Is There an Ideal Age for Invisalign® Treatment?
Are you considering Invisalign® for yourself or your teenager but not sure what the ideal age is? This is one of the first things that patients at our Lake Jackson, TX, dental office consider. It’s an important part of the discussion surrounding whether or not you’re a good candidate. Here, we’ll discuss two important factors that can help us answer the question: how responsive your teeth will be during Invisalign treatment and your ability to be compliant and responsible.
Understanding the Anatomy of the Jawbone
During the childhood and early teen years, the jawbone is still developing and hardening. As a general rule of thumb, teeth are more responsive to orthodontic treatment while the bone is softer. And unless you’re considering early orthodontic treatment for your child, which can start as early as age seven, it’s best that all of their adult teeth have fully erupted. This usually occurs between the ages of 12 and 14. For these reasons, the ideal time for Invisalign (if you could call it that) is around 13 to 14 years old. After this time, the jawbone will begin maturing and the bone will become less malleable.
Does That Mean Adults Aren’t Good Candidates?
That said, while there is a minimum age for Invisalign, there is not a maximum age. It is a safe, effective, and trusted treatment option for adults of all ages at our Lake Jackson practice. You simply need to keep in mind that it might take longer for an adult to achieve their final results than a teen with the same type and degree of misalignment.
Your Role in Invisalign Treatment
Apart from how developed your jaws and teeth are, age can inform how effective Invisalign will be in a couple of different ways.
Patient Compliance
In order for Invisalign to work, patients must commit to wearing the clear aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. They should only be removed for:
- Cleaning the aligners
- Brushing and flossing your teeth
- Meals and snacks
- Drinking anything other than water
While you might be tempted to remove the aligners for special occasions, their discreet nature means you can continue to confidently talk and smile during treatment.
Patient Responsibility
Patients must also be old enough and responsible enough to properly care for the trays. While extra trays are often provided as part of a teen’s treatment plan, it’s still important to avoid misplacing them and place them in a hard protective case when they’re not in use. If not, the treatment timeline will be extended and it could also increase costs.
When it comes to these last two considerations, you know your child best. Plus, even certain adults are more likely to misplace things. In these cases, traditional braces can be a great option because they remain in place at all times.
Ready for Your Invisalign Consultation?
We’re excited that you’re ready to improve your smile or your teen’s smile and we’re standing by, ready to help. Email our friendly Lake Jackson team today to request an appointment and learn more about whether Invisalign is the right choice for you.
