QC-South-Dentistry-Charlotte, North Carolina

Am I too old for Invisalign®? What could impact candidacy for clear aligner treatment?

Have you ever wished for a straighter, more confident smile yet felt too late? Many people find themselves in this same situation; however, it’s never too late to start orthodontic treatment! With Invisalign clear aligners, no matter your age, you can get that beautiful smile you’ve always desired. In this blog post, Dr. Becca Bradley of QC South Dentistry will go through all the reasons why Invisalign is an ideal choice for anyone wanting to improve their smile, regardless of how old they are!

While there is no maximum age limit for clear aligner treatment, there are certain health conditions that could impact your ability to qualify for Invisalign:

Jaw Alignment

Before starting the treatment process, it’s important to note how jaw alignment can affect candidacy for Invisalign. Ideally, the aligners work best when there is adequate space to shift the teeth into proper alignment. If your jaw is misaligned or your bite is off, it can impact the effectiveness of the treatment.

However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t pursue Invisalign, as the severity of the misalignment and bite can vary. It’s essential to consult with an experienced Invisalign provider to determine the best course of action for your unique situation.

Bone Health

Your bone health is an essential factor to consider when evaluating your candidacy for Invisalign treatment. This orthodontic treatment uses a series of clear aligners to straighten your teeth gradually, but it relies on your teeth’s ability to move within your jawbone.

If you have a weak or damaged bone structure, it may not be able to support the necessary tooth movements, which could compromise the success of your treatment. For this reason, your Invisalign dentist will evaluate your bone health using X-rays or other imaging techniques during your initial consultation to determine if Invisalign is the right choice for you. Additionally, it’s crucial to maintain good oral hygiene and a balanced diet rich in bone-building nutrients to support healthy bone growth and development throughout your treatment.

Certain Medical Conditions and Medications

Sadly, not everyone is a candidate for Invisalign treatment, and certain medical conditions and medications can affect the ability to undergo the treatment. For example, suppose an individual is undergoing treatment for gum disease or has severe tooth decay. In that case, it may not be suitable for them to undergo Invisalign treatment until they’ve addressed those oral health issues.

On the other hand, certain medications, such as bisphosphonates or certain medications that affect bone density, can also impact an individual’s candidacy for the treatment. Before starting Invisalign treatment, you must disclose any medical conditions or medications you are taking to your provider to assess if it is safe to undergo the treatment.

Do you ever feel like something is missing in your life? Invisalign could be the answer!

With revolutionary clear aligner technology and an experienced Invisalign provider on your side, patients of almost all ages can achieve their dreams of perfect teeth realized without having to wear uncomfortable metal brackets or wires and sacrifice their confidence in the process. If you’re unsure whether Invisalign is a potential orthodontic treatment option, schedule an appointment at QC South Dentistry. Call Dr. Bradley at 704-909-2366 or send a message.

QC-South-Dentistry-Charlotte, North Carolina