Braces aren’t just for teenagers. Advanced orthodontic procedures, like Invisalign aligners, prove that a beautiful smile is important at any age.

Although adults often shy away from metal braces, which can be unsightly and uncomfortable, thousands of people are discovering the ease of Invisalign for straightening teeth. The staff at American River Orthodontics in Carmichael, California, works closely with clients to help them determine which procedure will get them the best results. Invisalign aligners are made of clear thermoplastic customized to fit your teeth.

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, patients use a series of aligners to guide the teeth through the transformation process, which usually takes about 12 months for most adults.

After having a molar removed when she was in her mid-60s, Linda Griffis-Smart noticed a change in her teeth. She had always prided herself on a healthy smile.

“My top teeth just started shifting to the left,” she said. “The damage was done in a short period of time, and I didn’t want old lady teeth.”

Metal braces were out of the question.

Invisalign, which are virtually invisible, seemed like the right choice for Griffis-Smart.

“They are not noticeable. Unless I tell people I am wearing them, nobody notices,” she said. “I go in quarterly for appointments and I change my aligner every Monday morning. There’s no pain or discomfort. It’s the easiest thing I have ever done.”

Invisalign are a good choice for many dental corrections, unless the teeth are extremely crooked, said the specialists at American River Orthodontics, a top orthodontics practice in Carmichael, California. Invisalign is recommended for patients with gapped teeth, crowded teeth, overbite, underbite and crossbite.

Invisalign is perfect for active professionals who want to look their best, in addition to being clear and more comfortable than traditional braces,

Patients remove the aligners to eat and for oral hygiene. The aligners are worn 22 hours per day for optimum efficiency.

Once the clear aligners are removed, the patient can brush and floss in a normal fashion. The staff at American River Orthodontics has found that Invisalign patients tend to have better oral health than people with traditional metal braces because they don’t have to clean around brackets and wires.

Foods like popcorn, gum and apples can be problematic for people with traditional braces, but American River Orthodontics’ Invisalign patients are able to eat anything they want.

Replacement aligners can delay the treatment period and add extra expense. Because Invisalign aligners are removable, American River Orthodontics tells its Carmichael, California, clients to be careful not to misplace aligners.

Invisaligns require a serious financial commitment, but thousands of clients feel like the additional cost is worth the cosmetic and comfort benefits.

“I was willing to keep my car another year so I could get them,” Griffis-Smart said. “They will make a huge difference 10 years down the road.”