type of treatment. The truth is that clear aligners can be used to treat patients of all ages. Whether you’re in your teens, twenties, or even older, clear aligners can give you the straighter smile you’ve always wanted.

There are several reasons why clear aligners may be a good option for you, regardless of your age. First, clear aligners are practically invisible when worn, so they won’t draw attention to your mouth like metal braces would. This is especially important for adults who don’t want to look like they’re undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Another reason clear aligners may be a good option for you is that they’re removable. This means that you can take them out to eat, brush your teeth, and floss as usual. With metal braces, you have to be careful about what you eat and how well you brush and floss to avoid damaging the braces. Clear aligners give you the freedom to eat whatever you want and to maintain good oral hygiene without worrying about damage to your aligners.

What to keep in mind when getting clear aligners as an adult

While clear aligners are a great option for people of all ages, there are some things to keep in mind if you’re considering this type of treatment as an adult. First, clear aligners require a high level of commitment from the patient. In order to see results, clear aligners must be worn for around 20 to 22 hours per day, and they must be removed for eating and cleaning. This can be a challenge for adults who are used to being able to eat and drink whatever they want.

Another thing to keep in mind is that clear aligners may require frequent visits to the orthodontist. With clear aligners, patients often need to visit the orthodontist every 4 to 6 weeks to get new aligners as their teeth continue to move into place. But luckily, these appointments are generally shorter and less invasive than appointments for traditional braces.

The bottom line

If you’re considering clear aligners but are worried about whether you’re too old for treatment, rest assured that clear aligners can be used to treat patients of all ages. Talk to your orthodontist to figure out whether clear aligners are right for you.