Wondering if You’re Too Old for Braces? Your Orthodontist Says No

You might think that braces are the ream of awkward teenagers. After all, there is a stereotype that comes with all the brackets and wires that many people use to straighten their teeth. You might even shy away from asking your orthodontist in Coatesville about braces because you don’t want to feel like you’ve gone back in time to high school. But don’t worry — Invisalign is a great solution for grown-ups who want straighter teeth without becoming a “metal mouth.”

How Invisalign Works

Don’t get us wrong — traditional metal braces are a highly effective way to straighten teeth, and countless people (including adults) have benefited from them. With that being said, though, many folks prefer Invisalign. It works in much the same way as traditional braces; it applies gentle pressure to your teeth over a long period of time, gradually moving them into their proper positions. The biggest difference is the source of the force that moves the teeth. Invisalign employs clear thermoplastic aligners instead of brackets and wires.

If you choose Invisalign, your dentist will provide you with several aligners. You’ll wear each one for 20 to 22 hours each day, and you’ll switch to a new aligner every two weeks or so. You’ll have periodic appointments with your dentist, who will keep an eye on your progress.

Why Adults Love Invisalign

There are lots of reasons why adults flock to Invisalign:

• Although the aligners aren’t impossible to see, they are much more discreet than traditional braces.
• The aligners are removable, which means you can take them out when you’re eating and cleaning your teeth.
• Invisalign tends to work a bit faster than metal braces, taking an average of only a year to produce its final results.
• There are no metal brackets and wires to irritate your mouth.

Finding Out if Invisalign Is Right for You

Invisalign is suitable for the majority of orthodontic cases, but every person’s mouth and circumstances are unique. The best way to find out if clear braces are the best solution for you is to make an appointment with a certified Invisalign provider. They’ll examine your teeth and recommend a course of treatment. If the following are true of you, it’s likely that Invisalign will work for your situation:

• You have mild to moderate misalignment (it doesn’t always work for severe cases).
• You have the self-discipline to wear your aligners for the recommended amount of time each day.
• You understand the costs associated with Invisalign (Good news—many insurance plans will help you pay for your orthodontic treatment, whether it’s traditional braces or Invisalign. However, you’ll probably still be responsible for at least part of the cost.)

Looking for a grown-up way to straighten your teeth? Invisalign from your Coatesville orthodontist might be perfect for you!

About the Orthodontist

Dr. Ronni Bruck is our on-staff orthodontist at Chester County Dental Arts. She loves to help her patients enjoy the aesthetic and oral health benefits of straighter teeth. If you’re curious about Invisalign, you can contact our office at 610-383-1600.