The foundation of a beautiful smile is always well-maintained and neat teeth, which favourably affects not only appearance but also self-confidence. However, many only realise in adulthood that their irregular teeth require external intervention.

It is very common at times for people to cite their age, their work, or the opinions of their peers as reasons for not starting orthodontic treatment, even though entirely modern methods are available for this nowadays.

Consider the invisible orthodontics available within NaturaDent's services, which uses the most modern dental technologies to help restore misaligned teeth without discomfort and almost imperceptibly.

Furthermore, our practice awaits patients with Platinum II Provider status, a certification only granted to dental practices with outstanding experience and a significant patient track record in Invisalign orthodontics.

What do you need to know about adult orthodontics? Why is invisible orthodontics recommended for adults at all? In this article, we will answer all the important questions to help you make a decision more easily.

Orthodontics in adulthood? It's never too late!

There's a misconception circulating among people about orthodontics, that it can only be applied to children, teenagers, or possibly young adults because their teeth are not yet as fixed and respond better to external influences.

However, this statement in its current form is mistaken. Our teeth are so unique that they are capable of moving throughout our entire lives, meaning they can be aligned through orthodontic treatment, for example, with external pressure to achieve the desired aesthetics.

Obviously, more serious abnormalities are slower to correct as an adult, but minor blockages or aesthetic defects can be corrected by an experienced dentist in a matter of months.

This is particularly fortunate because not everyone had the opportunity to see a dentist and receive proper dental treatment and orthodontics as a child, leaving the correction of teeth to adulthood.

It is no longer at all unusual for someone to decide to have orthodontic treatment after the age of 30-40, but it is important to know that most people at this age prioritise aesthetics and comfort, meaning they choose a treatment method that is not too noticeable and is not painful or difficult to wear.

This is when invisible braces come into play for many people!

Invisible orthodontics for adults

What is invisible orthodontics?

Behind the name Invisalign, referring to nearly invisible braces, lies a revolutionary orthodontic method. With Invisalign you can forget about metal elements that detract from your appearance, as well as the associated discomforts.

The technology is based on completely transparent rails, which are assembled with very precise preliminary planning so that they continuously exert gentle pressure on the problematic teeth, thus promoting their realignment.

The invisible brace resembles a mouthguard used by athletes, but it is a significantly more discreet and thinner method in comparison, which is completely invisible after being fitted. Furthermore, it does not hinder the wearer in their daily tasks or work.

A major advantage is that it can be freely removed at any time, which means we can eat exactly as before, and cleaning our teeth also poses no problem, not requiring extra attention.

Compared to traditional methods, its only disadvantage – if it can be called a disadvantage at all – is that it requires much greater discipline from the wearer, as it can be removed at any time, but it must be worn for at least 22 hours a day to achieve perfect results.

The technique is based on the continuous pressure of the teeth, which will be accompanied by several splints for the duration of the treatment. These will need to be changed one after the other, according to the dentist's guidelines, so that the aesthetically problematic teeth can gradually fall back into place.

At what age is invisible braces recommended?

We have already made it clear above that Invisalign invisible orthodontics can be just as effective for adults as for children, so there is virtually no age limit to when the method can be used.

For those over the age of 40 who decide they want a neat and beautiful smile, this technology gives them the opportunity to do so, and what's more, with excellent oral hygiene and good condition of their own teeth, they can even do so later.

For example, the Invisalign invisible braces used by NaturaDent feature aligners made with such high precision and 3D technology that they are suitable for any age and are capable of achieving good results in practice.

Naturally, despite this, there are age recommendations, but mostly because invisible orthodontics requires a great deal of self-discipline and commitment, which children often haven't yet developed.

As an adult, however, you should know that the condition of your teeth will always affect the suitability of this modern orthodontic method, which is why a thorough dental examination is essential before any samples are taken.

Invisalign orthodontic planning is taking place at Naturadent.

Dental examination before invisible orthodontics

Many people believe that if invisible orthodontics is for adults, then there is no preparation or pre-testing required, just a sample to start the process.

However, in reality, not only preventive examinations but often even interventions may be necessary, and in adulthood more attention should be paid to the detection of abnormalities as well as to the condition of the teeth.

As many people are already taking medications as adults, it may be important to review these before even a seemingly innocent orthodontic treatment, but removing tartar, treating the periodontium and in some cases removing the wisdom tooth may be necessary.

For a perfect outcome, it is very important that panoramic and tele-radiographic, as well as 3D CBCT images are taken beforehand, as this is the only way to assess the condition of the teeth – including the invisible parts – which is the basis for accurate planning.

Thoroughness in this respect is inevitable, which is why at NaturaDent we place particular emphasis not only on preventive examinations, but also on examinations during orthodontic treatment.

We will check the bite, speech, articulation, and even the position of the jaw joint, as this allows us to assess whether further treatments are needed, or perhaps the application of innovative laser technology for the health of the gums and teeth.

What problems can be corrected with Invisalign invisible braces in adulthood?

It is a common misconception that invisible braces are not as effective as their traditional counterparts. While it is true that they have their limitations, they can be advantageously applied in many cases.

Whether it's invisible braces for adults or children, dentists generally recommend classic solutions for corrections that require more complex, unpredictable, or unquantifiable tooth movements.

However, in all other cases, invisible braces are the right choice, and they are not only more aesthetically pleasing but also a faster and more precise alternative.

Generally speaking, invisible braces are very good at treating mild to moderate malocclusions, but if the aim is to eliminate gaps between teeth, they are not disappointing.

Invisible braces can be a good option even if the patient has a larger overjet, where the upper incisors do not meet the lower ones when the jaw closes, and this method is equally effective for the problem of deep bite, which is the opposite of overjet.

In addition to what has been said, invisible orthodontics is an ideal choice for both adults and children in cases of midline deviations, but it is also effective when lateral tooth movement is required.

In the case of significant, almost drastic, dental abnormalities where jaw or palate expansion surgery is required, invisible braces are not always effective. For example, in the case of more serious blockages, gaps or severe deep bite requiring surgery, the classic method is a more effective alternative.

How long does invisible orthodontics take for adults?

The duration of invisible orthodontics is very difficult to predict, even though it is a predictable technology.

In order to determine the exact duration, it is essential that the patient's dentition is explored using the appropriate diagnostic methods, since this is when the extent of the intervention can be determined, and the specific amount of movement required to achieve the desired effect.

This is why we at NaturaDent place so much emphasis on planning, as this can determine not only the quality of the final result, but also the ability to predict the duration of the treatment.

With the adult version of Invisalign clear braces, very good results can often be achieved in just 4-6 months, but in some cases, the full treatment period can exceed 8-12 months.

It should be noted that the last splint often also acts as a maintenance device, which the dentist may recommend periodically.

Although the process of orthodontic treatment itself is easy to do at home, and you don't need a dentist to change the aligners, regular check-ups are still essential.

At least every 4-6 weeks, it is recommended to check the status of the tooth movements to ensure that the patient is using the splint properly, so that advice can be given on how to refine wearing habits or oral hygiene if necessary.