Orthodontic treatment among adults is growing in popularity. The rising popularity of adult orthodontic treatments and advancements in adult orthodontics have made it easier for adults to seek care that fits their needs and lifestyles. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, the number of adult patients has grown in recent years as more adults seek functional and cosmetic improvements.
Alignment issues and misaligned teeth are common reasons adults pursue orthodontic care. Beyond straighter teeth, treatment can enhance bite efficiency, simplify hygiene, and reduce uneven wear. Across modalities, expect regular check-ins, temporary tenderness after adjustments, and a focus on meticulous home care.
What Are the Top Orthodontic Treatment Choices for Adults?
Selecting the appropriate orthodontic treatment can sometimes be a daunting task with so many orthodontic options available today. Each type of braces has its own benefits and considerations, depending on your lifestyle, preferences, and dental needs. Here, we break down the most popular and effective orthodontic treatments for adults to help you make an informed decision.
Clear Aligners for Adults
Clear aligners move teeth with a series of custom trays worn 20–22 hours per day. These trays are virtually invisible, making them a discreet option for orthodontic treatment. Small tooth-colored attachments and elastics may be added to guide specific movements. Aligners suit adults who value a subtle look, flexible wear, and easier brushing and flossing.
Ceramic (tooth-colored) Braces
Ceramic braces blend with enamel while providing the full range of tooth movements expected from fixed appliances. They feature tooth colored brackets, making them a fit for adults who want a low-profile look without relying on wear-time compliance.
Lingual (behind-the-teeth) Braces
Lingual braces are bonded to the back surfaces, or tongue side, of teeth, keeping hardware out of view in daily interactions and photos. They offer the control of fixed appliances with maximum concealment. Most adults adapt to temporary speech changes and tongue irritation over the first few weeks. These systems are highly customized, can require longer chair time, and may have higher fees. Availability varies by provider.
Traditional and Self-ligating Metal Braces
Metal braces remain a reliable choice for advanced corrections, including significant crowding and complex bite discrepancies. Today’s metal braces use metal brackets, which are smaller and smoother than in the past.
Metal braces are the most visible form of orthodontic treatment, as the metal brackets and wires are attached to the front of the teeth. Self-ligating brackets offer a simplified design that may reduce friction in certain mechanics; overall outcomes are comparable to conventional braces.
Surgery-assisted and Accelerated Orthodontics
Some adult bite problems stem from jaw relationships rather than tooth position alone. In these cases, orthodontics may be paired with jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) to improve jaw alignment and facial balance. Adults who need upper jaw expansion or have complex cases may require surgery-assisted techniques.
Adults with previous dental work, such as crowns or fillings, can still be candidates for surgery-assisted orthodontic treatment. Adjunctive “acceleration” procedures (such as micro-osteoperforations) are available in some practices; current evidence is mixed, and candidacy is case-specific.
Surgery-assisted care requires additional time and coordination but can address issues that appliances alone cannot.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Orthodontic Treatment Options For Adults
Different types of braces are chosen based on the specific orthodontic problems being addressed, as well as the age and condition of the patient’s teeth, including whether they have adult teeth.
Option | Advantages | Disadvantages |
Clear aligners | Nearly invisible; removable for meals/events; easier brushing/flossing; fewer emergency visits; remote monitoring possible in some cases; often suitable for mild to moderate orthodontic problems in adult teeth | Requires 20–22 hours/day wear; attachments/elastics may be visible up close; trays can be lost or deformed by heat; not ideal for some advanced movements without auxiliaries |
Ceramic (tooth-colored) braces | Low-profile appearance with a full range of tooth movements; no wear-time compliance needed; suitable for many bite corrections, including complex orthodontic problems in adult teeth | Brackets are bulkier and more brittle than metal; elastic ties can stain; require meticulous hygiene; typically higher cost than metal |
Lingual (behind-the-teeth) braces | Completely hidden from view; precise control similar to other fixed appliances; no wear-time compliance needed | Speech adaptation and tongue irritation care ommon initially; fewer providers; higher fees and longer chair time; hygiene can be harder at first |
Traditional and self-ligating metal braces | Durable and versatile for advanced corrections; smaller brackets than in the past; compatible with TADs for precise anchorage; often more cost-effective than lingual/ceramic | Most visible option; food restrictions to protect hardware; requires vigilant daily cleaning; self-ligating systems have outcomes comparable to conventional brackets |
Hybrid and limited treatments | Targets specific goals efficiently (e.g., relapse, front-tooth alignment); can shorten timelines and reduce costs; combines the strengths of different systems | Limited scope, not for major bite/skeletal changes; may still need attachments, elastics, or brief phases of braces; long-term stability depends on careful case selection and retention |
Surgery-assisted and accelerated options | Addresses underlying skeletal discrepancies; enables corrections not achievable with appliances alone; can improve jaw alignment and facial balance | Involves surgery, risks, and recovery; higher overall cost and longer timelines; candidacy is case-specific; “acceleration” techniques have mixed evidence |
Benefits of Adult Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment for adults brings a variety of benefits that extend well beyond just improving the appearance of your smile. Being aware of these advantages sheds light on why more adults are pursuing orthodontic care.
- Oral Health: Orthodontic treatment for adults can greatly enhance oral health by facilitating easier cleaning between teeth, which lowers the chances of cavities and gum disease. Improved alignment allows for better access during brushing and flossing, which helps prevent plaque buildup and inflammation.
- Bite Function: Properly aligned teeth help distribute bite forces evenly, which can alleviate jaw pain and prevent excessive wear on individual teeth. Correcting bite issues such as overbite, underbite, or open bite can improve chewing efficiency and reduce strain on the jaw muscles.
- Self-Confidence: Many adults find that correcting crooked teeth and misaligned bites not only enhances their dental health but also boosts their self-esteem and self-confidence. A straighter smile often leads to increased social interactions and professional opportunities.
- Treatment Options: With a range of adult orthodontic treatment options available, including traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, and clear aligners, adults can select the approach that best fits their lifestyle and dental needs. Every option provides distinct advantages, like the subtle look of clear aligners or the strength of metal braces.
- Overall Well-Being: Whether you’re seeking to address long-standing bite issues, reduce discomfort, or simply achieve a more beautiful smile, orthodontic treatment can be a transformative investment in your overall well-being. Improved oral function and aesthetics can lead to better nutrition and increased motivation for maintaining dental health.
Best Orthodontic Treatment Options For Adults
There is no single best treatment; rather, there is a treatment that best matches your needs. If subtle appearance and flexibility are priorities, consider clear aligners or lingual braces. If you prefer fixed appliances with precise mechanics and broad applicability, ceramic or metal braces are dependable. Hybrid or limited plans can efficiently address focused concerns, while surgery-assisted care is reserved for skeletal issues.
Adult orthodontic patients should also plan for long-term retention. Well-fitting retainers help maintain alignment, often with nightly wear that tapers according to your dentist’s guidance. It is important to visit your orthodontist regularly for check-ups and adjustments to ensure optimal results and address any issues early.
Start Your Smile Journey at Blessed Dental Today!
Have questions about orthodontic treatment for adults? Schedule a consultation with us today to review your goals, candidacy, expected timelines, and costs. An in-person exam is the best way to choose a treatment approach that fits your smile and lifestyle. Our skilled orthodontists will help you explore the adult orthodontic treatment choices to ensure optimal outcomes.
