Why More Adults in Richmond Choose Invisalign
Updated September 28, 2026 · Richmond Virginia Orthodontics, Short Pump & Midlothian, VA
More adults in Richmond are choosing Invisalign because it straightens teeth without brackets, wires or food restrictions, and most people won’t notice you’re wearing it. Most of our adult Invisalign patients finish in about 12 to 18 months, and mild cases can take as little as six months. At Richmond Virginia Orthodontics, we plan and monitor every adult case in person at our Short Pump and Midlothian offices.
Key Takeaways
- Adults choose Invisalign because it is nearly invisible, removable and has no food restrictions.
- Most adult Invisalign patients finish in about 12 to 18 months. Mild cases can take as little as six months.
- Wear aligners 20 to 22 hours a day. Check-ins are every six to eight weeks.
- There is no age limit, as long as your teeth and gums are healthy.
Maybe you never had braces as a kid. Maybe your teeth shifted after braces as a teen, or your lower teeth have started crowding in your 40s. Whatever the reason, here’s what adult Invisalign really looks like.
Why Adult Orthodontics Is More Common Than Ever
Orthodontics isn’t just for teenagers anymore. Adults make up a large and growing share of orthodontic patients. Teeth naturally shift throughout life, especially the lower front teeth. Old crowding can come back when retainers stop being worn. Learn more about teeth shifting after age 40.
Adults usually come to us with one of three goals:
- Confidence: a wedding, a new job or simply being tired of hiding your smile in photos.
- Health: straight teeth are easier to clean, which lowers your risk of gum disease and uneven wear.
- Fixing a relapse: getting back the smile you had after braces years ago.
Thinking about Invisalign as an adult?
Book a new patient exam and we’ll tell you whether you’re a good candidate and how long it will take.
How Invisalign Works for Adults
Invisalign uses a series of custom, clear aligners made from a 3D digital scan of your teeth. You wear each set for one to two weeks, and every set moves your teeth a little closer to the planned result. Small tooth-colored attachments help the aligners grip and rotate specific teeth. Here’s a deeper look at how Invisalign works.
The key to success is wear time. Keep your aligners in 20 to 22 hours a day, and take them out only to eat, drink anything besides water, brush and floss.
Benefits of Invisalign for Adults
The top reasons adults choose Invisalign.
The top reasons adults choose Invisalign.Nearly invisible at work and in photos
Clear aligners are hard to spot. You can lead meetings, give presentations and smile in photos without anyone focusing on your teeth.
More comfortable than brackets
Smooth plastic means no wires poking your cheeks. You’ll feel pressure for a day or two with each new set, which is a sign they’re working.
Easier brushing and flossing
Take the aligners out and clean your teeth the way you always have. That makes it easier to protect your gums during treatment, which matters more as we age.
No food restrictions
Your favorite Richmond restaurants stay on the table. Remove your aligners to eat, then brush before putting them back in.
Fewer emergency visits
There are no brackets to break or wires to poke, so unplanned visits are rare. Check-ins are typically every six to eight weeks.
See your new smile before you commit
Your exam includes a 3D scan and a preview of your planned results.
Invisalign vs. Braces for Adults
Braces are still excellent. They give precise control over complex movements and work around the clock. For many adults, though, the discreet look and convenience of Invisalign fit their life better. If your bite is complex, we’ll tell you honestly whether braces (including tooth-colored ceramic braces) would get you a better result. Compare the two in Invisalign vs. braces and metal braces vs. Invisalign.
What to Expect as an Adult Invisalign Patient
- Invisalign consultation: we review your goals, examine your teeth, gums and bite and confirm you’re a good candidate.
- 3D scan and plan: we map every stage of movement and show you a preview of your results.
- Aligner fitting: we place any attachments and teach you how to wear and care for your aligners.
- Check-ins: we see you every six to eight weeks to keep you on track.
- Retainers: we protect your results once your teeth reach their final position.
Why Richmond Adults Choose RVO for Invisalign
Richmond Magazine readers voted us the #1 orthodontist in Richmond. Dr. Chad Schanilec and Dr. Jason Gladwell plan every adult case personally. We offer early and late appointments (as early as 7 a.m. Wednesdays and until 6 p.m. Mondays) to fit around work. We also work with many dental insurance plans that include orthodontic benefits. Visit us for Invisalign in Richmond, VA at Short Pump or for Invisalign in Midlothian, VA.
Adult Invisalign FAQs
Am I too old for Invisalign?
No. As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, you can straighten your teeth with Invisalign at any age.
How long does Invisalign take for adults?
Many adults finish in 12 to 18 months. Minor cosmetic cases can take as little as six months. We give you your exact timeline after your exam.
Will Invisalign affect my speech?
You may notice a slight lisp for a day or two while your tongue adjusts. Most adults sound completely normal within a few days.
Does insurance cover Invisalign for adults?
Some dental plans include adult orthodontic benefits. We work with many plans and will help you understand your coverage.
Start your Invisalign journey
Book your new patient exam at our Short Pump or Midlothian office.
