At Happy Smiles Orthodontics in St. Augustine, FL, adult orthodontics patients are welcomed by a waiting room featuring orange and black chairs along blue and white walls, wood flooring, a potted plant, and large windows that fill the space with natural light.

Ultimate Guide to Adult Orthodontics

Starting orthodontic treatment as an adult can feel overwhelming, but knowing your available options and what to expect can make the process of achieving your dream smile easier and more reassuring, no matter your age.

The Age Factor in Orthodontics

Age is an important factor when planning orthodontic care. Recognizing these differences helps you set realistic goals for your treatment.

1. The Flexibility of Youth

At Happy Smiles Orthodontics in St. Augustine, FL, a young person with glasses and braces demonstrates the advantages of adult orthodontics, smiling confidently over their shoulder on a gravel path lined with trees and parked cars.

Children and teenagers benefit from a growing jaw, making their treatment faster and more predictable.

2. The Rigidity of Adulthood

At Happy Smiles Orthodontics in St. Augustine, FL, a young woman with dark hair in buns and braces from adult orthodontics smiles indoors, holding a smartphone and wearing a white sleeveless top.

While adults may experience longer treatment times since their bones are fully developed, excellent results are still achievable with proper planning.

Orthodontic Treatment Options

There are many treatment options available, each designed to address the unique needs of adult patients. Your orthodontist will work closely with you to determine the best option based on your individual case and lifestyle needs.

Showcasing modern adult orthodontics at Happy Smiles Orthodontics in St. Augustine, FL, a woman in a white lab coat smiles while holding an Invisalign® Clear Aligner against a plain background.

Invisalign® Clear Aligners

Invisalign clear aligners is often chosen by adults for being nearly invisible and more comfortable than braces. It may not be the ideal solution for severe cases.

Smiling in a dental chair with metal braces and a dental bib, a young woman highlights the benefits of adult orthodontics at Happy Smiles Orthodontics in St. Augustine, FL.

Metal Braces

Metal braces remain popular across all age groups, though many adults opt for more discreet alternatives.

At Happy Smiles Orthodontics in St. Augustine, FL, a dark-haired woman smiles confidently at the camera against a blurred green and yellow backdrop, highlighting the results of adult orthodontics and clear braces.

Clear Braces

Clear braces, also known as ceramic braces, blend in with your teeth and are less noticeable than metal braces, making them a great option for adults.

The Journey to a Perfect Smile

Every smile transformation is unique. Patients experience different challenges and triumphs throughout their orthodontic treatment journey.

A young woman in a yellow shirt smiles and points to her braces, highlighting the benefits of adult orthodontics at Happy Smiles Orthodontics in St. Augustine, FL, set against a vibrant blue backdrop.

The Challenges

While adults may require more time and patience, treatments are still effective. However, professional care ensures your safety and comfort throughout the process.

The Rewards

Adult patients often report feeling more confident, enjoying improved oral health, and feeling comfortable in both social and professional interactions after completing their treatment.

Showcasing the benefits of adult orthodontics, a young person with glasses and braces smiles and points to the right against a plain pink background—representing Happy Smiles Orthodontics in St. Augustine, FL.

Breaking Free from Social Stigmas of Adult Orthodontics

More adults than ever before are choosing orthodontic care. Innovations in the field have helped tackle misconceptions regarding orthodontic treatment for adults.

Why You may Need 

Orthodontic Treatment

Several key reasons why adult orthodontic care may benefit you

Correction of bite issues and jaw alignment

Enhancement of oral health and hygiene

Improvement in speech and chewing function

Prevention of future dental problems

Boost in self-confidence and social comfort

A young woman with long brown hair smiles and points to her braces, highlighting the benefits of adult orthodontics at Happy Smiles Orthodontics in St. Augustine, FL.

Benefits and Considerations of Adult Orthodontics

Improved overall oral health
Enhanced facial aesthetics
Better bite function
Long-term dental stability
Increased self-confidence

Orthodontic Treatment 
Options for Adults

Modern orthodontics has many advanced treatments for adults to achieve their desired smile. Dr. Mark Komforti works with every patient at Happy Smiles Orthodontics to create a plan that fits your needs and lifestyle:

Teeth Whitening: A treatment aimed at enhancing the brightness of your teeth by lightening their color, ultimately creating a more radiant smile and improving overall facial appearance.
Veneers: Thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of teeth, designed to enhance their color, shape, and size for a more polished and attractive appearance.
Orthodontics: Braces and clear aligners are excellent options for straightening teeth and creating a more aligned, attractive smile.
Gum Contouring: A procedure designed to reshape the gum line, creating a balanced and harmonious appearance between the teeth and gums.
A woman with curly hair and braces, wearing hoop earrings and a black tank top, smiles while standing by a rusty metal shutter—highlighting adult orthodontics at Happy Smiles Orthodontics in St. Augustine, FL.
At Happy Smiles Orthodontics in St. Augustine, FL, a woman smiles in a modern dental chair as two masked and gloved dental professionals prepare tools for her adult orthodontics treatment.

Duration and Process of Adult Orthodontic Treatment

Your orthodontic journey starts with a comprehensive consultation and advanced digital imaging, creating a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs. While younger patients, like children and teens, often experience quicker results, adults may require more time due to their fully developed jaw structures. Regular adjustment appointments are crucial to monitor and guide proper tooth movement throughout the treatment. After completing your treatment, retainers are essential to preserving your stunning new smile. This process involves three main stages: consultation, active treatment, and a dedicated retention phase.

At Happy Smiles Orthodontics in St. Augustine, FL, a woman sits in a dental chair and confidently smiles at her reflection in a hand mirror after completing her adult orthodontic treatment.

Specific Dental Issues in Adult Orthodontics

Adult orthodontic treatment involves addressing specific challenges, such as managing existing dental work, ensuring gum health, and resolving complex bite problems for effective and lasting results.

Choosing the Right Orthodontic Treatment as an Adult

Choosing the right treatment option is essential for achieving successful results. This process involves thorough consultations and tailored care planning to address your specific needs and preferences effectively.

At Happy Smiles Orthodontics in St. Augustine, FL, a dentist explains adult orthodontic options to a patient while displaying a dental mold in the office.

Conclusion

Investing in adult orthodontic treatment is a life-changing choice. At Happy Smiles Orthodontics in St. Augustine, we are committed to making your treatment journey comfortable so you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.

FAQ

Is adult orthodontic treatment worth the investment?

Definitely! Happy Smiles Orthodontics patients often share how their treatment improved their confidence, oral health, and overall life quality. Orthodontic care doesn’t just enhance your smile’s appearance—it helps fix alignment and bite issues for better long-term dental health. Many adults say their new smile boosts their confidence in work and personal relationships.

Do braces take longer for adults?

Determining whether braces take more time for adults than for children can be complex. While it’s a common belief that treatment lasts longer for adults, this isn’t always true. Various factors play a role, such as the complexity of the dental issue, the type of braces used, and how consistently the patient follows their orthodontist’s advice. Interestingly, adults may sometimes see quicker results because their jaw and facial structures are fully developed. Ultimately, treatment duration varies for each individual, and the most accurate way to estimate your timeline is by consulting an orthodontist.

Can orthodontic treatment fix my overbite as an adult?

Definitely! We specializes in personalized plans to treat overbites and misalignment issues. Whether with Invisalign or traditional braces, you’ll be given the most effective and comfortable solution to perfect your smile.