It’s not unusual for people to associate orthodontics with teens in braces, but the truth is that treatment can actually benefit patients of all ages, including adults. As a matter of fact, we’re now seeing more adults than ever before seeking to improve their oral health, personal appearance, and self-esteem with orthodontic treatment! With as many as 1 in 5 current patients over the age of 18, it’s clear that the desire for a straighter smile doesn’t disappear as we get older.
Orthodontics goes beyond simply straightening smiles, however. Treatment can also decrease the risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease, and may help reduce headaches, jaw pain, and even bone loss. As long as the gums and bone structure are healthy, teeth can be aligned successfully in adulthood using a range of orthodontic appliances. Hunter Family Orthodontics offers several treatment options for adults, including Invisalign clear aligner therapy.
Even though Invisalign is one of the most popular alternatives to traditional braces, not everyone is familiar with the system and how it works. Let’s take a closer look at how Invisalign moves your teeth, and why so many adults prefer Invisalign aligners over traditional braces!
Invisalign is a discreet treatment option
If you’re an adult considering orthodontic treatment, you may worry that braces will be disruptive to your lifestyle, or that they’ll make your smile stand out too much. Invisalign’s clear aligners offer patients a less obvious way to straighten the teeth. The people around you may not even realize you’re in the middle of the orthodontic process!
Because Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible, you’ll be able to enjoy your regular routine without feeling self-conscious about investing in your smile. This innovative option can be an ideal solution for straightening your teeth in a reasonable amount of time with only a minimal impact on your day-to-day life.
Invisalign aligners are removable
There are some restrictions that come with traditional metal braces that just don’t apply to Invisalign since the aligners are removable. They’re designed to be removed when you eat and drink, and when you brush and floss, as well. That means there are no food restrictions to worry about! You can indulge in all the same foods you normally do. Oral hygiene is a breeze with Invisalign, too. You simply take the aligner out and brush and floss like normal. Need one more reason to love Invisalign’s removability? The aligners can also be taken out for short periods of time, so if you have an important meeting or special life event happening, you can let your natural smile shine instead!
Invisalign aligners are comfortable
Traditional braces come with brackets, wires, and bands that can sometimes irritate the sensitive tissue of the cheeks and gums. Invisalign aligners, on the other hand, are made of a special thermoplastic material that’s customized to fit over your teeth snugly and comfortably. While aligners may occasionally cause a small spot of irritation, this can be remedied easily by trimming the aligner or filing the edge down with a clean fingernail file. Aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours every day to be effective, so this kind of comfort and ease is an important feature.
Invisalign requires less time in our office
Between work, school, family life, and extracurricular activities, adulting can be exhausting! Regular visits with us are still necessary with Invisalign, but because there are no adjustments necessary, check-ups aren’t as frequent and they tend to be relatively quick. During these appointments, Dr. Hunter will check that your teeth are moving as they should be, and may also present you with the next few sets of aligners. That means less time spent in our office and more time for you to tackle your to-do list!
Adolescent treatment vs. adult treatment
While we can successfully treat orthodontic issues at almost any age, there are some differences between treating an adolescent and treating an adult. For instance, tooth movement can take longer in adults because the bone density is harder in a mature person compared to a growing child or teen. This can also be complicated by any existing dental conditions (which is just one more reason to maintain an excellent dental hygiene routine!)
There tends to be more wear and tear on an adult’s teeth, gums, and bone, as well. Fortunately, Dr. Hunter has the necessary experience to address issues that are specific to adult orthodontic treatment.
Get a straighter smile & healthier mouth with Hunter Family Orthodontics
A beautiful smile is just one benefit of Invisalign. Teeth that are aligned with a proper bite can also improve your health! Crowded or crooked teeth can make it harder to clean them properly, which can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. An improper bite can also cause jaw pain, excessive wear and tear, speech difficulties, and chewing challenges that can lead to digestive issues.
Orthodontic treatment with Hunter Family Orthodontics can give you a fully functional mouth and help prevent gum disease, bone loss, and abnormal enamel wear. A healthy smile will also improve your self-esteem and self-confidence, whatever your age! Choosing Invisalign treatment with an expert like Dr. Hunter will correct problematic bites and misalignment issues, plus improve your overall oral health. What’s not to love?
The Hunter Family Orthodontics team is committed to providing adult patients like you with the best and most discreet methods of treatment. If you’re ready to take the first step towards straighter teeth and a healthier mouth, we’ve love to meet you. Call our office or click here to schedule a FREE consultation with Dr. Hunter in our Woodlands office. We look forward to providing you with a first-class orthodontic experience!