If you didn’t have braces as a teenager, it might feel like you missed the boat on straightening your smile. You might feel like you’re doomed to have crooked teeth for the rest of your life. However, the good news is that as long as you have healthy teeth, it’s never too late to straighten them! Let’s examine what exactly Invisalign in Naples is, and what you can expect during treatment.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign consists of a set of clear plastic aligners that you wear over your teeth and switch out every couple of weeks. Your cosmetic dentist in Naples will take impressions of your teeth and create customized aligners that gradually help you achieve the beautifully straight smile you’ve always dreamed of. By wearing your aligners for 20-22 hours a day, your teeth will be perfectly straight in less than 2 years, compared to the typical 2 to 3 years it takes for braces. After your Invisalign treatment is done, your dentist will give you a retainer to war at night to ensure that your smile stays straight.
Am I Too Old for Invisalign?
The truth is, most people 13 and older with mild to moderate tooth misalignment are great candidates for Invisalign. However, as with any procedure, your dentist will have to evaluate you before treatment. They will make sure the bones and gum tissue that support the teeth are strong enough for treatment. Because the bones no longer grow as an adult, it may take longer to straighten than it would for a teenager, but it can still be done. Your dentist will also look over your dental history and your level of tooth and bite misalignment to design a custom plan just for you.
What Can I Expect with Invisalign?
Invisalign is a great way to achieve a straight smile, but there are a few things you have to do to make sure the treatment works, such as:
- Keeping your aligners in for 20-22 hours a day. Remove your aligners for eating, drinking anything besides water, brushing, and flossing. Remember to place them back in afterwards, or else your treatment could take longer than initially planned.
- Visiting your dentist regularly. Keeping up with your follow-up appointments is crucial to determining whether the treatment is working properly. The time between checkups can vary, but typically your dentist will want to see you every 6 weeks or so.
- Cleaning your aligners. You can often buy the official Invisalign Cleaning System from your dentist to make sure your aligners are clean every day. This is to ensure that no bacteria get trapped in your aligners and cause tooth decay. You can also brush your aligners with toothpaste in lukewarm water. However, don’t use warm water, as that can warp the plastic.
As you can see, there is no upper age limit for Invisalign. If you’re interested in achieving a lifelong dream of a straight smile, contact your dentist today!
About the Author
Dr. Jeffrey Skupny graduated with his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry in 2007. He is a member of several organizations, including the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He has also completed extensive continuing education hours, including courses at Spear. If you would like to learn whether Invisalign can straighten your smile, contact him on his website or call (239)-261-5566.