I’d Love a Straighter Smile, but Am I Too Old for ClearCorrect?

A straighter smile is easier to clean and more difficult to injure, but many people who could benefit from orthodontic treatment missed out on receiving braces when they were teenagers. Thankfully, ClearCorrect clear aligners can straighten out a smile at any age without the conspicuous wires and brackets and frustrating dietary restrictions that come with traditional orthodontic methods. Here’s how ClearCorrect can realign teeth for older adults as well as some information about what to expect during treatment.

What Issues Can ClearCorrect Address?

ClearCorrect can address a range of orthodontic issues such as gaps, crowding, overbite, underbite, open bite, and crossbite by gradually shifting the teeth into more optimal positions. However, there are limitations to how much the treatment can rotate teeth and change how they tilt, so more severe misalignments may be better addressed with traditional braces.

How Does ClearCorrect Work for Older Adults?

ClearCorrect works for older adults in the same way that it works for younger ones and teenagers. After your consultation, your treatment will begin with your teeth being measured. Based on the data gathered then, your clear aligners will be customized to precisely match your teeth at a special dental lab. You’ll need to wear each set of aligners for at least twenty hours a day for two weeks before moving on to the next set in the sequence, and it’s ideal to only remove your aligners when eating or practicing oral hygiene.

While ClearCorrect is generally considered an easier treatment than traditional braces, patients will need to thoroughly clean their teeth before putting their aligners in and take care not to eat or drink anything except water while wearing them.

What Is Living with ClearCorrect Like?

One of the major benefits ClearCorrect has over traditional braces is that it allows patients to eat anything they like during treatment, and since ClearCorrect clear aligners are virtually invisible when worn, you won’t have to worry about anyone noticing them. However, you may experience a sense of tightness in your teeth when you first start wearing a new set of aligners. While this problem should go away over the following day or two, you can reduce your discomfort by using an over-the-counter pain reliever.

ClearCorrect has allowed many older adults to achieve healthier and more beautiful smiles. After a brief consultation with your dentist, they will be able to tell if this treatment can be a good fit for you.

About the Author

Dr. Tyler Schaffeld earned his dental doctorate at Oregon Health and Science University where he graduated second in his class. He is proud to be a member of the Oregon Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Dental Association. His office in Enterprise offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as ClearCorrect treatments. To schedule your ClearCorrect consultation, contact his office online or dial (541) 426-3783.