I am 59 years old and recently retired from teaching. I did not require braces as a teenager, but my teeth have become crowded as I have aged. Therefore, I am considering this procedure.
Since I have some gum recession issues, a periodontist has suggested a skin graft from the roof of my mouth to my lower gums to prevent problems as the lower teeth shift. I'm not thrilled about this prospect. Is there anyone out there who has gone through this experience? Is there anyone my age who has had Invisalign? I would appreciate any advice.
Submitted by Grandma on February 22, 2008 - 11:49am. Viewed 2012 times
2/22/08
do you have a lot of shifting needed? that's most important i think to your candidcy for inivisalign. it wont work so well if you need to move the teeth significantly. that'll take good ol fashioned braces.
2/22/08
Invisalign is a great option for any age but you need to make sure you are periodontally stable too. Anytime there is tooth movement there is bone remodeling. The pressure on a healthy mouth is ok, but if you are periodontally unstable it can cause more problems. I have patients in your age range that have had successful treatment with invisalign.
2/25/08
I had the gum grafting procedure that you describe. I couldn't be happier. It was uncomfortable for few weeks but not terribly. The first few days were the worst. With the results I have I would do it again.
5/18/08
I just got Invisalign at 56, and it's the best move I ever made. I needed no extra work prior to being fitted, but my teeth and gums were in excellent condition. I highly recommend the process.
5/21/08
So I am an orthodontic assistant and have been for the last 4 plus years. Not putting invisalign down or anything but I have seen the results. ALWAYS CONSULT with an orthodontist when dealing with invisalign or braces. make sure they are board certified. They do the extra 3 years to become a specialty in the dental field. Invisalign is kinda expensive and is not always effective to correct everything. Not saying I haven't seen some fantastic results from it either. I have and thats because the patient was also dilegent in wearing the aligners. I have plain metal braces, they are small and move teeth much faster. I dont have to bother about taking out the invisalign trays when I am eating and the smell that can occur from them. Make sure to ask all the questions that you are concerned about when you go for a consult. Will Invisalign be able to correct whatever your concerns are! Its expensive and Ive seen in alot of cases after invisalign people ended up getting braces anyway.
5/26/08
It is unlikely that a trained dentist who is certified in Invisalign will not be able to decipher what qualifies as an invisalign case or a complex case. There are many extremely qualified general dentists who can handle simple movement cases. A good dentist knows when to refer to a specialist
6/5/08
I am a 55 year old dentist and I am currently undergoing orthodontic treatment. Many patients our age benefit from invisalign in that it aligns crowded teeth that contributes to periodontal disease. I would consult with your periodontist about the proposed ortho treatment due to possible underlying issues with bone loss?
Many orthodontists shy away from invisalign since conventional ortho is easier and more cost effective for them. I have seen and accomplished beautiful results using invisalign in the proper situations.
Good luck
5/25/08
Then I suggest you consult with your periodontist if you are stable enough for the invisalign procedure. You should also consult with an invisalign certified dentist if you are a good candidate depending on what type of tooth movement you need. If you are in the NY area I am happy to see you.
6/10/08
I have Invisalign and I'm 57.