More and more adults are discovering that braces aren’t just for teenagers. A beautiful smile is important at any age and can be achieved with advanced orthodontic procedures, including Invisalign aligners,
Adults often shy away from metal braces, which can be unsightly and uncomfortable, but thousands of people are discovering the ease of Invisalign for straightening teeth. Dr. Anthony Farrow in West Oak Lane, Pennsylvania, works closely with clients to help them determine which procedure will get them the best results.
Linda Griffis-Smart always prided herself on a healthy smile. After having a molar removed when she was in her mid-60s, she noticed a change in her teeth.
“My top teeth just started shifting to the left,” Griffis-Smart said. “The damage was done in a short period of time, and I didn’t want old lady teeth.”
She chose Invisalign over metal braces.
Invisalign aligners are made of clear thermoplastic customized to fit your teeth. Patients use a series of aligners to guide the teeth through the transformation process, which usually takes about 12 months for most adults, according to the American Association of Orthodontists.
Invisalign, which are virtually invisible, seemed like the right choice for Griffis-Smart.
“They are not noticeable. Unless I tell people I am wearing them, nobody notices,” she said. “I go in quarterly for appointments and I change my aligner every Monday morning. There’s no pain or discomfort. It’s the easiest thing I have ever done.”
Dr. Anthony Farrow, a top orthodontist in West Oak Lane, Pennsylvania, recommends Invisalign for many dental corrections, unless the teeth are extremely crooked. Patients with gapped teeth, crowded teeth, overbite, underbite and crossbite all can benefit from Invisalign.
In addition to being clear and more comfortable than traditional braces, Invisalign is a good choice for active professionals who want to look their best.
The aligners are worn 22 hours per day for optimum efficiency but can be removed to eat and for oral hygiene.
Invisalign patients tend to have better oral health than people with traditional metal braces because they don’t have to clean around brackets and wires, Dr. Anthony Farrow said. Once the clear aligners are removed, the patient can brush and floss in a normal fashion.
Dr. Anthony Farrow tells his West Oak Lane, Pennsylvania clients to be careful not to misplace aligners. Replacement aligners can delay the treatment period and add extra expense.
Foods like popcorn, gum and apples can be problematic for people with traditional braces, but Dr. Anthony Farrow’s Invisalign patients are able to eat anything they want because Invisalign aligners are removable.
Invisaligns are more expensive than some orthodontic procedure, but thousands of clients feel like the additional cost is worth the cosmetic and comfort benefits.
“I was willing to keep my car another year so I could get them,” Griffis-Smart said. “They will make a huge difference 10 years down the road.”