Braces aren’t just for teenagers anymore.

If you think braces are only for teens and tweens, you’re in for a great surprise. Today, more and more adults, even those in their 50s and 60s, are looking to straighten their teeth, and they are turning to a braces alternative to achieve perfectly straight teeth.

Forget traditional metal braces.

When you think of braces, you probably think of metal brackets cemented onto your teeth and strung together with wire and colorful rubber bands. But those aren’t the only braces available these days.

Dental technology has come a long way, and Invisalign braces are among the most popular ways for people of all ages to get those straight teeth you’ve always wanted.

And almost anyone can get Invisalign braces. While most tweens and teens get traditional metal braces to straighten their teeth because their jaw bones aren’t as hardened and it makes their teeth easier to move, adults are still candidates for braces. Many adults, though, choose Invisalign because of the ease of wear and discretion of its clear, plastic aligners. 

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a series of custom-made clear, plastic aligners that gradually shift your teeth into place. Invisalign aligners are designed to be worn for 22 hours a day for optimum results.  And, because they are removable, you can take them out when eating or participating in activities like contact sports.

The team at Parmer Lane Family Dentistry are seeing more and more people of all ages taking advantage of the unique benefits Invisalign braces offer. 

Why do people love Invisalign?

Invisalign is a popular choice for adults for many reasons.

Invisalign is clear. 

This means it is discreet and no one can tell you are wearing braces. There is no need to worry about having a mouth full of metal brackets or being self conscious of your smile because no one can tell you are wearing Invisalign.

Invisalign is removable. 

One of the biggest benefits of Invisalign braces is that you don’t have to worry about the dietary restrictions that people with braces live with. Hard candies? Yep! Corn on the cob? You betcha! Because you can remove your aligners to eat, you can enjoy a full and varied diet. You do need to clean your teeth before you put your aligners back in, though, to avoid staining the clear aligners. 

Invisalign is effective and often faster. 

Invisalign gradually moves teeth with its custom-made aligners, and many people only wear Invisalign for about a year. Traditional metal braces usually take about two years to straighten teeth. Each person’s situation is different, so you may have to wear your Invisalign longer or shorter than a year, but in many cases, treatment times are shorter with Invisalign.

Invisalign braces are cost effective. 

Invisalign tends to be more cost efficient when compared with traditional metal braces, because they generally aren’t worn as long. At Parmer Lane Family Dentistry, we can work with you on a payment plan, and some insurance companies even offer low or no-interest payment plans. Inquire today about how we can help you afford Invisalign.

Thinking about veneers? Consider Invisalign first.

As we age, our teeth lose their bright white color. Veneers can be an option to permanently whiten your teeth. And because veneers can help whiten and brighten teeth, they are a popular option for adults.

What many people don’t know is that Invisalign can help straighten teeth before veneers are applied. Because a small portion of your natural tooth is removed before veneers are placed, straight teeth can reduce how much of your enamel has to be removed. While veneers can mask the appearance of mild crookedness, teeth straightened with Invisalign give your dentist an easier space to work from—especially if you have overlapping teeth, which can mean a more complex case—because all of your teeth will be straight and in line, making it easier for the veneers to be placed for the best results.

Are there people who can’t wear Invisalign?

Unfortunately, there are some cases where Invisalign isn’t the right orthodontic procedure. If your teeth are too small or you have a severe malocclusion, Invisalign might not be for you. Schedule a consultation with Parmer Lane Family Dentistry to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign.

Stop by Parmer Lane Family Dentistry to learn more about Invisalign.

If you are an adult who is looking to get your teeth straightened and you’re considering Invisalign, your Austin, Texas, dental team at Parmer Lane Family Dentistry is trained in Invisalign. Our team is more than happy to schedule a consultation with you to learn more about how Invisalign works on your teeth. Give us a call today for a dental evaluation where our team will go over the pros and cons of Invisalign versus traditional metal braces, and help you choose the best way to straighten your teeth!