Straightening your teeth doesn’t have to mean wearing traditional metal braces. Invisalign® offers a discreet, convenient way to improve your smile using custom-made clear aligners. Whether you have always wanted straighter teeth or have noticed your teeth shifting since previous orthodontic treatment, Invisalign for adults in Memphis, Tennessee, may help you achieve your goals without significantly disrupting your daily routine.
At Memphis Orthodontic Specialist, Dr. Scott Werner and Dr. Stanley Werner provide personalized orthodontic care for adults in Memphis, Munford and Collierville, TN. Our team uses digital technology to plan treatment around your alignment needs, oral health and lifestyle. Contact us to schedule an Invisalign consultation and find out whether clear aligners are right for you.
What Is Invisalign for Adults?
Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, removable clear aligners to gradually move teeth into their desired positions. Unlike traditional braces, the aligners do not require metal brackets or wires, making them a popular choice for adults who prefer a less noticeable orthodontic treatment.
Adult Invisalign treatment may help correct several common alignment concerns, including:
- Crowded or crooked teeth
- Gaps and uneven spacing
- Mild to moderate bite alignment problems
- Teeth that have shifted following previous orthodontic treatment
- Certain overbites, underbites, crossbites and open bites
Not every orthodontic concern can be corrected with clear aligners alone. Our orthodontist will evaluate your teeth, bite and overall oral health to determine whether Invisalign is appropriate for your needs.
Benefits of Invisalign for Adults
Invisalign for adults is designed to fit into a busy adult lifestyle while addressing both cosmetic and functional alignment concerns. Some of its primary advantages include:
- Discreet appearance: Clear aligners are much less noticeable than traditional metal braces.
- Removable convenience: You can remove your aligners when eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing and flossing.
- Comfortable design: Smooth plastic aligners eliminate the brackets and wires associated with conventional braces.
- Improved oral hygiene: Removable aligners make it easier to maintain your regular brushing and flossing routine.
- Personalized planning: Digital scans help our orthodontist develop a treatment plan based on your individual alignment needs.
Straightening crowded or misaligned teeth may also make certain areas easier to clean, supporting long-term oral health.
How Does Adult Invisalign Treatment Work?
Your Invisalign treatment begins with a comprehensive orthodontic consultation. We evaluate your teeth and bite, discuss your goals and determine whether clear aligners can provide the correction you need.
Using our iTero® digital scanner, we can capture detailed impressions of your teeth to assist with treatment planning. A customized series of aligners is then created to guide your teeth through gradual, controlled movements.
You will wear each set of aligners according to your prescribed schedule, typically for 20 to 22 hours daily. Periodic appointments allow our orthodontist to monitor your progress and make adjustments when necessary. Treatment length varies depending on the complexity of your case and how consistently you wear your aligners.
Once treatment is complete, you will need to wear retainers as directed to help maintain your new alignment.
Is Invisalign Right for You?
Adults of many ages can benefit from orthodontic treatment. Invisalign may be especially appealing if you want to straighten your teeth without the appearance of conventional braces or if you previously wore braces and have experienced minor shifting.
Your suitability for Invisalign depends on several factors, including the amount of tooth movement needed, your bite, gum health and existing dental restorations. For more complex orthodontic problems, traditional braces or another treatment approach may be more appropriate.
If you only need a small amount of correction, Invisalign Express may also be an option. Our orthodontist can explain the differences and recommend an approach based on your individual needs.
FAQs About Invisalign for Adults
Am I too old for Invisalign treatment?
No. There is no specific upper age limit for Invisalign treatment. Adults can benefit from orthodontic care as long as their teeth and supporting tissues are healthy enough for tooth movement. Our orthodontist will evaluate your oral health and alignment concerns before recommending treatment.
How long does Invisalign take for adults?
Treatment time depends on the complexity of your alignment concerns and how consistently you wear your aligners. Some minor corrections may take several months, while more involved cases can take a year or longer. Your orthodontist will provide an estimated timeline following your evaluation.
Is Invisalign better than braces for adults?
Both treatments can effectively straighten teeth, but the best choice depends on your orthodontic needs. Invisalign offers a discreet, removable alternative that many adults appreciate. Traditional braces may provide advantages for certain complex tooth movements or bite problems. An orthodontic consultation can help determine which option is most appropriate.
Can Invisalign correct teeth that shifted after braces?
Yes. Invisalign may be an option for adults whose teeth have shifted after previous orthodontic treatment. The extent of movement needed determines whether standard Invisalign or a shorter treatment option may be suitable. Retainers will also be important after treatment to help prevent future shifting.
Can I eat normally while wearing Invisalign?
You should remove your Invisalign aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. This allows you to enjoy your usual foods without the restrictions associated with traditional braces. Brush your teeth before reinserting your aligners whenever possible to help maintain good oral hygiene.
How much does Invisalign for adults cost?
The cost of Invisalign depends on the complexity of your case, the length of treatment and the number of aligners required. During your consultation, our team can discuss your estimated costs and available financial options, including applicable insurance benefits and payment arrangements.
Schedule Your Adult Invisalign Consultation
If you’re considering Invisalign for adults in Memphis, Munford or Collierville, TN, our team can help you explore your options. At Memphis Orthodontic Specialist, we focus on individualized treatment planning to help you achieve a healthier, more evenly aligned smile.
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn whether Invisalign clear aligners are right for you.