Can older adults wear clear aligners?
Yes. There is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment. Teeth can be moved at an older age as well, as long as the gums are healthy and there is adequate bone support. In this age group, the goal of treatment is often not only aesthetic; it is to improve chewing function, make the teeth easier to clean and prepare a suitable foundation for prosthetic or implant treatment.
What is assessed before treatment?
- Gum and bone support: If there is gum disease, it is treated and brought under control first. For teeth with bone loss, movements are planned to be gentler and more controlled.
- Crowns, bridges and fillings: The surfaces where attachments will be bonded and teeth joined together by a bridge are decisive in planning.
- Implants: Implants cannot be moved; the plan is made so that the position of the implants stays fixed.
- Missing teeth: Gaps are either closed or opened to a suitable width for an implant or prosthesis.
- General health and medications: Medications that cause dry mouth and certain systemic conditions can affect aligner wear and gum health; they should be shared with the orthodontist.
What is orthodontics before prosthetic and implant treatment?
After a tooth is lost, the neighboring teeth can tip toward the gap and the opposing tooth in the other jaw can over-erupt. In this case, the space needed for an implant or bridge becomes narrower. With clear aligners, tipped teeth can be uprighted and the gap brought to a suitable width. This allows the prosthesis or implant to be placed in a more suitable position. This process is a treatment planned jointly by the orthodontist and the prosthodontist or implant dentist.
How does treatment progress?
- Examination and X-rays: The teeth, gums, bone and existing restorations are assessed.
- Gum treatment if needed: Gum health is established before orthodontic movement.
- iTero digital scan and 3D plan: Movements are planned with the implants and bridges in mind.
- Aligners and check-ups: Worn 20–22 hours a day; check-ups every 6–10 weeks, together with gum monitoring.
- Retention: A retainer to maintain the result; prosthetic treatment if needed.
Care and cleaning
In this age group, maintaining gum health directly affects the success of treatment. Brushing after every meal, cleaning between the teeth (with floss or an interdental brush) and cleaning the aligners daily are recommended. If you have dry mouth, drinking plenty of water and using the products your dentist recommends make wearing aligners easier.
Examinations for older adults in Ankara
Our clinic is in Park Oran, next to Panora Mall in Çankaya. Within the polyclinic, orthodontic, gum, implant and prosthetic treatments can be planned together. To book an appointment, you can fill out the form, message us on WhatsApp or call us.