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For many Baby Boomers and GenXers, braces were a luxury our families couldn’t afford when we were kids. It’s one reason orthodontic care for adults is on the rise in a major way. The availability of convenient, discreet plastic aligner systems is another factor: many adults are taking the plunge and working with their family dentists to achieve the smile of their dreams. According to the American Academy of Orthodontists, one in four people getting orthodontic care today is an adult.
“I decided now was the time,” said one local woman who got Invisalign treatment in her 60s. “It’s the best decision I ever made. It was easy, and I could work with my regular dentist instead of having to make separate orthodontist appointments.”
This patient chose Invisalign to celebrate a new season of life. She knew she wanted to go into her adult children’s weddings with a gorgeous, confident smile. And so many adult patients feel the same way: now is the time.
Why Is Orthodontic Care for Adults So Popular?
The availability of clear plastic aligners like Invisalign has transformed orthodontic care for adults. It’s convenient and allows us to avoid unsightly traditional braces. Grown-ups don’t necessarily want the extra commitment of orthodontist appointments. One of the best things about Invisalign aligners is that you can work with your trusted family dentist instead of seeking separate orthodontic care.
A recent AARP article explored why adults (including older adults) choose straighter teeth. For many, it comes down to having the disposable income to address cosmetic dental issues. Aligners are often not covered (or partially covered) by dental insurance. However, for many patients, it’s an investment in confidence and well-being that’s well worth the cost. Another reason adults fix their smiles is to correct nagging issues their families couldn’t afford to address when they were young. We often see patients who have been uncomfortable with their smiles for decades and are finally able to do something about it. In other cases, our teeth may have moved or shifted as we age. Some patients simply want to return to the gorgeous smile of years past.
However, it’s not just for cosmetic reasons. Some adults may have chewing issues related to misaligned teeth. If your teeth are crowded, it can cause other problems and make you more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. There are often legitimate oral health reasons for correcting your bite as an adult. Finally, fewer seniors are choosing dentures than in previous generations. Today’s older adults want to keep and protect their natural teeth. Correcting alignment is a terrific way to help keep our teeth healthy and beautiful as we age.
How Does Invisalign Work? Can I Afford It?
There’s no other way to put it: Invisalign has been a game changer for adults seeking orthodontic care. It’s convenient and discreet, and you can work with your trusted family dentist. But how does Invisalign work? If you’re considering Invisalign, your family dentist takes an X-ray of your bite. Using Invisalign’s state-of-the-art software, you and your dentist work together to develop a plan for correcting your bite. Your dentist then creates a series of clear aligners to gently move your teeth into place over time. Invisalign trays are made of smooth, comfortable, see-through plastic (with no metal brackets or wires). You take them out to eat, drink, brush and floss, so most patients wear them around 22 hours a day. You get a new set of aligners every two weeks and check in with your dentist every six weeks to measure movement. Most patients see results in 6-12 months.
The cost of Invisalign is comparable to traditional braces, and your family dentist can work with you to create a payment plan. The AARP and other organizations warn against cheaper do-it-yourself systems advertised online. Because they’re not custom-designed for your mouth, these kits can cause tooth erosion, misalignment of your bite, TMJ or joint problems, gum infections and even tooth loss, according to AARP.
It’s Never Too Late To Get The Smile of Your Dreams
With the Invisalign revolution in full swing, Dr. Hall and his team at Best Smile Dental in Winchester are thrilled to help our adult patients finally achieve the smiles of their dreams. Accessing high-quality orthodontic care as an adult is both doable and affordable. Let’s discuss your goals and how our office can help make them a reality at any age.
