Is Invisalign Ideal for Adults with Crooked Teeth?


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Dear Dr. Barakat,

I had braces as a teenager. Now, as a 43-years-old, I have one tooth on the bottom that has moved out-of-place, and I was wondering if I could get Invisalign just to correct that one tooth or if I had to have full treatment for the top and bottom?


Dear Concerned Parent,

Many adults who had braces as teenagers face the same issues. Over time, teeth will shift if retainers are not worn to keep them in place. Most teenagers think their new smiles will stay perfect forever and forget to wear their retainers, or the retainers simply get lost as they grow into adults.

However, the good news is that many adults decide to seek orthodontic treatment in their 40’s. While your teeth won’t move quite as easily as they did as a teenager, a skilled Orthodontist can make a difference in your smile by using the right approach.

Invisalign clear aligners are a great option for adults seeking orthodontic treatment because of their nearly invisible appearance, and they are removable. Invisalign treatment is typically shorter, as well, making it a top choice for many people. However, there is no “one size fits all” option for adult orthodontic treatment.

The first step in your journey is to schedule a consultation with an experienced Orthodontist, who is also an Invisalign provider. While there are times that Invisalign can be used to correct just the bottom teeth, it is important to be sure that your top teeth are aligned correctly.

Your teeth may appear to be straight, but there could be alignment issues with your upper jaw that have caused the teeth in your lower jaw to shift out-of-place. An Invisalign-trained Orthodontist will provide a treatment plan for you after a thorough examination that will include your jaw alignment, bite, and the physical appearance of your teeth.

Only then can a recommendation be made as to what aspects of Invisalign treatment are best for your situation.


Dr. Rana Barakat, a board-certified specialist in Orthodontics, has been proudly serving Northern Virginia for more than 20-years! She has built her practice on a personal touch and excellent treatment.

As a parent, she understands wanting the best for your children by giving them beautiful, confident smiles. She makes it a priority to ensure optimal results, but also believes that each patient’s experience during treatment is just as important as the clinical result. As the 2015-16 President of the Virginia Association of Orthodontists, Dr. Barakat’s dedication and expertise reflect why her peers continue to nominate her as a Top Dentist.

Barakat Orthodontics is located at 45745 Nokes Blvd., Ste. 175, Sterling, VA 20166. Connect by visiting them online, or get social with them on FacebookInstagram, and Twitter. Barakat Orthodontics can also be reached at (703) 433-9330.

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