If you're in your 50s or 60s and want to straighten your teeth, you may be wondering if invisible braces are right for you. Braces aren't just for younger people. If you have reasonably good teeth and a strong jaw, you can get invisible braces soon. Learn more about invisible braces and how to get them below.

What Exactly Are Invisible Braces?

Invisible braces, or clear aligners, come in materials that look almost invisible on your teeth, including acrylic and plastic. Aligners slip on your teeth rather than adhere to them. The braces use pressure to move your teeth into the right place in your upper and lower jawbones. Regular braces, such as metal braces, adhere to the surface of your teeth and use wires to move them into place. 

Based on how invisible braces work, you may wonder if they can work for someone your age. Adults of any age can wear braces if they possess strong jawbones and healthy teeth. Because clear aligners use pressure to move teeth, adults who suffer from bone-related conditions, such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, may not be good candidates for clear aligners. 

If you don't suffer from anything that may prevent you from wearing clear aligners, speak to a dentist today. 

How Do You Get Your Invisible Braces?

Before a dentist fits you for invisible braces, they need to assess your oral health first. A dentist must ensure your jawbones and teeth are healthy enough for clear aligners or something else. Adults can wear traditional braces if they don't qualify for clear aligners. 

The first thing a provider may do is take several X-rays of your teeth and jaw. X-rays can help diagnose hidden problems with your teeth and jaws, such as cavities and low bone density. Bone density describes how thick and healthy the bone tissue is in your jawbones. If you suffer from low bone density in your upper or lower jaws, a dentist may use special techniques and treatments to rebuild them.

If you don't have any issues with your teeth and jaws, a dentist will begin your initial dental treatment. The initial treatment usually requires a dentist to create molds of your teeth. Molds contain every detail of your teeth, including their shapes and sizes. A dentist uses the molds to fabricate your clear aligners.

After a provider completes your aligners, they'll place the devices on your teeth. Your aligners may feel tight and slightly uncomfortable when you first wear them. However, your aligners should become more comfortable for you over time.

Learn more about invisible braces for older adults by contacting a dentist today.