The short answer is yes. Adult teeth move just like teenage teeth, and the right plan can give you a straighter smile at any age. If you have been wondering whether Adult Orthodontic Treatment is worth the time and cost, this page walks through what to expect at our Turramurra practice.
Can adults really have orthodontic treatment?
Yes, healthy teeth can be moved at any age, and adult orthodontic treatment is one of the most common procedures we plan. The biology is the same as for a teenager: gentle, steady pressure on a tooth tells the bone around it to remodel, and the tooth settles into its new spot. The only difference is that adult bone is a little denser, so treatment can take a few months longer than it does for a teen.
Most adults we see at Dental Specialists of Turramurra fall into one of three groups:
- people who never had braces as a child and want a straighter smile now
- people whose teeth have drifted years after their first round of treatment
- people whose bite has changed as part of a wider prosthodontic or restorative plan
Dr Anthony Au, our lead prosthodontist, often works with our orthodontic specialists on the third group, where straightening is one part of a larger smile rebuild.
Is it worth it at my age?
For most adults the answer is yes, because straight teeth are easier to clean, the bite is more even, and the smile looks more balanced. Below are the three benefits our adult patients mention most.
There is no upper age limit. We have planned orthodontic treatment for patients in their 60s and beyond, often as part of a larger restorative plan. What matters is the health of the teeth, the gums, and the bone around them, not the year on the birth certificate.
What are the best low-key options for adults?
Three options suit most adults who want a discreet look: Invisalign clear aligners, lingual braces fitted behind the teeth, and tooth-coloured ceramic braces on the front. Each one has a different feel in the mouth and a different price point.
You can read more about invisalign and lingual-braces on our service pages. Our team will talk you through the trade-offs at the consultation so you can pick the option that fits your case and your day-to-day life.
How long does adult orthodontic treatment take?
Most adult cases at our practice finish in 6 to 24 months, depending on how much movement is needed. A small relapse after previous braces might only need 3 to 6 months of aligner treatment. A more involved bite fix can run closer to two years. You will get a personal time estimate at your first visit, based on the 3D scan of your teeth.
The two biggest factors that affect treatment time are:
- how complex the movement is (rotation, vertical changes, and bite fixes take longer than simple straightening)
- how consistently you wear your aligners or look after your braces
What is the first visit like?
Your first visit is a relaxed chat and a 3D scan, with no commitment to start treatment. You will not be pushed into a plan. We take it at your pace.
Here is what the first visit covers:
- Listen. You tell us what you would like to change about your smile.
- Look. We examine your teeth, gums, and bite.
- Scan. A small handheld scanner takes a digital picture of your teeth. No goopy moulds.
- Plan. We sketch the options, the time, and the rough cost, and send you home with a written plan.
You can book by calling us on (02) 9488 7455 or by using the contact form on our website.
Will it be uncomfortable?
Modern orthodontic treatment is gentler than it used to be, and our practice adds extra comfort options for nervous patients. Most adults feel pressure for a day or two after each aligner change or wire adjustment. That fades. The mouth adapts quickly.
If you feel anxious about any visit, we can offer:
- a computerised anaesthetic that delivers numbing drop by drop, instead of a conventional needle
- aromatherapy eye packs
- virtual reality DVD viewers during longer visits
- premedication and inhalational analgesia for patients who need a little extra help to relax
How much does adult orthodontic treatment cost in Turramurra?
The cost depends on the option you choose and the complexity of your case, so we give you a written quote after the consultation. We never publish a number online, because every plan is built around one set of teeth. Once we have a plan, we will walk you through payment options, including:
- Afterpay
- DentiCare
- humm
- BUPA, Medibank, and other major health funds
Our team is happy to spread the cost to suit your budget.
What happens after the braces come off?
You wear a retainer, usually at night, to hold the teeth in their new position. Without a retainer, adult teeth tend to drift back towards their old spots, especially in the lower front. Retainers are simple to wear and a normal part of finishing treatment.
There are three common retainer types:
- a thin clear tray worn at night
- a fixed wire bonded behind the front teeth
- a combination of both, depending on your case
We will talk you through which option suits you at the debond visit.
What questions do adults ask about orthodontic treatment?
Am I too old for braces? No. What matters is the health of your teeth and gums, not your age.
Will braces affect my work? Low-key options such as Invisalign and lingual braces are designed for working adults. Most people will not notice you are in treatment.
Do I need to see my regular dentist during treatment? Yes. Keep your six-monthly check-ups and cleans so your teeth and gums stay healthy.
Can orthodontic treatment fix my bite as well as the look? Yes. A good orthodontic plan improves both the look and the function of the bite.
What if my teeth have already started to move after old braces? That is very common. We treat many adults whose teeth have drifted, often with a short course of Invisalign.
Ready to talk about adult orthodontic treatment?
If you have been thinking about a straighter smile and want a no-pressure chat, our team at Dental Specialists of Turramurra is here. Call (02) 9488 7455 or visit Suite 1-2 / 1335 Pacific Highway, Turramurra NSW 2074, Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.