Invisalign Pros and Cons for Older Adults
Are your teeth giving you grief as you age? Have you wished there was a pain-free and hassle-free way of correcting minor imperfections in your smile without resorting to traditional braces? Invisalign might be the ideal solution.
This innovative orthodontic system combines cutting-edge technology with clear, removable aligners to gradually transform your smile without earning yourself an unsightly metal mouth. But is it right for you? Read on to learn the Invisalign pros and cons for older adults!
Invisalign treatment process
Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment that helps close gaps and straightens teeth without needing traditional metal braces. This revolutionary treatment can help individuals achieve the beautiful, healthy smile they desire in a much shorter time than traditional braces.
During the Invisalign treatment process, patients will typically begin by having a consultation with their orthodontist. During this appointment, the orthodontist will assess the condition of the patient's teeth and discuss any issues that need to be addressed while they are in treatment.
Following the initial consultation, patients will receive custom-made aligners that they will wear for most of the day. Every two weeks, the patient will need to switch to a new set of aligners designed to move their teeth in stages until the desired alignment is achieved. Patients may also be asked to wear retainers at night or at specific times throughout the day to help keep the teeth aligned after treatment. But, don't worry, all this effort is worth it.
Invisalign pros for older adults
For older adults considering orthodontic treatment, Invisalign presents a highly effective, discreet, and comfortable way to achieve perfect alignment. Some of its advantages are:
1. Less noticeable
If you are an aging adult who is contemplating getting braces, the visibility of metal braces can be a huge source of discomfort. Fortunately, Invisalign offers an inconspicuous solution as these aligners are clear plastic and cannot be seen by others. With this treatment option, you can straighten your teeth without anybody even knowing about it!
2. Comfortable
Another advantage of Invisalign over metal braces is that they are more comfortable to wear. Metal braces can rub against your cheeks and gums, irritating them. Invisalign aligners, however, are made of smooth plastic, making them much more comfortable to wear.
3. Faster treatment
If you're an older adult, you may not want to have to wear braces for a long time. With Invisalign, treatment is typically much faster than with metal braces. Invisalign aligners are also removable, so you can take them out for special occasions if necessary.
4. You can still eat whatever you want
With metal braces, there are certain foods that you must avoid to prevent damage to the brackets and wires. With Invisalign, you can eat whatever you want, as there are no brackets or wires to worry about. However, you still should brush and floss regularly to maintain good oral hygiene.
5. Brush and floss normally
Another advantage of Invisalign over metal braces is that you can brush and floss your teeth normally. With metal braces, it is not easy to reach all of your teeth properly when brushing and flossing. This can lead to plaque buildup and an increased risk of cavities and gum disease.
6. Long-lasting results
Invisalign produces long-lasting results with minimal maintenance once treatment is complete. Traditional braces require more checkups and adjustments, which may not be practical for some older adults.
7. Non-invasive treatment
Many older patients find that Invisalign is a non-invasive and discreet way to get the straight teeth they desire without having to undergo major surgery or other invasive treatments.
Invisalign cons for older adults
While Invisalign is generally safe and effective for patients of all ages, there are some potential cons that older adults should be aware of before considering this treatment.
1. Cost
One of the main disadvantages of Invisalign is its cost. While cheaper than traditional braces in many cases, it still may be more expensive for some patients than other treatments such as retainers or removable aligners.
2. Time
Invisalign can take more time to achieve the desired results than other treatments, although this varies from patient to patient. Generally, treatment times can last between 12 and 24 months and may require weekly visits to the orthodontist during that period.
3. Maintenance
Finally, while Invisalign has minimal maintenance requirements once treatment is over, it does require greater discipline on the part of the user in terms of wearing their aligners as directed and keeping them clean.
Final Thoughts: Invisalign Pros and Cons for Older Adults
At Embrace Orthodontics, we understand that older adults can benefit significantly from having Invisalign. This incredible treatment offers better results than traditional braces, with the added bonus of being nearly invisible during wear.
If you're an older adult considering orthodontic care, make sure to book a free appointment with us at Embrace Orthodontics so that our highly qualified orthodontists can assess your needs and recommend the best course of action for you! We are committed to providing superior services at unbeatable prices so you can have a beautiful smile at any age.
5 Benefits of Dental Veneers
Benefits of Dental Veneers
Dental veneers offer various benefits over direct tooth-colored fillings. Besides, different types of veneers are available to match the esthetic requirements and budgetary constraints. In this blog, we discuss the benefits and types of dental veneers.
5 Benefits of Dental Veneers
- Esthetically pleasing - dental veneers are made from high-quality porcelain or composite resins. Besides, they are prepared under controlled conditions in the dental laboratory. Therefore, they contain fewer esthetic flaws than tooth-colored fillings and precisely match the shade and color of the neighboring natural teeth. Hence, porcelain veneers possess superior aesthetics to dental fillings and can be a life-changing experience for people who are not happy or self-conscious about their smiles. That is also why dental veneers are one of the commonly used restorations in complete smile makeovers and Hollywood smile designs.
- Can Fix a Variety of Dental Problems - according to the American Dental Association, dental veneers can be used to fix various dental structural and esthetic problems. For example, veneers are ideal for masking permanent teeth stains that cannot be removed through professional teeth whitening. Similarly, your dentist will use veneers to restore the shape, structure, and esthetics of chipped, crooked, or fractured teeth. Finally, porcelain veneers are also commonly used to close gaps between adjacent teeth - as a cosmetic alternative to orthodontic treatment. That is why dental veneers are preferred over cosmetic bonding, especially in the front teeth.
- Getting Veneers is a Minimally Invasive Procedure - unlike dental crowns that require removing a significant amount of tooth structure for their attachment, porcelain or composite veneers are non-invasive treatment options. This means that your dentist will have to remove a very thin layer of your outer enamel for their bonding, which will not affect the overall strength of your teeth and will not make them sensitive or prone to dental cavities in the long run. So, dental veneers are a safe, esthetically pleasing, and durable option for restoring damaged teeth.
- Painless Procedure - getting dental veneers is a straightforward and painless procedure that can be completed in less than 3 sittings. In most cases, dentists do not even need to administer local anesthesia. This is because the amount of tooth structure removed is so low that there are no chances of exposure to the underlying sensitive dental tissues. So, you can get your teeth fixed with veneers without any pain or discomfort.
- Durable Esthetic Outcome - unlike tooth-colored fillings that get stained relatively easily, porcelain veneers retain their esthetic results considerably longer. This is because dental veneers possess fewer structural defects or cracks, prepared in the dental laboratory under precise conditions. As a result, they have a much smoother surface that resists the development of coffee, tea, or tobacco stains.
Even if your veneers get stained, they can also be repaired in some cases. For example, dental veneers can be polished to remove a thin outer layer and expose a fresh, stain-free layer. In extreme cases of veneer staining, they can be easily removed and replaced with newer ones.
Everything you Need to Know About Clear Aligners
Today, traditional metal braces are not the only option available for aligning crooked teeth. Thanks to modern dentistry, a more comfortable, convenient, and esthetically pleasing alternative to conventional braces is available; Invisalign aligners.
If your dentist has told you that you need orthodontic treatment and you’re considering clear aligner treatment, you might have many questions about the treatmThis this article will explain everything you need to know about clear aligners - how they work, and how they can help you achieve a rockstar smile.
What is Clear Aligner Therapy?
Clear aligner therapy refers to a system of removable aligners worn over the eth - to gradually move them into optimal occlusion and alignment. As their name suggests, clear aligners are made from a flexible, transparent material. Therefore, unlike the conspicuous metal braces, clear aligners are virtually invisible when worn.
How are Clear Aligners Made?
The first step in the aligner fabrication is making digital impressions of your teeth, which will allow your dentist to visualize your teeth using software - and identify the underlying problems. Then, based on your treatment needs, your dentist will fabricate a set of numbered aligners.
How do Clear Aligners work?
Your dentist will ask you to wear each aligner set for two weeks for at least 22 hours each day. Afterward, you will be asked to switch to the next numbered set of aligners. In this way, each aligner set will gradually align your teeth, bringing you one step closer to your dream smile. Once you have finished wearing all the aligners, your dentist will give you retainers to consolidate the treatment - and prevent your teeth from moving back to their previous positions.
What are the Benefits of Clear Aligners?
Still not sure whether clear aligners are the right choice? Here are some advantages of clear aligners that will help you decide in their favor:
- Inconspicuous
- Comfortable
- Removable - allow you to brush and floss easily
- Eat all your favorite foods - no dietary restrictions
- Fewer checkup visits required compared to braces
So, are you ready to take the plunge? Visit your dentist today to discuss the orthodontic treatment with clear aligners. A healthy, beautiful, and lasting smile awaits you at the end of your treatment.
