You’re an adult. You have a job. Maybe kids. Definitely a social life. And you’ve got teeth that never quite straightened out after your teenage years. Or maybe they’ve shifted over time. Now you’re wondering: Do I really have to wear metal braces like a kid? Or does Invisalign actually work for adults?
Good news. Both options work. But one of them fits your life a whole lot better. Let’s walk through it.
Metal Braces: The Old Reliable
Braces have been around forever. They work for even the most twisted, crowded, or gapped smiles.
Here’s what you get with braces:
- Metal brackets glued to each tooth
- Wires that get tightened every few weeks
- Rubber bands if your bite needs fixing
And here’s what you also get: A mouthful of metal for one to three years. You can’t take them out. Eating popcorn, nuts, or chewy candy? Risky. Cleaning? You’ll need special floss threaders and a lot of patience.
For a teenager? Fine. For a 35-year-old heading into client meetings or parent-teacher conferences? Less fine.
Invisalign: The Grown-Up Choice
Invisalign uses clear plastic trays called aligners. You wear each set for about two weeks, then switch to the next one. Slowly, your teeth move into place. You can take them out. Eating dinner? Aligners out. Big work presentation? Out. Brushing and flossing normally? Out. No food restrictions. No weird cleaning routines.
Aligners are clear, meaning most people won’t notice unless you tell them. There are also fewer office visits. With braces, you’re in the chair every 4–6 weeks for adjustments. With Invisalign, you get several sets of aligners at once. Fewer trips to our office, though we do love seeing you.
Does Invisalign Work For Everything?
Almost. For major bite problems or severely rotated teeth, braces might still be the best option.
But for the vast majority of adults looking to fix:
- Crowded front teeth
- Gaps
- Overlaps
- Relapse from not wearing a retainer as a teen
Invisalign handles it beautifully.
Dr. Richardson is an Invisalign Premier Provider. That means he’s done enough Invisalign cases to be recognized as a top specialist. He’s also won Philadelphia Magazine’s Top Dentist Award every year from 2012 through 2024. So, when he tells you Invisalign is right for you? He’s not guessing.
Which One Should You Pick?
If you want your teeth straightened without looking like you’re in high school again? Invisalign.
If you have a complex bite issue that needs heavy-duty mechanics? Braces.
Most adults who walk into our office near the Bryn Mawr train station choose Invisalign. Not because we push it. Because once they hear, they can straighten their smile without giving up popcorn or looking like a teenager, the choice is easy.
Ready To See What Invisalign Could Do For You?
Call our office or schedule an appointment online. Ask for Dr. Richardson, Dr. Mesina, Dr. Ling, or Dr. Ardestani. We’ll take a look, tell you what’s possible, and help you smile like you actually mean it.