Seniors as you get older and closer to the golden age of retirement, you may be thinking of ways you can spoil yourself in “your old age”. You may be considering Invisalign to finally get that beautiful, healthy smile you’ve always wanted and thinking “is 70 too old for Invisalign?”
We at Russell Orthodontics firmly believe that age is just a number! After all, healthy teeth move the same at every age – from 6 to 90. Now you’ve experienced some great times and seen some amazing events, why should you deny seeing the dawn of your dream smile?
So let’s delve into how Invisalign at 70 years old is possible and how it can benefit you.
Why should I consider Invisalign for seniors?
Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for teens! In fact, 1 in 4 orthodontic treatments are adults and our team has personally treated seniors that are 80 years young! So whether you’re 50, 60, or 70 and want to straighten your teeth, it’s completely possible and could make your oral hygiene routine easier.
How? As we age, our teeth can shift because of natural bone loss, tooth loss, or changes in your habits or oral hygiene routine. This can lead to common orthodontic issues like crowded teeth or spacing issues. These conditions not only affect your confidence in your smile, but can make it hard to easily brush and floss your teeth, and can lead to gum disease.
So what other benefits can you get from orthodontic treatment in your golden years? Let’s check out the pros and cons of Invisalign treatment.
Invisalign pros and cons for older adults
Invisalign® clear aligners have been rising in popularity since their introduction in the 90s. Some of the things that make them so desirable among adults and seniors are:
- Easier to clean. Invisalign trays are removable which makes brushing and flossing a breeze! Plus the aligners themselves are simple to maintain.
- No diet restrictions. You won’t need to worry about sticky or crunchy foods getting stuck in your aligners and causing damage because you’ll be able to remove them before each meal or snack.
- Practically-invisible treatment. With these clear and discreet aligners no one will be able to tell you’re in orthodontic treatment unless you tell them.
- Improves your oral health. (We talked about this already, but it bears repeating!)
- Boosts your confidence. Having a beautiful smile can boost your self-esteem and confidence at any age!
- More socialization opportunities. With orthodontic treatment, you’ll need to have check-ins appointments where we get to spend getting to know you, and vice versa.
- Functionality. Invisalign treatment can improve your bite power and function, allowing you to chew and speak with ease and comfort.
Cons:
- Smile results depend on compliance. With Invisalign, you must be committed to wearing your trays for 20-22 hours a day.
- Must be dedicated to a strong oral hygiene routine. You’ll need to brush your teeth and gums after every meal, floss once a day, and clean your Invisalign trays once a day.
- Aligners can get lost. Because Invisalign aligners are removable, they can be easily lost if not placed in an Invisalign carrying case.
Still have questions on Invisalign for seniors?
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions! We’re here to guide you throughout your orthodontic treatment and help you achieve your dream smile.
Haven’t started your smile transformation yet? Request your complimentary consultation with your Invisalign practice in Athens and Grayson, GA!
*Complimentary orthodontic exam is available for new patients only.