From their subtle look to everyday convenience, Shimizu Orthodontics explores why clear aligners have become a popular orthodontic option for adults.
QUICK ANSWER
Adults are choosing Invisalign because it fits real life. The aligners are nearly invisible, they come out for meals and brushing, and they are comfortable enough to forget about. About one in three orthodontic patients is now an adult, according to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). Studies show people with clear aligners keep healthier gums and feel less discomfort than those with traditional braces. In the hands of an experienced orthodontist, Invisalign corrects crowding, spacing, and bite problems for adults of any age. Shimizu Orthodontics in Sunnyvale is a Diamond + Top 1% Invisalign Provider, and consultations are free.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Adults are a third of the waiting room. The AAO reports that one in three orthodontic patients today is an adult, and the number keeps climbing.
- Nobody has to know. Invisalign aligners are thin, clear, and shaped to your teeth. Most people never notice them.
- Removable means normal. Take them out to eat, brush, and floss. Studies show aligner wearers have less plaque and healthier gums during treatment than people in braces.
- You see the finish line first. Every Invisalign plan is designed digitally, so you preview your new smile before the first tray is made.
- Experience is the difference. Invisalign does its best work when an orthodontist with deep experience plans it. Shimizu Orthodontics is a Diamond + Top 1% Invisalign Provider.
You had braces in middle school. Somewhere between your first job and your second car, your lower front teeth quietly drifted, and now you notice them every time you see yourself on a video call.
Or you never had braces at all. It was not in the budget, or nobody suggested it, and you have spent twenty years smiling with your lips closed in photos.
Here is the good news. You are exactly the person Invisalign was built for, and you are far from alone.
Dr. Kevin Shimizu treats adults in our Sunnyvale office and teaches in the orthodontic residency program at the University of the Pacific. Our practice is a Diamond + Top 1% Invisalign Provider, which places us among the most experienced Invisalign offices in the country.
So here is the answer, in the order adults usually ask: why now, what makes Invisalign such a good fit for grown-up life, and why the orthodontist you choose matters as much as the aligners.
Why Are So Many Adults Getting Orthodontic Treatment Now?
The AAO reports that one in three orthodontic patients is now an adult, a record high. Adult teeth did not change. The options did.
For decades, the only path to a straighter smile was two years of metal brackets. For a teenager, that is a rite of passage. For an adult presenting in a boardroom, it was a hard no. Invisalign removed that obstacle in one move.
The camera helped too. The AAO points to research linking the rise of remote work and video calls with more adults seeking treatment. When you see your own smile several hours a day, the things you used to overlook become the things you want to fix.
Dentists noticed as well. General dentists now send adults to us before crowns, veneers, and implants, because teeth that line up properly make that work look better and last longer. A straight smile is often the foundation for everything else.
And the system itself has matured. Invisalign ’s maker, Align Technology, reported in April 2026 that roughly 22.8 million people have been treated with Invisalign over 29 years. That is a lot of smiles, and every one of them taught the technology something.
What Makes Invisalign Such a Good Fit for Adult Life?
Invisalign moves teeth the same way braces do, with gentle, steady pressure. The difference is in how it fits into your day. Four things explain most of the appeal.
Discreet. The trays are thin, clear plastic shaped precisely to your teeth. Most coworkers notice a new haircut before they notice Invisalign. You can straighten your teeth without making an announcement.
Removable. You take them out to eat, drink, brush, and floss. Steak, popcorn, and corn on the cob stay on the menu. Your morning routine stays the same.
Comfortable. There are no brackets to catch a cheek and no wires to adjust. Studies show people wearing clear aligners report less discomfort in the early days of treatment than people in braces, which makes the first week a lot easier.
Planned in advance. Every set of trays is designed digitally before the first one is made. You see the projected result before you commit, and Dr. Shimizu sees exactly which tooth moves at each stage. There are no surprises, just progress you can watch.
You can read more about the SmartTrack material and the virtual progress monitoring we offer on our Invisalign page.
Is Invisalign Good for Your Gums?
Yes, and for adults this matters. Your gums have had a few decades of wear, and healthy gums are what keep your smile strong for the next few decades.
A 2026 review of more than 30 studies, published in the journal BDJ Open, compared people in clear aligners with people in traditional braces. Aligner wearers had less plaque, less gum inflammation, and healthier gum measurements throughout treatment. They also reported less discomfort and a better quality of life in the first week.
The reason is simple. Braces stay on, so you clean around them. Invisalign comes off, so you clean the way you always have. Brush, floss, rinse, trays back in. Your dentist will notice the difference at your next cleaning, and so will you.
That is one of the reasons general dentists are so comfortable referring adult patients for Invisalign. It straightens the teeth and keeps the gums happy at the same time.
Can Invisalign Handle More Than Crooked Front Teeth?
Absolutely. This is the question adults ask most, and the answer has changed a great deal over the past decade.
Modern Invisalign treats crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. Small tooth-colored attachments bonded to a few teeth give the aligners a firm grip for bigger movements. Rubber bands hook onto tiny cutouts in the trays to correct the way your upper and lower teeth meet. Relapse after childhood braces, which is one of the most common reasons adults walk through our door, is a routine Invisalign case.
What makes all of this work is the plan. The AAO notes that an orthodontist is the one who determines whether aligners are the right fit for a particular smile and how the treatment should be designed. Invisalign is a tool, and like any precision tool, it performs best in experienced hands.
That is where the Diamond + Top 1% designation matters. Invisalign reserves it for the top 1 percent of its providers, and it comes from one thing: volume. Planning and finishing a very high volume of cases teaches an orthodontist exactly how real teeth respond to each movement, where to place an attachment, and when to add a rubber band. Dr. Shimizu brings that experience to every plan, and he teaches those same skills to orthodontic residents at the University of the Pacific.
If you want the full side-by-side, we wrote a guide earlier this year on choosing between braces and Invisalign. Our treatments page covers the rest of what we offer.
WHAT AN EXPERIENCED INVISALIGN ORTHODONTIST BRINGS TO YOUR CASE
The aligners are made by Invisalign. The result is made by the orthodontist who plans them. Here is what that looks like at Shimizu Orthodontics.
- A complete look at your teeth, gums, bite, and jaw before a single tray is designed
- A digital plan that maps every movement of every tooth, reviewed and refined by Dr. Shimizu personally
- Attachments and rubber bands placed exactly where your case needs them
- Check-ins and virtual monitoring to keep your progress on track between visits
- A finish that accounts for your existing dental work, your bite, and your goals
- A retainer plan so the smile you worked for stays put
What Is Different About Treating an Adult?
Adults make wonderful orthodontic patients. You are here because you decided to be, and that shows in how consistently adults wear their aligners and how quickly they settle into the routine.
We account for a few things we wouldn't with a teenager, and each one is a reason to be glad you are with an experienced orthodontist.
Adult teeth are settled. The AAO notes that adult teeth are more firmly set in the jaw than a teenager’s. That is exactly what Invisalign’s gentle, steady approach is designed for. Each tray moves your teeth a small, comfortable amount, and the digital plan spaces those movements to match how adult bone responds.
Healthy gums come first. The AAO recommends that gum health be checked in person before any orthodontic treatment. We do that at your first visit, and it is one more reason your smile will be in great shape when treatment ends.
Your dental history is part of the plan. Adults arrive with fillings, crowns, and sometimes implants. Interdisciplinary restorative care is part of what we do every week, and we coordinate closely with your general dentist so the orthodontic plan and your dental work point in the same direction.
What Does Invisalign Treatment Look Like at Shimizu Orthodontics?
The process is simpler than most adults expect, and it fits neatly around a workday.
It starts with a free consultation, where Dr. Shimizu examines your teeth, gums, and bite, takes 3-D images, and listens to what you want to change. Our new patient page walks through what to expect at that first visit.
Next comes the scan. We use the iTero digital scanner instead of impression trays, so there is no gooey material. In a few minutes, you are looking at a 3-D model of your own teeth, and the digital preview of your new smile is built from it.
Once you approve the plan, your custom aligners are made. You wear each set for the schedule we give you, then move to the next. Check-ins are spaced out, and virtual progress monitoring lets us follow along between visits. We open at 7:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday, so an appointment fits before work rather than in the middle of your day.
When the last tray comes out, a retainer keeps everything right where it belongs.
The table below is the short version of your Invisalign journey with us.
| Step | What happens | What you will notice |
|---|---|---|
| Free consultation | Exam, 3-D imaging, and a conversation about your goals. | Clear answers and a realistic timeline. No pressure. |
| iTero digital scan | A quick, comfortable scan replaces impression trays. | A 3-D model of your teeth on the screen in minutes. |
| Digital treatment plan | Dr. Shimizu maps every tooth movement from start to finish. | A preview of your finished smile before you begin. |
| Custom aligners | Your trays are made from SmartTrack material and fitted in our office. | Nearly invisible, comfortable, and easy to take in and out. |
| Progress check-ins | Spaced-out visits plus virtual monitoring between them. | Early morning appointments that fit a work schedule. |
| Retainer | A custom retainer protects your result. | A smile that stays straight for years to come. |
Why Adults Choose Shimizu Orthodontics
Diamond + Top 1% Invisalign Provider. Invisalign reserves this designation for the top 1 percent of its providers. It reflects a very high volume of planned and finished cases, and that depth of experience is what turns a good aligner system into a great result.
A doctor who teaches this. Dr. Kevin Shimizu is current faculty in the orthodontic residency program at the University of the Pacific, where he helps train the next generation of orthodontists in the same techniques he uses in our office every day.
Digital from the first visit. iTero scanning and 3-D imaging mean no impression trays, an accurate digital model, and a treatment preview so you can see the new smile that is waiting for you.
Experience with complex smiles. Dr. Shimizu serves on the Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara craniofacial team, and interdisciplinary restorative care is part of our practice. Crowns, implants, and missing teeth are familiar territory here.
A team that stays. Our staff average more than 20 years of service in this office. The person who scans your teeth on day one will very likely be the person who hands you your retainer.
Hours built for working adults. We open at 7:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday, and consultations are always free.
A smile you are glad to show. We know that your smile should bring you happiness. For adults, that often means finally doing what you have thought about for years and loving the result.
FINAL ANSWER
More adults are choosing Invisalign because it solved the problem that kept them out of the orthodontist’s chair for decades. It is nearly invisible, it comes out for meals and brushing, it is comfortable, and studies show it keeps gums healthier along the way. With today’s attachments, rubber bands, and digital planning, Invisalign corrects crowding, spacing, and bite problems for adults of any age. The ingredient that brings it all together is the orthodontist planning your case. At Shimizu Orthodontics, that is a Diamond + Top 1% Invisalign Provider who teaches the next generation of orthodontists, and your first visit is free.
Come See Us in Sunnyvale
At Shimizu Orthodontics, we know that your smile should bring you happiness, and it is never too late to improve your smile and confidence. If you have been putting this off since your twenties, you are in good company. One in three orthodontic patients is now an adult, and the reasons they finally came in are probably the same as yours.
Consultations are free. Bring your questions, your schedule, and any notes from your general dentist. Request a consultation or call us at (408) 738-1314.
Shimizu Orthodontics
877 West Fremont Avenue, Suite G-1, Sunnyvale, CA 94087
Phone: (408) 738-1314
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed Friday.
Serving adults and families throughout Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Santa Clara, Mountain View, Los Altos, and the surrounding South Bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I too old for Invisalign?
No. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, and the American Association of Orthodontists reports that one in three orthodontic patients today is an adult. Many of the adults we treat are in their forties, fifties, and beyond. If your teeth and gums are healthy, Invisalign is a great option.
How long does Invisalign take for adults?
Most adult cases take several months to about two years, depending on how far your teeth need to move. Minor shifting after childhood braces is often on the shorter end. At your free consultation, Dr. Shimizu will show you a digital preview of your plan and give you a realistic timeline.
How many hours a day do I wear the aligners?
Invisalign recommends 20 to 22 hours a day, which leaves plenty of time for meals, coffee, and brushing. Most adults find the routine easy within the first week. The trays go in after breakfast and come out for lunch, and before long you stop thinking about them.
Can Invisalign fix a bite problem, or only crooked teeth?
Both. Invisalign treats crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. Small tooth-colored attachments and rubber bands give the aligners extra grip for bigger movements. The key is an orthodontist who knows how to plan those movements, which is where experience makes the difference.
Is Invisalign more expensive than braces?
Not necessarily. Cost depends on the complexity of your case and the length of treatment more than on the appliance. At Shimizu Orthodontics, we walk you through the fee and flexible payment options at your free consultation, so you know exactly what to expect before you start.
Will I need a retainer after Invisalign?
Yes, and it is the easiest part of the whole process. A retainer keeps your new smile in place for years. Many adults come to us because they stopped wearing a retainer after childhood braces, so we make sure you leave with a clear plan to protect your investment.
Sources
- American Association of Orthodontists. Adult Orthodontics: Smile with Confidence at Any Age. aaoinfo.org
- American Association of Orthodontists (2025, updated April 2026). 1 in 3 Orthodontic Patients is an Adult: Why Adult Braces Are Trending. aaoinfo.org
- American Association of Orthodontists. Orthodontists Respond to Frequently Asked Questions from Adults Considering Treatment. aaoinfo.org
- Kaur, K., Quadri, S. A., Saini, R. S., Alarcón-Sánchez, M. A., and Heboyan, A. (2026). Comparative impact of clear aligners versus fixed orthodontic appliances on periodontal health, pain, and quality of life. BDJ Open, 12, Article 60. DOI: 10.1038/s41405-026-00450-z. Read the study
- Align Technology (April 30, 2026). Align Technology Showcases Latest Advances in Integrated Digital Orthodontics and Previews 2026 Innovation at AAO Annual Session. investor.aligntech.com
- Invisalign. What are Invisalign aligners and how are they different from braces. invisalign.com
About the author. Dr. Kevin Shimizu is a current faculty member for the University of the Pacific Orthodontic Residency program. He has worked with ENT and surgical specialists with the Stanford Sleep Medicine program and is also a member of the Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara Craniofacial team.
Medical disclaimer. This article provides general educational information about Invisalign and orthodontic treatment for adults. It is not a diagnosis and is not medical or dental advice. Every smile is different, and the right treatment plan for you can only be determined through an in-person examination by an orthodontist. Research findings described here reflect groups of patients and do not predict any individual result.
