Adult Orthodontics: It’s Never Too Late to Straighten Your Smile
If you’ve been wondering whether you missed your chance for a straighter smile, here’s the truth: it’s almost never too late to get braces as an adult. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, and the biological process that shifts teeth into alignment works just as well at 35, 45, or 55 as it does at 15. The American Association of Orthodontists reports that a growing number of orthodontic patients today are adults.
Many adults in Wichita are seeking the orthodontic care they missed, couldn’t afford, or chose to put off when they were younger. Others had braces as teens but experienced shifting over time. Whatever brought you here, age itself isn’t a barrier. What matters is the health of your teeth, gums, and supporting bone structure.
The decision to pursue orthodontic care as an adult is both practical and personal. You’re not just improving how your teeth look. You’re building better oral health, improved function, and the confidence that comes with a smile you’re proud to share. Dr. Levi Hansen, DMD, MS, and our team at Hansen Orthodontics work with adults every day who are ready to take that step.
How Do Braces Work for Adults?
Braces work for adults the same way they work for teens, by applying gentle, continuous pressure that causes surrounding bone to remodel and teeth to shift into new positions. This process is effective at any age, and the results are just as lasting whether you start at 25 or 55.
Here’s what happens at the biological level: bone around your teeth responds to pressure by breaking down on one side and rebuilding on the other. Each tooth gradually moves into its ideal spot over the course of your treatment.
One difference with adult orthodontic care is bone density. Adult bone is denser than a teenager’s, which means treatment takes a bit longer. A teen might finish in 12 to 18 months, while adults need 12 to 36 months depending on case complexity. This isn’t a drawback. It’s simply how adult biology works, and the results are just as beautiful.
Throughout your treatment, you’ll visit Hansen Orthodontics every 4 to 8 weeks for adjustment appointments. These visits allow Dr. Levi Hansen, DMD, MS, to monitor your progress, make necessary adjustments, and confirm everything is moving according to plan.
After your braces come off, retention is essential. Adults are especially prone to teeth wanting to drift back toward their original positions. Wearing retainers as directed protects your investment and keeps your results looking great for years to come.
Benefits of Getting Braces as an Adult
Straightening your teeth as an adult delivers benefits that go far beyond aesthetics. At Hansen Orthodontics, we see these results firsthand with our Wichita adult patients every week.
Better Oral Health Starts with Alignment
Aligned teeth are easier to brush and floss effectively. When teeth overlap or crowd together, food particles and plaque hide in hard-to-reach spaces, raising your risk of cavities and gum disease. Correcting alignment makes your daily hygiene routine more effective and helps protect your long-term oral health.
Can Braces Help with Jaw Discomfort and Uneven Wear?
Yes. A misaligned bite puts uneven pressure on certain teeth, leading to premature wear, chips, and TMJ discomfort. Correcting your bite distributes force evenly across all your teeth, which reduces or eliminates these issues over time.
Can Braces Boost Your Confidence as an Adult?
Absolutely. Many adults tell us they’ve avoided smiling in photos or felt self-conscious in professional settings. A straighter smile changes how you feel about yourself in both personal and work environments. Our patients frequently say they wish they’d started sooner.
How Does Alignment Affect Chewing and Speech?
Proper alignment improves how you chew food and affects speech clarity. When your teeth fit together correctly, everything works more efficiently. Addressing alignment issues now also helps you avoid costly restorative work later, since teeth that wear unevenly or trap bacteria lead to crowns, root canals, or extractions down the road.
Adult Braces Options: Metal Braces vs. Ceramic Braces vs. Invisalign
Today’s adult patients have more treatments than ever, and Hansen Orthodontics in Wichita offers all three main options. Each has distinct advantages for visibility, cost, and case complexity.
| Treatment Type | Best For | Visibility | Duration | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Braces | Complex cases, significant bite issues | Most visible | Fastest for complex cases | Most affordable, highly versatile |
| Ceramic Braces | Adults wanting subtler appearance | Tooth-colored brackets blend in | Similar to metal | Brackets stain if not cared for properly |
| Invisalign | Mild to moderate cases, lifestyle flexibility | Nearly invisible | Varies by case | Removable for eating and cleaning |
What Makes Each Treatment Different?
Metal braces remain the most versatile option, handling complex cases involving significant crowding, spacing, or bite issues. They’re also the most affordable choice, and today’s brackets are smaller and more comfortable than what you might remember from years past.
Ceramic braces work the same way but use tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend with your teeth. They’re a popular pick among working professionals in Wichita who want effective treatment with a subtler look.
Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners that gradually shift your teeth. Many adults appreciate the ability to remove them for eating and brushing. For mild to moderate cases, Invisalign delivers excellent results with minimal disruption to your daily routine.
Dr. Hansen evaluates each patient individually and recommends the option that will deliver the best results for your specific situation. During your free consultation, we’ll walk through each treatment in detail so you feel confident in your choice.
How Much Do Adult Braces Cost?
Adult braces cost between $3,000 and $7,000 in most cases, depending on the type of treatment, case complexity, and how long treatment takes. Because every smile is different, there’s no one-size-fits-all price, and the best way to get an accurate estimate is a free consult.
At Hansen Orthodontics, metal braces tend to be the most budget-friendly option. Ceramic braces and Invisalign cost more, though the difference varies by case complexity.
Does your dental insurance cover adult braces? Many plans now include coverage for adult orthodontics. Even partial benefits make a meaningful difference in your out-of-pocket costs. HSA and FSA funds work for orthodontic care too, giving you another way to manage expenses. Some employers offer orthodontic benefits as part of their dental plans, so it’s worth checking with your HR department.
You shouldn’t have to put off a smile you feel great about because of cost. We offer affordable monthly payment plans designed to fit your budget, and our team will work with you to find a financial solution that makes sense for your situation.
The best way to get an accurate cost estimate is to schedule a free consultation. During your visit, we’ll evaluate your teeth, discuss your goals, and provide a treatment plan with clear pricing.
Are You a Candidate for Adult Braces?
Most adults with healthy teeth and gums are excellent candidates for orthodontic care. Here are the key factors that determine whether braces will work for you:
- Gum health is the foundation. If you have untreated gum disease, you’ll need to address that first, since active periodontal issues interfere with tooth movement and compromise results.
- Bone health matters. Significant bone loss limits some treatments, though many adults with moderate bone loss are still treated successfully with a modified approach.
- Existing dental work isn’t a dealbreaker. Crowns, bridges, and even some missing teeth don’t automatically disqualify you. Dr. Levi Hansen, DMD, MS, creates unique treatment plans that work around existing restorations.
- Common bite and alignment issues are all treatable. Crowding, gaps, overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite respond well to adult orthodontic care, just as they do in teens.
Our adult patients in Wichita have an advantage when it comes to commitment. You’re choosing this for yourself, which means excellent compliance with wearing aligners, keeping appointments, and following care instructions. That motivation makes a real difference in outcomes.
The only way to know for certain whether you’re a candidate is to have an orthodontic evaluation. During a free consultation at Hansen Orthodontics, Dr. Hansen will examine your teeth, review any X-rays needed, and discuss what treatment could accomplish for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adult Braces
Is 40 or 50 too old for braces?
Not at all. Age alone doesn’t determine whether you’re a candidate for orthodontic care. At Hansen Orthodontics in Wichita, we regularly treat patients in their 40s, 50s, and beyond. As long as you have healthy bone and tissue supporting your teeth, braces will work for you.
Do adult braces hurt more than teen braces?
The discomfort level is similar. You’ll feel some pressure and tenderness for a few days after adjustments, but this is manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers and fades quickly. Orthodontic wax also helps if brackets irritate your cheeks during the first week or two.
How long does adult orthodontic treatment take?
Most adults wear braces or aligners for 12 to 36 months. Mild cases finish sooner, while more complex corrections take longer. During your free consult, Dr. Hansen will give you a realistic timeline based on your individual needs.
Can I get braces if I have crowns or missing teeth?
Yes, in many cases. Crowns have brackets bonded to them, and treatment plans are designed to work around missing teeth. Sometimes orthodontics is used to close gaps or create space for implants.
Will braces affect my daily life at work?
Today’s treatments minimize any impact on your professional life. With Invisalign, you remove aligners for important meetings or presentations. Ceramic brackets blend with your teeth for a subtle appearance, and even metal braces are much smaller than they used to be. Most of our Wichita patients find that colleagues barely notice.