Key Takeaways

• Adult orthodontic treatment has grown significantly, with 1.91 million adults treated in 2024; verify your orthodontist is a licensed specialist with extra training beyond dental school, not a general dentist offering braces on the side.

• Choose between traditional braces for complex cases or clear aligners for mild-to-moderate issues based on your lifestyle; aligners require high daily discipline to wear as directed, while braces have no compliance risk but some food restrictions.

• Avoid mail-order or DIY teeth straightening kits; an in-person exam with X-rays and digital scans is essential to detect hidden problems like unhealthy tooth roots, impacted teeth, or active gum disease before treatment starts.

• Adults with gum disease can often still get orthodontic treatment if inflammation is controlled and periodontal maintenance is ongoing; your orthodontist should coordinate with your dentist to ensure gum health during tooth movement.

• Treatment timelines vary significantly based on case complexity and appliance choice; ask for a personalized estimate after your first exam rather than accepting generic promises, and plan for regular check-ins plus retainer wear indefinitely.

• Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of adult orthodontic costs, and practices typically offer flexible financing options; discuss cost and payment plans upfront before starting treatment.

So you’re thinking about straightening your teeth as an adult. Good for you! You’re definitely not alone. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists reported an estimated 1.91 million adults were treated by its U.S. members in 2024, up from about 1.64 million in 2022. That’s a lot of grown-ups saying yes to a straighter smile. Maybe you’ve been putting it off for years, or maybe you just started noticing your teeth shifting. Either way, finding the right adult teeth straightening orthodontist is the first step toward a smile you’ll love showing off.

Here at Brockway Orthodontics in Clearwater, we work with adults every single day. We get it. You have a busy job, a family, maybe a big event coming up. You want results without your life being turned upside down. This guide will walk you through exactly how to find the right orthodontist, what to expect, and how to make a confident, informed decision about your smile.

Why So Many Adults Are Choosing to Straighten Their Teeth

Adult orthodontic treatment isn’t just for people who missed out on braces as a teen. Plenty of adults had braces years ago, but their teeth shifted back over time. Others simply want to fix a bite problem that’s starting to cause jaw pain or wear on their teeth.

According to industry data, AAO-member practices in the United States and Canada reported an estimated 6.66 million patients in active treatment in 2024. Adults make up a growing slice of that number every year. Here are some common reasons adults seek treatment:

• Crooked or crowded teeth that got worse with age
• Orthodontic relapse after skipping retainer wear
• Bite problems causing jaw pain or headaches
• Wanting a confident smile for a new job or big life event
• Gaps or spacing issues that bother them daily

No matter your reason, age alone doesn’t rule you out. Adults can often be treated at any age. What matters most is your oral health and your treatment goals.

What to Look for in an Adult Teeth Straightening Orthodontist

Not every dental provider is trained the same way. An orthodontist has extra years of specialized schooling beyond dental school, focused entirely on moving teeth and correcting bites. Here’s what to check before you book a first visit.

1. Proper Training and Credentials

Look for a provider who is a licensed, trained orthodontist, not just a general dentist offering braces on the side. You can check credentials through groups like the Florida Association of Orthodontists, which lists qualified specialists across the state.

2. A Full, In-Person Evaluation

A good orthodontist won’t just glance at your smile and hand you a treatment plan. They should look closely at your teeth, gums, bite, and jaw relationships. This often includes photos, X-rays, and a review of your dental history. Gum disease and other active dental problems need to be addressed before your teeth start moving.

3. Multiple Treatment Options

Every mouth is different, so your orthodontist should offer more than one path forward. At Brockway Orthodontics, we offer Spark™ Clear Aligners, a more budget-friendly alternative to some other clear aligner brands, along with traditional metal braces and ceramic (clear) braces through our All About Braces program.

4. A Comfortable, Welcoming Office

You’ll be visiting this office regularly for months, sometimes longer. It should feel warm and friendly, not clinical and cold. Dr. Brockway takes time to listen to your concerns and answer your questions, so you always know what’s happening with your treatment.

Braces vs. Clear Aligners: Which Fits Your Life?

This is probably the biggest decision you’ll make. Both options work well, but they suit different lifestyles and different dental needs. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you compare.

Feature	Traditional Braces	Clear Aligners
Visibility	Metal or ceramic, more visible	Nearly invisible
Removable?	No, fixed in place	Yes, removable for eating and cleaning
Best for	Complex bite and alignment issues	Mild to moderate crowding or spacing
Daily discipline needed	Low, appliance stays on	High, must wear as directed
Eating restrictions	Some food limits	None, just remove before eating

Neither option is automatically better. It depends on what your teeth need and how well you can stick to the plan. If you’re leaning toward a clearer, more discreet option, our guide on how to choose invisible aligners for a straighter smile can help you weigh the details.

How the Adult Treatment Process Works: A Step-by-Step Guide

Feeling nervous about what happens next? Here’s a simple walkthrough of the typical process from start to finish.

1. Schedule your first consultation. This is where the orthodontist examines your teeth, gums, and bite. Check out Your First Visit to know exactly what to expect.
2. Get a full diagnostic workup. This may include digital scans, photos, and X-rays to map out your treatment plan.
3. Review your treatment options. Your orthodontist will explain braces, aligners, or other paths based on your specific case.
4. Start treatment. Braces get placed, or you receive your first set of aligners.
5. Attend regular check-ins. These visits let your orthodontist track progress and make adjustments.
6. Finish treatment and transition to retainers. Once your teeth are aligned, retainers keep them from shifting back.

Treatment length varies a lot from person to person. It depends on how complex your case is, which appliance you use, and how well you follow instructions. Your orthodontist should give you a personal estimate rather than a one-size-fits-all promise.

What About Cost and Insurance?

Cost is one of the biggest questions adults ask. The honest answer is that it varies based on your treatment plan, how long you need care, and what appliance you choose. Many practices, including ours, offer flexible financing and insurance options to make treatment more manageable. Some dental insurance plans do cover a portion of orthodontic costs, even for adults, so it’s worth checking your benefits before you begin.

Common Concerns for Adults Considering Treatment

Adults often have different worries than teenagers walking into an orthodontist’s office. Here are a few important things to keep in mind.

Gum Health Matters More as You Age

If you’ve had gum disease in the past, you can often still get braces or aligners. The key is making sure inflammation is under control and you keep up with periodontal maintenance. Moving teeth while gum disease is active can put your teeth and supporting tissue at risk, so your orthodontist will likely coordinate with your dentist or periodontist first.

Tooth Roots and Bone Health Need Checking

An orthodontist should always check your tooth roots and jawbone before starting treatment. This helps avoid problems like root shortening or unwanted tooth movement down the road. It’s one more reason a proper in-person exam beats guessing from a photo.

Skip the DIY and Mail-Order Kits

It might be tempting to try mail-order aligners without ever seeing a clinician in person. But research published by the National Institutes of Health highlights the importance of proper clinical monitoring during aligner treatment, especially for patients with any periodontal concerns. Skipping an in-person exam can miss problems like unhealthy roots, hidden impacted teeth, or active gum disease. A real orthodontist checks these things before moving your teeth, not after something goes wrong.

Tips for a Smooth Adult Orthodontic Journey

Once you start treatment, a few simple habits can make the whole experience easier and help you get better results.

• Keep every scheduled appointment, even when life gets busy
• Brush and floss consistently to protect your gums during treatment
• Wear your aligners as many hours a day as instructed
• Avoid skipping retainer wear once your active treatment ends
• Ask questions anytime something feels off or uncomfortable

The American Dental Association also recommends staying on top of regular dental cleanings during orthodontic treatment. This keeps your gums and teeth healthy while your smile transforms.

Why Clearwater Adults Trust Brockway Orthodontics

Dr. Brockway isn’t just a trained specialist. She genuinely cares about your journey and takes time to understand your goals for your smile. Our office is equipped with modern tools like digital impressions and 3D imaging, so there’s no messy molds and your treatment plan is precise from day one. In certain cases, we can even offer same-day treatment starts, which is a big help for busy adults juggling work and family life.

We treat the whole family here, from teens getting their first set of braces to adults finally getting the smile they’ve always wanted. Learn more about our approach on our Adult Treatment page, or browse our full list of services to see everything we offer.

Curious what other patients think? You can visit us on Google — Brockway Orthodontics to read real reviews from folks right here in Clearwater. You can also follow along on Instagram or Facebook to see smile transformations and get a feel for our office vibe before you even walk in.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Straightening your teeth as an adult is one of those decisions that pays off for years to come. A confident smile can boost how you feel at work, in photos, and in everyday conversations. The most important step is simply finding an orthodontist you trust, someone who listens, explains your options clearly, and treats you like family.

If you’re in the Clearwater area and ready to explore your options, our team would love to meet you. Book appointment online today and take the first step toward the smile you’ve always wanted. Have questions before you commit? Contact us anytime, we’re happy to help.

FAQs

Q: Am I too old to get braces or clear aligners?

A: Not at all! Adults can often be treated at any age, as long as your gums and teeth are healthy enough to handle the movement. We’ve helped patients well into their 50s and 60s achieve smiles they love, so age really shouldn’t hold you back.

Q: Are clear aligners or braces better for adults?

A: Honestly, it depends on your specific case and lifestyle. Aligners are great if you want something discreet and removable, while braces handle more complex movements without relying on daily discipline. Your orthodontist can help you decide which one fits your smile and your life best.

Q: How long does adult orthodontic treatment take?

A: It really varies based on how complex your case is and which appliance you choose. Some adults finish in under a year, while others need more time for bigger corrections. Your orthodontist will give you a personalized estimate after your first exam, not just a generic guess.

Q: Can adults with gum disease or crowns still get orthodontic treatment?

A: Yes, in many cases! As long as any gum disease is under control and you’re keeping up with periodontal maintenance, treatment can often move forward safely. Your orthodontist will likely work alongside your dentist or periodontist to make sure everything stays healthy along the way.

Q: What are the risks of mail-order or DIY teeth straightening?

A: Skipping an in-person exam can be risky because hidden problems like unhealthy roots or active gum disease might go unnoticed. A real orthodontist checks your whole mouth, not just a quick photo, before moving your teeth. It’s always safer to have a trained professional monitoring your progress in person.