Invisalign and Age
Many people suffer from malocclusion problems. Crooked teeth, overcrowding, or a misaligned bite can interfere with oral functions and compromise the appearance of the smile. Orthodontic issues can be corrected with traditional braces, but many people desire a more comfortable and discreet solution, like Invisalign®. Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic aligners to shift the teeth and jaw into proper alignment.
People considering Invisalign treatment at Brooklyn Heights Dental may wonder if age will impact Invisalign candidacy. Here, our dentists discuss Invisalign and age, including whether our Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, and Fort Greene, patients need to worry about a minimum or maximum age for treatment, and how age could impact candidacy for this procedure.
Is There an Age Minimum or Maximum for Invisalign?
There is no specific age at which a person is considered too old or too young for Invisalign treatment. However, most people are not ideal candidates for any form of orthodontic treatment until they are at least seven years old, and often not until they have reached their pre-teen or teen years. This is because the mouth is still changing while a child is growing up. Baby teeth are being lost, permanent teeth are coming in, and the mouth and jaw are growing, so the teeth and bite may still be shifting. It is not recommended to start orthodontic treatment until the jaw and teeth have settled in place. After that, people can undergo Invisalign at virtually any age, provided they are willing to put in the time and care for treatment.
How Could Age Affect Invisalign Treatment?
Although there is not a minimum or maximum age for Invisalign treatment, age may be considered when determining treatment candidacy. As mentioned above, the most important thing is to confirm that the patient is at an age, or point of growth, where the teeth and jaw are no longer growing, shifting, or otherwise changing.
Beyond the physical state of the teeth and jaw, the biggest factor to consider for Invisalign candidacy is not necessarily a person’s age, but their maturity level. Invisalign aligners can be removed for brushing, flossing, and eating. While this is a convenience of Invisalign treatment, it can be a problem if someone is not mature enough to keep track of their aligners, care for them properly, and wear them as directed. Aligners need to be worn for at least 20–22 hours a day or treatment may not be effective.
What Age Is Best for Invisalign Treatment?
Provided that a patient suffers from malocclusion problems that will respond well to Invisalign treatment, and are responsible enough to follow all Invisalign care instructions, this procedure can be appropriate at virtually any age. Having said that, Invisalign treatment is most common among pre-teen and teenage patients, or adults between the ages of 18 and 50.
Contact Brooklyn Heights Dental
If you are interested in learning if Invisalign treatment is right for you, we invite you to schedule a personal consultation at Brooklyn Heights Dental. To get started, send us a message online, or call our dental practice at (718) 857-6639.
