Thinking about braces as a grown-up? You’re in good company. More adults than ever are choosing orthodontic care to straighten their smiles, improve bite function, and feel more confident at work and in life. At LakePointe Orthodontics, we help adults across St. Clair Shores and surrounding Metro Detroit communities understand what to expect from braces for adults, from the first visit to the final reveal.
Here’s a complete look at how adult treatment works and how to decide if it’s right for you.
What Are Adult Braces?
Adult braces are orthodontic appliances used on patients 18 and older to correct tooth alignment, close gaps, and fix bite issues like overbites, underbites, and crossbites. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, adults make up a growing share of orthodontic patients.
Why are so many adults choosing treatment now? The reasons vary. Some want straighter teeth for a wedding or career change. Others are tired of jaw discomfort, uneven wear, or hiding their smile in photos. Many simply want the healthy, confident smile they’ve always wanted.
Here’s the good news: braces work the same way biologically at any age. Gentle, steady pressure moves teeth into their ideal position. The main difference is that adult jawbone is denser than a teen’s, so treatment often takes a bit longer. At LakePointe Orthodontics, adults can choose from metal braces, clear ceramic braces, or Invisalign clear aligners, whichever best fits their lifestyle and goals.
How the Adult Braces Process Works
The adult braces process at LakePointe Orthodontics follows five clear steps, from your first consultation to the day your retainers go in. Our orthodontists, Dr. Brynn Jezdimir and Dr. Richard Frenchi, guide you through each stage so you always know what’s next.
Here’s how it works:
- Consultation. You’ll meet our team for an exam, digital scans, X-rays, and a full bite analysis. We’ll discuss your goals and answer every question before moving forward.
- Personalized treatment plan. We build a plan tailored to you, including your timeline and brace type.
- Placement visit. This appointment usually takes one to two hours. Brackets are bonded to each tooth, and the archwire is placed to begin gentle movement.
- Adjustments every 4 to 8 weeks. Short follow-up visits let us tighten wires, swap elastics, and track progress as your smile shifts into place.
- Removal and retainers. Once your teeth reach their final position, braces come off, and you transition to retainers to lock in your beautiful, healthy smile.
For qualifying adults, DentalMonitoring technology can reduce the number of in-office visits. You’ll use a small scanning device at home, and our team reviews your progress remotely between appointments. It’s a convenient option for busy professionals who want fewer trips to the practice.
Benefits of Getting Braces as an Adult
Straightening your smile as an adult pays off in more ways than one. The benefits reach beyond appearance, and most adults notice improvements in both daily comfort and long-term oral health.
Here’s what you can gain:
- Easier cleaning. Straight teeth are simpler to brush and floss, which lowers your risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Better bite function. Correcting overbites, underbites, and crossbites can ease jaw tension and reduce uneven tooth wear.
- Less jaw strain. A balanced bite can mean less jaw soreness and smoother chewing.
- More confidence. A smile you love shows up in meetings, interviews, dates, and family photos.
- Long-term protection. Properly aligned teeth are less prone to chipping and uneven wear as you age.
- Discreet options. Clear ceramic brackets and aligners mean adults don’t have to broadcast their treatment to coworkers or clients.
Many adults tell us they wish they’d done it sooner. The time investment pays dividends for decades, both in how your smile looks and how your teeth function. Straight teeth also tend to age better, with less wear on enamel and healthier gum tissue surrounding each tooth.
If you’ve been putting off treatment because you weren’t sure it was worth it as an adult, consider this: the smile you create now is one you’ll enjoy for the rest of your life. That’s the heart of our tagline, smiles that last a lifetime.
Adult Braces vs. Clear Aligners: Comparing Your Options
Choosing between braces and Invisalign is one of the most common questions we hear from adults. The right answer depends on your bite, your lifestyle, and what matters most to you. Here’s a side-by-side look at the main options available at LakePointe Orthodontics.
| Option | Visibility | Treatment Time | Best For | Lifestyle Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metal braces | Most visible | 14-24 months | Complex bite and alignment cases | Low-maintenance, no removal needed |
| Clear ceramic braces | Tooth-colored, subtle | 14-26 months | Adults wanting discretion with full braces power | Great for professionals |
| Invisalign clear aligners | Nearly invisible | 12-18 months (mild to moderate) | Mild to moderate alignment and spacing | Removable for meals and events |
Metal braces remain the most effective choice for complex cases. They’re bonded in place, so there’s no risk of losing them or forgetting to wear them.
Clear ceramic braces use tooth-colored brackets that blend in with your natural enamel. They work nearly as well as metal braces for most cases and are a favorite among working adults who want a lower-profile look.
Invisalign clear aligners are smooth, removable trays that gradually shift your teeth. They’re nearly invisible and let you eat whatever you want, since you take them out for meals. Invisalign works best for mild to moderate cases.
A general rule: complex bite issues often favor braces, while adults focused mainly on cosmetic alignment often prefer aligners. Your consultation is the best way to find out which option fits you best.
Are You a Candidate for Adult Braces?
Most healthy adults are good candidates for braces. The main requirements are strong teeth and gums, plus a commitment to good oral hygiene and keeping your scheduled visits. Beyond that, age really isn’t the deciding factor.
Adult braces can correct:
- Crowding and overlapping teeth
- Gaps and spacing issues
- Overbites, underbites, and crossbites
- Open bites where front teeth don’t meet
- Rotated or tilted teeth
A few situations may call for pre-treatment before braces go on. Active gum disease, untreated cavities, or missing teeth usually need to be addressed first. The good news: existing crowns, bridges, implants, and veneers can almost always be accommodated with careful planning.
Here’s something many adults don’t realize: age is not a disqualifier. We regularly treat adults in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond. If your teeth and gums are healthy, you’re likely a candidate. The only way to know for sure is to come in for a consultation, where our orthodontists can evaluate your situation and recommend the best path forward.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adult Braces
How long do adults wear braces?
Most adults wear braces for 14 to 26 months, though some cases finish sooner and others take a bit longer. Treatment time depends on how much movement is needed, which type of braces you choose, and how well you follow your care plan. Your orthodontist at LakePointe will give you a personalized timeline during your consultation.
Are braces harder for adults than teens?
Slightly, yes. Adult jawbone is denser than a teen’s, so teeth move a little more slowly. That said, modern techniques and technology have narrowed the gap. Most adults complete treatment on a timeline very close to teen patients and are thrilled with the results.
How uncomfortable are braces for adults?
Most adults describe the feeling after adjustments as mild soreness. The sensation typically eases within a few days as your teeth adjust. Over-the-counter relief and soft foods help during those first days, and the soreness fades quickly between visits.
What disqualifies you from getting braces?
Active gum disease, severe bone loss, or untreated tooth decay need to be resolved before starting braces. Once those are addressed, most adults can move forward with treatment. During your consultation, we’ll let you know if any preparatory care is needed first.
How is an overbite corrected in adults?
Most adult overbites are corrected with braces combined with elastics (small rubber bands) that gradually shift the bite into alignment. For severe skeletal overbites, treatment may include jaw surgery alongside orthodontics, though this is less common. Your orthodontist will recommend the right approach based on your bite.
Will braces affect my speech at work?
You may notice a slight temporary lisp during the first week or two, especially with ceramic braces or aligners. Most adults adjust quickly, and speech returns to normal within one to two weeks. Reading out loud at home helps speed up the adjustment.
Ready to see what braces for adults could look like for you? Our fun, friendly, and caring team at LakePointe Orthodontics is here to help adults across St. Clair Shores, Grosse Pointe, Roseville, Warren, Eastpointe, Fraser, Clinton Township, Harper Woods, and Harrison Township create smiles that last a lifetime. Schedule your consultation at our St. Clair Shores office at 22006 Greater Mack Ave., or call 586.772.6090 today to take the first step.
