Orthodontics for Adults

Why Adults Seek Orthodontic Treatment

Adult patients come in for a wide range of reasons. Some wore braces as teens but stopped using their retainers and noticed their teeth shifting over time. Others are dealing with crowding that was never treated, or gaps that opened up after a tooth was lost. Some simply want to make daily brushing and flossing easier by getting teeth into better alignment.

Orthodontic treatment for adults isn’t just cosmetic. Misaligned teeth can trap plaque in hard-to-reach spots, contribute to uneven wear, and put strain on the jaw. Correcting these issues now can help you avoid more complex dental work down the road.

Common reasons adults start treatment include:

• Crowded or overlapping teeth that are difficult to clean
• Gaps from missing teeth or natural shifting
• Overbite, underbite, or crossbite causing jaw discomfort
• Teeth that have shifted since earlier orthodontic treatment
• Wanting better alignment before or after restorative dental work

Treatment Options for Adults

Metal and Self-Ligating Braces

Traditional metal braces remain an effective option for adults, especially for more complex cases. We also offer self-ligating brackets, which use a built-in clip instead of elastic ties. This reduces friction along the wire, which can mean smoother tooth movement and fewer adjustment visits – a practical advantage for busy adults.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic or clear brackets work the same way as metal braces but blend more naturally with the tooth surface. They’re a good middle ground for adults who want the reliability of braces with a less noticeable appearance.

Clear Aligners

For patients with mild to moderate alignment issues, clear aligners are a discreet and removable option. They fit over the teeth and are swapped out in stages as teeth shift. Adults often prefer them because they don’t interfere with eating and are easy to remove for brushing and flossing.

We’ll walk you through the trade-offs of each option based on your specific case, not just what’s most popular right now.

What the Process Looks Like

Your first visit includes a thorough exam and digital records. We take X-rays and a digital scan to get an accurate picture of your teeth, jaw, and bite. From there, we outline a realistic treatment timeline and explain what each phase involves.

Adult cases sometimes require coordination with a general dentist or specialist, particularly if there are existing restorations, missing teeth, or gum concerns. We factor that into the plan and communicate clearly about sequencing so nothing comes as a surprise.

Once treatment begins, adjustment visits are scheduled at regular intervals. Adults with self-ligating braces or clear aligners often need fewer in-office visits than patients in traditional braces, which fits more easily into a work schedule.

Orthodontics for Adults in Wasilla: Frequently Asked Questions

Will treatment affect my work or daily routine?

Minimally. There’s typically a short adjustment period when you first get braces or start a new aligner tray, but most adults return to normal activities the same day. Soreness after adjustments is common and usually fades within a day or two.

How long will treatment take?

It depends on the complexity of your case. Mild alignment issues can be resolved in as little as six to twelve months. More involved cases may take one to two years or longer. We give you a realistic estimate at your first visit and update it as treatment progresses.

Can I eat normally with braces?

You’ll need to avoid certain foods – anything hard, sticky, or chewy that can damage brackets or wires. We give you a specific list and practical tips for working around it. Patients with clear aligners have more flexibility since the trays are removable at mealtimes.

What happens after treatment ends?

Retention is part of every treatment plan. We fit you with retainers at the end of active treatment and schedule follow-up visits to make sure your teeth stay where we moved them. Skipping retainers is the most common reason teeth shift after orthodontic work, so we make sure you know exactly how to use and care for them.

Is adult orthodontic treatment covered by insurance?

Some plans include orthodontic benefits for adults; many don’t. We help you understand your coverage and provide clear cost estimates before treatment begins so there are no surprises.

Book Your Evaluation at Luff Orthodontics

If you’ve been putting off addressing alignment or bite issues, an evaluation is a practical first step. Call Luff Orthodontics or visit lufforthodontics.com to schedule an appointment. We’ll give you an honest assessment of your options and what treatment would actually look like for your specific case.