Orthodontics & Invisalign in Tirana, Albania

Adult orthodontics is increasingly common — patients in their 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond can successfully straighten teeth. Bone tissue continues to remodel throughout life, so age is not the limit. Treatment may take slightly longer for adults than teenagers, but the results are equally stable. Invisalign clear aligners are particularly popular with adult patients seeking discreet treatment.

Orthodontic treatment duration varies with case complexity: simple cases (mild crowding, small gaps) take 6-12 months; moderate cases (alignment + bite correction) 12-18 months; complex cases (significant malocclusion, multiple issues) 18-30 months. Invisalign typically achieves comparable results in similar timeframes to traditional braces for most cases. Empire Dental gives a precise estimate after consultation.

Invisalign and traditional braces achieve similar results for most orthodontic cases. Invisalign aligners are removable (eat anything, brush normally), virtually invisible, and require fewer in-clinic visits. Traditional braces are better for complex cases involving severe rotation, large vertical movements, or significant skeletal correction. Both are equally effective for typical adult alignment cases.

Orthodontic treatment is generally not painful but creates pressure on teeth, particularly in the first 3-5 days after aligners are changed or braces adjusted. Most patients describe it as discomfort rather than pain, easily managed with over-the-counter painkillers. The pressure subsides as teeth gradually move. Aligner edges occasionally irritate gums temporarily.

Yes, you can eat normally with Invisalign because the aligners are removable — just take them out for meals, then brush teeth and re-insert. Traditional braces require avoiding hard foods (nuts, hard sweets), sticky foods (caramel, chewing gum) and very crunchy foods (apples, raw carrots cut into smaller pieces). Most other foods are fine.

Yes, retainers are essential after orthodontic treatment to maintain results. Teeth naturally want to drift back to their original position, especially during the first year. Empire Dental provides custom-made retainers and recommends nightly wear for the first 6 months, then 3-4 nights weekly indefinitely. Without retention, 50-70% of orthodontic results are lost over 10 years.