What Is The Best Age For Clear Alginers?

We most often associate orthodontics with children and teenagers, since this is generally the age when patients start treatment. This is also due to restrictions on NHS treatment, which means that orthodontic treatment is only available for patients up to the age of 18, or 19 in full-time education.

With the rise of private dentistry in the UK, and treatments like clear aligners are growing in popularity, orthodontics is now open to patients of all ages. This leads many to wonder: what is the best age for clear aligners? And while there might not be a single optimum age for clear aligners, there are a few age-related factors that might impact treatment outcomes.

The best age for Clear Aligners

Children can start clear aligners treatment from as young as 12, which can help their adult teeth to emerge correctly without overcrowding. And there is no real upper age limit for clear aligners, provided the patient has good overall oral health and the teeth are healthy enough to be moved.

So when it comes to the “best” age for clear aligners, there really isn’t a specific age. The earlier a patient can start treatment, the better, as teeth that are misaligned are often more difficult to care for. Crooked teeth can make it difficult to floss and it will be difficult to brush all surfaces.

Why early treatment is best for Clear Aligners

Getting started with treatment as soon as possible can help to shorten treatment times and make the entire process more comfortable. Rather than waiting for teeth to settle in a crooked position, we can intervene early to keep them in an optimum alignment.

As patients get older, the jaw bone begins to harden, which can make movements more complex. This could mean that treatment takes longer to complete. This does not mean that adult patients should avoid treatment.

If you missed out on orthodontics as a teenager, if you didn’t need it as a teen but think you could benefit now, or if you had braces as a teen but stopped wearing your retainer, you could be an ideal candidate for orthodontics as an adult.

Why choose Clear Aligners for adult orthodontics?

If you’re exploring orthodontic treatment as an adult, you might be concerned about how long this treatment is going to take. While mild cases can be corrected in as little as 6 months, for more complex treatment, it could take up to 2 years.

With clear aligners, treatment times are less important, as the plan is less disruptive to everyday life. The aligners are nearly invisible when worn, so patients don’t need to feel self-conscious.

Since aligner changes happen at home, you won’t have to visit the dentist for every single adjustment. Finally, the removable aligners allow you to continue to eat your favourite foods without concern, so you won’t have to make any big changes to your diet while you complete treatment.

Best age for children to start treatment

Starting clear aligner treatment as soon as possible can help to shorten treatment time for children. If you are a parent and are concerned about NHS waiting times for orthodontics, private treatment will allow your child to get started with treatment straight away.

Another benefit of treatment is that all cases will be considered, even if they are purely cosmetic and not medically necessary.

Your dentist will start to monitor the situation as their adult teeth emerge, so they will be able to recommend treatment if this is required.