Adult Orthodontics Is on the Rise
Adult orthodontics has quietly become one of the fastest-growing areas in modern dentistry. If you’ve been putting off straightening your teeth because you thought braces were just for teenagers, you’re far from alone, and you’re also not too late.
More adults are choosing orthodontic treatment than ever before. Modern options are lighter, more discreet, and far more effective than what was available even a decade ago.
At Smiles to Love Orthodontics, we welcome adult patients of every age. Everyone deserves a beautiful smile, and there’s no expiration date on that. Whether you had braces as a teenager and saw some shifting over the years, or you never had the chance to straighten your teeth in the first place, adulthood is a perfectly reasonable time to explore your choices. Many adults find that improving their smile boosts their confidence in ways that ripple through their professional and personal lives.
How Adult Orthodontic Treatment Differs from Teen Treatment
Adult teeth move. The biology is just a little different, and that shapes how your treatment is planned.
Because adult bone has stopped growing, tooth movement follows different biomechanical rules than it does in a teenager. Dr. Schweiss and Dr. Jusseaume take this into account when mapping out your plan, which often means a more strategic approach to force, timing, and anchorage.
Adults also frequently need a bit of prep work before braces or aligners begin. This may include:
- Periodontal (gum) treatment to establish a healthy foundation
- Restorative care like fillings or crowns completed first
- Extractions when crowding is significant
- Coordination with your general dentist for implants or veneers planned after treatment
There’s good news too. Adults tend to be excellent with compliance, especially with aligner wear time, which often leads to smoother, more predictable outcomes. Many adult patients also have specific aesthetic and professional priorities, and those get factored into the plan from day one. Because adults understand what they want and why, the collaboration between patient and specialist tends to be genuinely productive.
Your Four Adult Orthodontic Treatment Options
Thanks to advances in orthodontic technology, adults today have more choices than ever. Here’s a straightforward look at the four main options and where each one shines.
1. Invisalign Clear Aligners. A series of clear, removable trays that gradually shift your teeth. Virtually invisible, easy to clean, and removable for meals. Best suited to mild and moderate cases, and hugely popular with adult professionals who want a discreet path to a straighter smile.
2. Clear (Ceramic) Braces. Tooth-colored brackets bonded to the front of your teeth. Much more discreet than metal, and capable of handling more complex cases than aligners can manage on their own.
3. Metal Braces. Modern metal braces are smaller, lighter, and more comfortable than the ones you may remember. They remain the most versatile and precise option, and they’re still the gold standard for complex bite corrections.
4. Lingual Braces. Fitted to the back surfaces of your teeth, lingual braces are completely invisible when you smile. They involve more customization and suit adults who want total discretion.
An honest note: aligners aren’t right for every case. Some bites, rotations, and skeletal issues genuinely need fixed appliances to get the outcome you want. A specialist can tell you honestly which options will actually deliver the smile you’re after.
How Long Does Adult Treatment Take?
Most adult orthodontic treatment takes between 12 and 24 months. Simpler cases can wrap up faster, while more complex bite corrections may take a bit longer.
Here’s a general guide:
- Mild cases (single-arch aligners): 6 to 9 months
- Moderate cases: 12 to 18 months
- Complex bite correction: 18 to 30 months
- Retention phase: lifelong, to protect your new smile
Several factors influence your timeline: how complex your case is to begin with, how consistently you wear aligners or elastics, and how your teeth and bone respond biologically. A specialist can give you a realistic timeframe once they’ve examined your case. Consistency matters more than most people realize. Skipping aligners for hours a day or ignoring elastic instructions can add months to a treatment plan that was otherwise on track.
Specialist Orthodontist vs General Dentist: How to Choose
Not every dentist is an orthodontist. It’s a distinction worth understanding before you commit.
A specialist orthodontist has completed at least three additional years of full-time training after dental school, focused entirely on tooth movement, jaw growth, and bite correction. Dr. Schweiss and Dr. Jusseaume each completed that specialty training.
A few things worth knowing:
- Manufacturer certifications aren’t specialist qualifications. Being an “Invisalign Provider” or “Diamond Provider” refers to case volume with that product, not postgraduate training.
- For complex bites, skeletal issues, or significant crowding, a specialist orthodontist is the safer choice.
- For borderline aesthetic cases, a general dentist may offer aligners, but ask about their training and what happens if the case doesn’t finish as planned.
A first visit is the easiest way to assess a practice before committing. You’ll meet the team, see the space, and get honest answers about whether your case is straightforward or something that really needs specialist experience. Ask about how many similar cases they’ve treated, what happens if refinements are needed, and who monitors your progress along the way.
At Smiles to Love Orthodontics, the first visit is designed to be relaxed and informative. Here’s what typically happens:
- Warm welcome and a chat to hear what’s bothering you about your smile and what you’d love to change.
- Full clinical assessment. Dr. Schweiss or Dr. Jusseaume will examine your teeth, bite, and jaw alignment.
- Digital scans or X-rays as needed. These give a precise look at what’s happening beneath the surface.
- Discussion of your options, including which treatments will actually work for your case and which won’t.
- Written treatment plan. You leave with everything in writing so you can decide in your own time.
A virtual visit is also available for initial screening, which is ideal for busy professionals. You send a few photos, and the team comes back with initial thoughts and next steps.
Risks, Retention, and Life After Braces
Any medical treatment carries some risk, and orthodontics is no exception. Straight talk about this matters before you commit.
Potential risks to be aware of include:
- Root resorption: slight shortening of tooth roots during movement, usually clinically insignificant
- Gum recession: more likely if gum health isn’t ideal before treatment
- Decalcification (white spots): linked to poor brushing around brackets
- Relapse: teeth shifting back if retainers aren’t worn as directed
A few honest points every adult patient should hear:
- Aligners aren’t right for every case. A specialist who tells you the truth about this is protecting your outcome.
- Mail-order and DIY aligners carry real clinical risks. Without in-person exams, X-rays, and specialist oversight, small issues can become permanent ones.
- Healthy gums and bone are prerequisites. If periodontal disease is active, that needs to be addressed first.
- Retention is forever. Teeth naturally want to shift throughout life, so retainers are a lifelong companion.
Dr. Schweiss and Dr. Jusseaume will always give you an honest assessment, even if that means telling you a certain option isn’t the right fit.
Getting your braces off or finishing your aligners is a big moment, and the work to protect that smile begins the very same day. Retention typically involves two things working together:
- Fixed bonded retainers behind your front teeth for quiet, everyday stability
- Removable retainers worn nightly, indefinitely, to hold everything in place
Follow-up reviews check that your bonded retainer is intact and your removable one still fits properly. Small check-ins now prevent bigger issues later.
Here’s the honest truth about retention: it’s a lifetime commitment, not a phase. Teeth shift throughout life regardless of whether you had braces, and retainers are the only thing that keeps your new smile looking the way it did the day treatment ended. Think of retainers less as an accessory and more as protection for the smile you worked for.
Whether you choose braces or aligners, the right plan starts with an in-person look at your smile. Smiles to Love Orthodontics welcomes adult patients and serves Dublin families from our Marysville and Plain City offices, so you can start whenever you are ready.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adult Orthodontics
Can you go to an orthodontist as an adult?
Absolutely. You don’t need a referral to see an orthodontist. You can book a first visit directly, and adults now make up a significant share of orthodontic patients.
Am I too old for braces?
No. There’s no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment as long as your gums and supporting bone are healthy. Adults in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond can be treated successfully. What matters is oral health, not birthdays.
Is Invisalign as effective as metal braces?
For suitable cases, Invisalign delivers outcomes comparable to metal braces. However, complex bite corrections, severe rotations, and certain skeletal issues are still handled more predictably with fixed braces. A specialist will tell you honestly which option will actually get you the smile you want.
What happens if I don’t wear my retainer?
Teeth will gradually shift back toward their original positions, sometimes within weeks or months. This is called relapse, and it’s the single most common reason adults end up needing a second round of treatment years later. Wearing your retainer as directed is the simplest way to protect everything you put into your smile.
