You may be a candidate for Invisalign® clear aligners if you have teeth that are crooked, crowded, or gapped. Invisalign can also treat overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites.
If you want to know whether aligners are right for you, a consultation with our Grand Rapids, MI, Invisalign dentists is the recommended next step. During this visit, we can evaluate your smile and go over the general timelines.
In the meantime, here’s who can benefit from Invisalign treatment.
Invisalign Candidacy Factors to Consider
While there are no specific age limits for , there are some factors that determine whether it’s a suitable treatment for you including:
- Oral Health
Healthy teeth and gums are crucial for starting Invisalign treatment. If there are underlying issues such as gum disease, severe tooth decay, or other oral health problems, these conditions must be addressed before straightening teeth with clear aligners. Our local Invisalign dentists will evaluate your dental health to ensure that your teeth can handle the pressure of aligners.
- Bone Density
As people age, bone density can decrease, which may impact tooth movement. While this is generally not a problem, older adults should have a thorough examination to assess the health of the bone supporting their teeth. Our dentists may recommend specific precautions or modifications if you have lower bone density.
- Commitment to Wearing Aligners
For Invisalign to be effective, aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours a day. This requires a strong commitment, regardless of age. Patients need to follow the treatment plan diligently to achieve the best results.
Can Young Kids Wear Invisalign?
In general, we recommend Invisalign for teenagers and adults. But there’s also Invisalign First for children who need Phase 1 Treatment. is for children ages 6 to 10 who have a mix of baby and permanent teeth.
Invisalign designed their trays to expand your child’s dental arches. This creates space for your child’s adult teeth to erupt without crowding.
Once your child finishes Phase 1 Treatment, there will be a break while they get the rest of their adult teeth. Then, we’ll start Phase 2 with a newly made series of custom clear aligners.
While Invisalign offers trays for children, use your best judgment as a parent. At the end of the day, you know your child best and will know if they have the emotional maturity to wear their aligners.
Also, remember that Invisalign only works as long as your child wears their trays 20 to 22 hours per day. Your child’s teeth and jaws will only move under gentle, constant pressure.
Are Teens Eligible for Invisalign Aligners?
Being a teenager is awkward enough without metal braces on your teeth. That’s why we offer Invisalign as an alternative to traditional orthodontic treatment.
You also have the option of adding blue compliance indicator dots to your teen’s aligners. Over time, these blue dots fade away as your child wears their aligners. The dots should disappear by the time your child comes in for their next appointment with us. This ensures compliance so your teen completes their Invisalign treatment on time.
Can I Wear Clear Aligners as an Adult?
Interested in Invisalign for adults? You’re in good company! About 1 in 3 orthodontic patients is an adult, according to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). Clear aligners are discreet, which means most people won’t notice you’re wearing them. The only exception would be if they were standing very close.
Invisalign also fits seamlessly into a busy lifestyle. The aligners are removable, which means you can take them out when eating and drinking beverages other than water, like coffee or wine. This flexibility is a huge benefit for professionals who want to maintain a polished appearance throughout clear aligner treatment.
Adults who previously had braces as teenagers may find that their teeth have shifted over time. Invisalign is a great option for those who need a touch-up without the hassle of going through traditional braces again.
Can Invisalign Treat Severe Bite Issues?
Each patient is different. Some may require a referral to a local orthodontist, while others can still make Invisalign safely work for them. For example, certain mild to moderate bite issues can be corrected with SmartForce attachments alongside aligners.
SmartForce attachments are small, tooth-colored bumps our dentists can attach to your teeth to achieve complex movements. These attachments act like handles for your aligners to gently push against. SmartForce attachments aren’t for everyone, but they can help patients with more complicated bite issues.
Schedule an Invisalign Consultation
Interested in getting started? Our Invisalign dentists in Grand Rapids, MI, would be more than happy to help you understand how clear aligners can transform your smile. To request an appointment with Precision Family Dental, call (616) 949-1570.
This blog post has been updated.