1 Study sponsored by Align Technology and based on adult Class I, nonextraction, mild to moderate crowding cases with SmartTrack material. David W. White, Katie C. Julien, Helder Jacob, Phillip M. Campbell and Peter H. Buschang, Discomfort associated with Invisalign and traditional brackets: A randomized, prospective trial. The Angle Orthodontist Nov 2017, Vol. 87, No. 6 pp. 801-808
Can Your Teeth Be Straightened at Any Age?
When it comes to straightening your teeth, how young is too young? Is there an age when you're just too old to straighten your teeth? For new and old teeth straightening methods, you'll definitely have some questions about whether teeth straightening is an option at any age.
Well hey, we've got some good news for you — not only will you be pleasantly surprised at your teeth straightening options at almost any age, but you'll be happy to know that the Invisalign system has confidently brought teeth straightening into the 21st century with a range of new technologies.
Let's take a look at what your teeth straightening options are, depending on your age.
How old do you have to be to get Invisalign treatment?
With Invisalign clear aligners, indeed, kids can absolutely get their teeth straightened! The Invisalign teeth-straightening system for kids is called Invisalign First. At what age can you get Invisalign? It can be used with children as young as 6-10 years old as a "Phase One" of their teeth straightening journey.
Invisalign clear aligners are different to the traditional metal braces. They are made of a flexible, comfortable SmartTrack material that is virtually invisible when worn. And because they are custom-made for each individual patient, they fit snugly and comfortably in any mouth — no matter how big or small.
Here's what makes Invisalign treatment unique — critically, as the child's teeth grows, Invisalign clear aligners are also made to fit at every stage of growth. The journey begins with a 3D scan* of the teeth, where a simulated outcome can be shown in a few minutes. You’ll then receive a series of custom-made clear aligners that are made to fit for the particular stage of the treatment.
* Some doctors still take physical impressions using a soft putty. These impressions are then scanned by Invisalign technicians to create the 3D image for use in the ClinCheck software and manufacturing aligners.
Invisalign for kids is available and not only does it give kids a headstart on getting straighter teeth or preventing pre-existing issues from getting worse, but it also means that they can grow up with the confidence that their smile can light up any room.
Can teenagers get their teeth straightened?
Yes! Teens are awesome candidates for Invisalign treatment, as the aligners are almost invisible so it won't interfere with your appearance or everyday life, whether it be a special occasion or school photos. Invisalign clear aligners are also removable, so teens can take them out for a quick bite to eat or drink to sip!
Another big advantage of Invisalign treatment for teens is that it is more comfortable than traditional metal braces1. With Invisalign treatment, there are no brackets or wires to rub against the inside of the mouth that may cause cuts or sores. Handy when you are trying to focus on school or gaming.
Oh, and if you have complex dental issues, no worries! Invisalign clear aligners can treat a wide range of dental issues, including overbites, underbites, gaps in the teeth, crowded teeth, and more.
Finally, if you're an active teen, Invisalign treatment is the way to go — there's no risk of the aligners getting caught on clothing or sports equipment, and they are much less likely to be damaged during contact sports than traditional metal braces. That means less time being worried about your braces wires breaking, and more time getting out there!
Can adults get their teeth straightened?
Yes, adult is another group of people who can benefit from Invisalign treatment. Just because you're not a teenager anymore doesn't mean that you have to miss out on the straighter teeth and glowing smile that you've always wanted. Even if you have long-standing dental issues like crowded teeth, underbites, overbites, or gaps, Invisalign treatment can give you the smile you deserve.
In fact, Invisalign treatment can actually be the option for adults, as the system is designed to be as discreet as possible. Because the Invisalign aligners are clear, they are practically invisible when worn, so nobody will even know that you are undergoing treatment unless you tell them. This is a huge bonus as you don't need to feel self-conscious about getting your teeth straightened around friends, family, or colleagues.
As an adult, having straighter teeth can provide a number of benefits for you both physically and emotionally.
Physically, having straighter teeth can make it easier for you to brush and floss them properly. This is important as it helps to keep your teeth healthy and free from cavities and other dental problems as you get older.
Additionally, having straighter teeth can also help to alleviate any pain or discomfort that you may be experiencing in your mouth, as misaligned teeth can often put pressure on certain areas. Once you have straighter teeth, you will wonder how you lived without them!
Emotionally, having straighter teeth can do wonders for your self-confidence. If you have always been conscious of your crooked teeth but never had the confidence to do anything about it, Invisalign treatment can help you to finally achieve the smile that you have always wanted in the most discreet way possible. This can lead to a life-changing boost in your self-esteem and a genuine improvement in your quality of life every single day.
If you are considering Invisalign treatment, it is important to remember that almost anyone can benefit from it. There are almost no limitations to Invisalign in terms of age limits. Whether you are a kid with developing teeth, a teenager who wants to avoid metal braces, or an adult who has always wanted to achieve straighter teeth, Invisalign treatment can help you find your smile.
To find out more about Invisalign treatment and whether it is the right treatment for you, book a consultation with your doctor today. They will be able to assess your individual needs and give you more information about the treatment process. So what are you waiting for? A straighter, brighter smile could be just around the corner! If you’d like to find an Invisalign doctor near you, please check out our Smile Concierge via completing free assessment.
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