Posted on March 19, 2025
It’s never too late to achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of! While many people associate orthodontic treatments with teenagers, adults can also benefit from braces or clear aligners. Whether it’s for cosmetic reasons or functional improvement, adult orthodontic treatment can provide life-changing results. At MI Smile Journey Orthodontics, we’ve helped many adult patients achieve straighter teeth and healthier smiles. Here’s what you need to know about adult orthodontic treatment and how it differs from treatments for children.
One of the key differences between adults and children when it comes to orthodontic treatment is motivation. While teenagers may struggle to appreciate the value of wearing braces, adults typically have a higher level of commitment. As an adult, you likely understand the importance of a healthy, attractive smile. Crooked teeth or bite issues might cause discomfort while eating or make brushing and flossing more difficult.
Adults usually opt for orthodontic treatment because they recognize how it can improve both the appearance and function of their teeth. Additionally, adults are often the ones financing their treatment, making them more committed to following through with the process.
For many adults, one of the biggest challenges with orthodontic treatment is that insurance coverage often doesn’t extend beyond the age of 18. This can make financing treatment a bit tricky, but it’s not impossible. At MI Smile Journey Orthodontics, we offer various payment options to help make orthodontics more affordable. Some of the available options include:
During your consultation, our orthodontists will walk you through the cost of treatment and discuss options to help make it more manageable for you.
Another factor to consider is that, as an adult, your jaw is no longer growing, and your bone density is higher. These factors can make it slightly more difficult to move teeth into the proper position. While alignment is still achievable, the process may take a bit longer than it would for younger patients.
In children, orthodontic treatment can also involve the expansion of the palate or correction of bite issues during the growth phase. However, since an adult’s jaw has already fully developed, treatments may require more intensive procedures such as tooth extractions or even corrective jaw surgery.
At MI Smile Journey Orthodontics, we’ll take the time to discuss your personalized treatment plan and timeline, ensuring you’re aware of the commitment involved.
Adults are more likely to have existing dental work such as fillings, crowns, or even missing teeth. These factors need special consideration when planning orthodontic treatment. If you have any vulnerable teeth, our orthodontists will work closely with your general dentist to ensure your treatment is safe and effective.
One of the most popular choices for adult orthodontic patients is Invisalign. Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible and can be removed for eating, drinking, and brushing, making them a convenient option for adults with busy lifestyles. However, wearing aligners requires self-discipline, as they must be worn for 20-22 hours a day to achieve the desired results.
Invisalign is often a great choice for adults because the clear aligners are discreet, which is a significant advantage for those who don’t want the visibility of traditional metal braces. If you’re not a candidate for Invisalign, we can explore other options like ceramic braces, which are also less noticeable than traditional braces.
Adult orthodontic treatment is a fantastic way to improve both the function and aesthetics of your smile. While it comes with its unique set of challenges, such as financing and longer treatment times, the benefits are well worth it. Whether you opt for traditional braces or Invisalign, MI Smile Journey Orthodontics is here to help you navigate the process with ease.
If you’re considering orthodontic treatment and want to learn more about the options available, we encourage you to schedule a free consultation with one of our expert orthodontists in Saginaw. Our team will provide guidance and help you make an informed decision about your treatment.
**Disclaimer: This content should not be considered medical advice and does not imply a doctor-patient relationship.
