Yes, you can straighten your teeth as an adult. In fact, adult orthodontics has become one of the fastest-growing segments of orthodontic care, with patients in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond discovering that the smile they’ve always wanted is within reach. Age doesn’t determine your eligibility for orthodontic treatment. Your oral health, bone structure, and personal goals do.
At Lazzara Orthodontics, Dr. John Lazzara and Dr. Amy Poblenz specialize in adult orthodontic treatment, offering discreet options that fit seamlessly into professional lifestyles. Both doctors completed three-year orthodontic residency programs and are Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics, providing the advanced expertise needed to address complex adult cases. Whether you’re considering clear aligners, ceramic braces, or traditional treatment, their personalized approach ensures results that enhance both function and confidence.
Why Adults Choose Orthodontic Treatment
Adults seek orthodontic care for reasons that extend far beyond appearance. While a straighter smile certainly boosts confidence in professional and social settings, the functional benefits often drive the decision. Misaligned teeth can lead to uneven wear, jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. These issues typically worsen over time, making early intervention valuable.
Many adults also experience shifting teeth as they age. Even if you had braces as a teenager, your teeth may have gradually moved due to wisdom teeth eruption, tooth loss, or natural bone changes. This shift can undo years of previous orthodontic work, creating new alignment problems that affect both function and appearance.
Professional considerations also play a role. In competitive career environments, a confident smile can influence how others perceive your professionalism and attention to detail. Adults in client-facing roles, from real estate agents to healthcare providers, often report that improving their smile positively impacted their career trajectory.
Treatment Options for Adult Patients
Adult orthodontics has evolved dramatically over the past two decades. Gone are the days when traditional metal braces were your only option. Today’s treatments accommodate professional lifestyles while delivering excellent results.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners have revolutionized adult orthodontics. These removable trays gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment without the visual impact of brackets and wires. Patients wear aligners for 18-20 hours daily, removing them only for meals and oral hygiene. This flexibility allows you to maintain your normal routine without dietary restrictions or complicated cleaning procedures.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces offer another discreet option. These brackets blend with your natural tooth color, making them far less noticeable than traditional metal braces. While they function similarly to metal braces, their aesthetic advantage makes them popular among adults who need the precision of fixed appliances but want a more subtle appearance.
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces remain an excellent choice for complex cases. Modern versions are smaller and more comfortable than their predecessors and often deliver results faster than other methods. For adults with significant bite issues or severe crowding, metal braces may provide the most effective solution.
What Makes Adult Treatment Different
Adult orthodontics differs from adolescent treatment in several key ways. Adults have fully developed jawbones, which affects treatment planning and duration. While this means certain jaw-related corrections may require different approaches, it also provides stability. Your orthodontist can make precise predictions about how your teeth will respond to treatment because your growth patterns are complete.
Bone density naturally changes with age, which can influence treatment speed. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, adult treatment may take slightly longer than adolescent treatment for similar corrections. However, this difference is often minimal with modern techniques, and many adults complete treatment within 12 to 24 months.
Adults may also have existing dental work that requires special consideration. Crowns, bridges, implants, and missing teeth all factor into treatment planning. An experienced orthodontist evaluates these elements to create a comprehensive approach that works with your existing dental situation rather than against it.
Gum health becomes increasingly important with adult orthodontics. Periodontal disease must be addressed before beginning treatment, as moving teeth through unhealthy gum tissue can cause further damage. Your orthodontist will coordinate with your general dentist to ensure your gums are healthy enough to support tooth movement.
The Treatment Process for Adults
Adult orthodontic treatment begins with a thorough evaluation. Your orthodontist examines your teeth, jaw alignment, bite relationship, and overall oral health. Digital imaging and 3D scanning technology allow for precise treatment planning, showing you predicted outcomes before you even begin.
Treatment timing varies based on the complexity of your case and the method chosen. Minor crowding or spacing issues might resolve in six to twelve months, while comprehensive bite corrections could take 18 to 24 months. Your orthodontist provides realistic timeframes during your consultation, taking into account your specific situation.
Adults often report that treatment is less disruptive than anticipated. Initial adjustments require a brief adaptation period as your mouth becomes accustomed to the appliances, but most patients quickly integrate orthodontic care into their daily routines. Discomfort typically remains mild and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief when needed.
Regular adjustment appointments, typically scheduled every four to eight weeks, allow your orthodontist to monitor progress and make necessary modifications. These visits are usually brief, fitting easily into work schedules. Many practices offer early-morning or late-afternoon appointments to minimize disruption to your professional commitments.
Begin Your Smile Journey at Lazzara Orthodontics
Dr. John Lazzara and Dr. Amy Poblenz bring exceptional qualifications to every adult orthodontic case. Both doctors completed three-year orthodontic residency programs after dental school and are Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics, making Lazzara Orthodontics one of the only practices in northeast Florida with two board-certified orthodontists. Their combined experience ensures that adult patients receive treatment plans tailored to their unique needs and lifestyles.
Your 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond are ideal times to address orthodontic concerns. With modern treatment options and experienced specialists, achieving the smile you’ve always wanted has never been more accessible. Contact Lazzara Orthodontics to schedule your consultation and learn more about our team and the personalized care that sets our practice apart.
