Treatment for Adults

Orthodontics is not just for kids and teens. At Total Orthodontics, more adults than ever are choosing to straighten their smiles with confidence. Around 25% of our patients in active treatment are adults, and most prefer the comfort and discretion of Invisalign® clear aligners.

Adults seek orthodontic care for many of the same reasons as children. Some are correcting bite or alignment issues for the first time, while others are refining results from earlier treatment that may have shifted over time. Whatever your motivation, our experienced orthodontists create personalized treatment plans that fit your lifestyle and help you feel confident every step of the way.

Why Do Adults Choose Orthodontic Treatment?

Orthodontics is not just for children or teens. Many adults choose treatment because they want to improve their oral health, enhance their appearance, or correct issues that were never fully addressed earlier in life.

Some adults had braces as kids but experienced relapse due to not wearing retainers. Others never had the opportunity for treatment until now. No matter the reason, adult orthodontic care offers lasting benefits for both health and confidence.

Fun Fact: during the middle of the day, it is not uncommon that ALL of the patients in the office are adults! You will not be alone.

Benefits of Adult Orthodontics

Adults can benefit from orthodontic treatment in many ways:

  • Align the teeth to create a more aesthetic and beautiful smile
  • Correct relapse after previous orthodontic treatment due to lack of long-term retainer wear
  • Improve the ability to brush and floss, especially for crowded or overlapping lower front teeth
  • Create a better or more comfortable bite and improve the ability to chew
  • Address missing teeth
  • Close spaces between the teeth
  • Reduce excessive wear on the teeth due to grinding or a poor bite
  • Jaw surgery to correct discrepancies between the upper and lower jaws.

Concerned About How Braces Look?

We understand that appearance matters, especially for adults balancing work, family, and social commitments. That is why most of our adult patients choose Invisalign®, a nearly invisible, removable aligner system created using 3D imaging technology.

For more complex alignment cases, we also offer clear ceramic braces. These blend naturally with your teeth and deliver powerful results without the appearance of traditional metal braces. Both options provide comfort, convenience, and confidence throughout treatment.

How Comfortable Is Adult Orthodontic Treatment?

Orthodontic treatment for adults is just as comfortable as it is for children. Most patients report mild soreness for a day or two after adjustments, which typically fades within a few days.

Modern materials and technology make treatment easier than ever. Titanium wires and digital aligner systems move teeth gently and efficiently, reducing discomfort and shortening overall treatment time.

Many patients who have tried both braces and Invisalign® agree that Invisalign® is more comfortable and easier to adapt to in daily life.

Cost of Adult Orthodontics

The cost of treatment depends on your specific needs, including the type of appliance, complexity of correction, and treatment length. At Total Orthodontics, we offer transparent pricing and flexible payment options to make care accessible for every budget.

We have successfully treated adults in their 50s, 60s, and 70s, as well as a few in their 80s and 90s. It is never too late to create the smile you deserve.

We also provide limited treatment options for adults who only need minor corrections. These goal-focused treatments often take less than six months and are usually completed with Invisalign®, making them fast, effective, and more affordable than full orthodontic treatment.

FAQ

Schedule a free consultation at Total Orthodontics in Greenwood Village or Lone Tree, CO. Our orthodontists will take digital scans, assess your bite, and discuss your goals. You’ll receive a customized treatment plan and clear next steps before starting care.

Most adults complete treatment in 12 to 24 months, while minor corrections can take as little as six months. During your consultation, we’ll review your timeline, discuss appliance options, and set clear expectations for your personalized plan.

Yes. Many adults begin treatment with crowns, bridges, or implants. Our orthodontists design your plan to move teeth safely around existing dental work or prepare for future restorations like implants or bridges.

Absolutely. Many adults pair orthodontic care with teeth whitening, veneers, or bonding for a complete smile makeover. Our team coordinates with your dentist to create a treatment plan that enhances both function and aesthetics.