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Invisalign® treatment for older adults – Is treatment different when you’re older?

September 2025

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Am I too old for Invisalign treatmentHow long does treatment takeInvisalign benefits for older patientsInvisalign treatment cost

Though teeth straightening treatments are often associated with teenagers, Invisalign aligners are a popular choice for adults interested in getting a straighter smile. In fact, one in three orthodontic patients is an adult!1 While the treatment process is similar for both teens and adults, there are some key differences to consider.

The most notable difference is that adults usually have greater bone density and more mature teeth compared to younger patients.1 This can influence how teeth move during treatment, potentially requiring adjustments in how your provider uses the aligners.

Why get Invisalign treatment as an older adult?

Invisalign aligners provide a discreet way for adults to straighten their teeth, thanks to their clear design. This makes them especially appealing for those who want to straighten their smile without drawing a lot of attention.

Beyond appearance, Invisalign aligners can address a variety of dental concerns, including crowded teeth, gaps, crossbites, open bites, underbites, and overbites. Addressing these dental concerns early with Invisalign not only improves your smile but can also help prevent future dental procedures that may become necessary if such issues are left untreated.

How long does Invisalign treatment take?

The exact timeline can vary depending on the severity of your dental misalignments or conditions, but the average Invisalign treatment time is 12 to 18 months.2

For adults, the process may take longer than for younger patients. This is because adults often have pre-existing dental issues, such as missing or misshapen teeth and receding gum lines, which can add complexity to the treatment.1 Despite this, Invisalign treatment remains an effective and flexible option for older adults looking to achieve a straighter smile, and results can be seen in as little as six months.3

Woman looking in mirror with aligner

The advantages of Invisalign treatment for adults

Invisalign treatment offers a variety of benefits that make it an excellent choice for older adults who are seeking a comfortable and convenient way to straighten their teeth. Here are some of the key advantages:

  • Comfort: Without tightening or cranking brackets and wires, you can expect a more comfortable Invisalign treatment experience than with braces.4

  • Shorter treatment times: Treatment with Invisalign clear aligners completed 5 months faster on average than treatment with braces.5

  • HSA/FSA benefit: Tax-free dollars from a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) can help offset treatment costs, making it more affordable.

  • Flexible financing options: Many providers offer payment plans or financing options that fit a variety of budgets, making it easier to invest in your smile.

Things to consider about Invisalign aligners for older adults

While Invisalign treatment offers many benefits, there are a few potential drawbacks that adults should consider before starting treatment.

  • Limited insurance coverage:6 While some dental insurance plans cover Invisalign aligners for adults, many only provide orthodontic coverage for patients under 18, meaning adults may need to pay higher out-of-pocket costs. To determine the extent of insurance coverage for Invisalign treatment, download the My Invisalign™ app to view the details of your insurance coverage.

  • Financial considerations: Dental care for adults can involve higher costs compared to children, making Invisalign treatment less accessible for some. This is due to additional dental issues related to aging, such as the need for extensive dental work or treatments for conditions like gum disease and tooth decay, which can increase the overall cost and complexity of orthodontic care.7

  • Requires self-discipline:1 Invisalign aligners must be worn for 22 hours per day to be effective. They should only be removed for eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth, so staying consistent is critical to achieving the desired results.

Cost and coverage of Invisalign treatment for older adults

The cost of Invisalign treatment for adults can vary depending on the type of treatment and available insurance coverage. Here’s an overview of the costs and payment options to consider:

  • Flexible payment options: Many Invisalign providers offer options such as low or no down payments, financing plans, and affordable monthly payment schedules tailored to your budget.

  • Medicare and AARP insurance: While traditional Medicare does not cover Invisalign treatment,8 some Medicare Advantage plans may help offset costs. Additionally, AARP Dental Insurance is accepted for eligible retired individuals aged 50 and older.9

Talk to your orthodontist

If you want to learn more about Invisalign treatment, talk to your orthodontist. They can answer any questions you have and walk you through your treatment plan. Don’t have an orthodontist? Try the Invisalign Doctor Locator – it can help you find an Invisalign provider near you.


Disclaimer: The information contained in this website are for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please seek the advice of your health care provider with any questions you may have regarding any dental or medical-related condition and never disregard or delay seeking such advice because of something you have read on this website.

Wonder if Invisalign treatment is right for you?

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  1. WebMD. Am I Too Old for Clear Aligners? (https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/am-i-too-old-for-clear-aligners) Accessed 12/2/2024
  2. Based on two-week wear.
  3. Based on mild to moderate malocclusion (defined as crowding and spacing up to 6mm, and overjet and overbite up to 6mm and assuming one week wear), treatment times vary depending on Invisalign product type, wear time, case complexity and must be determined by your doctor. Data on file at Align Technology, as of September 9, 2020. Additional Info: Data based on total 1,236,123 primary orders accepted in Jan 2018- June 2020 globally. Product types included Invisalign Express, Go, Lite and Moderate products. 
  4. Study sponsored by Align Technology and based on adult Class I, nonextraction, mild to moderate crowding cases with SmartTrack material. David W. White, Katie C. Julien, Helder Jacob, Phillip M. Campbell and Peter H. Buschang, Discomfort associated with Invisalign and traditional brackets: A randomized, prospective trial. The Angle Orthodontist Nov 2017, Vol. 87, No. 6 pp. 801-808
  5. Gu, J et al. Evaluation of Invisalign treatment effectiveness and efficiency compared with conventional fixed appliances using the Peer Assessment Rating index. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop February 2017;151:259-66Buschang, P et al. Comparative time efficiency of aligner therapy and conventional edgewise braces. Angle Orthodontist, Vol 84, No 3, 2014
  6. Aflac. Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign? (https://www.aflac.com/resources/dental-insurance/does-dental-insurance-cover-invisalign.aspx) Accessed 12/2/2024
  7. American Dental Association. National Trends in Dental Care Use, Dental Insurance Coverage, and Cost Barriers (https://www.ada.org/-/media/project/ada-organization/ada/ada-org/files/resources/research/hpi/national_trends_dental_use_benefits_barriers.pdf) Accessed 12/2/2024
  8. Dental House Michigan. Answering Common Questions About Invisalign for Seniors (https://dentalhousemi.com/goodreads/answering-common-questions-about-invisalign-for-seniors/) Accessed 12/2/2024
  9. AARP. About AARP (https://www.aarp.org/about-aarp/) Accessed 12/2/2024