Why More Adults Are Choosing to Straighten Their Smiles

October 7, 2025.

min read

By: Mandy Dennis

Registered Dental Hygienist

Happy young woman is smiling on the street

Braces used to be a rite of passage for teenagers, but that's a thing of the past. Today, a growing number of adults are choosing to improve their smiles and oral health. Orthodontic treatment is about far more than just aesthetics; it's a comprehensive approach to correcting issues like bite, jaw alignment, and overall tooth positioning.

The shift is clear: a full quarter of orthodontic patients today are adults, a number that has grown steadily over the past few decades.¹,² For many, this decision isn't just about a straighter smile. It's an investment in their overall health and a proactive measure for the future.

Beyond the Smile: The Unseen Health Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment

A confident smile can make a powerful difference, which is why many adults are choosing braces to improve their appearance and feel better about themselves. While the aesthetic improvements of a straight smile are a great benefit, the most profound advantages are often unseen. These are centered on improving oral health, enhancing function, and preventing future complications.

Improved Oral Hygiene and Disease Prevention

Misaligned teeth create hard-to-clean spaces where plaque and bacteria can build up, leading to gum disease (gingivitis and/or periodontitis) and tooth decay.² By correcting misalignments, orthodontic treatment makes it easier to clean every tooth surface, which directly reduces the risk of cavities and gum disease and leads to better long-term oral health.²

Correcting Common Dental and Jaw Issues

Orthodontic treatment for adults often addresses specific problems with tooth alignment and jaw function. This may include correcting teeth that are crowded, protrusive, or spaced too far apart, or those that meet in an abnormal way or do not meet at all. The AAO identifies several specific issues that can be resolved with treatment, including:

Overcrowding: This occurs when the jaw lacks enough space for all adult teeth, causing them to become crooked or overlap. This can lead to problems with hygiene and chewing.³,⁴
Overbite: A condition where the upper teeth significantly overlap the lower ones, which may lead to excessive tooth wear.⁴
Underbite: An issue where the lower teeth extend past the upper front teeth, affecting oral health and function. Treatment can improve chewing, speech, and reduce jaw pain and tooth wear.³,⁴
Open Bite: This is a gap that exists between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed, which can affect chewing, speech, and appearance.³,⁴

Navigating Your Options: A Guide to Adult Treatment

For adults, the modern options for orthodontic treatment can seem overwhelming. The most common appliances orthodontists use to guide teeth into their proper positions are braces and aligners.4

Types of Orthodontic Treatments

Traditional Brackets & Wire: This remains a common and effective procedure for patients who need significant tooth movement. Small silver brackets are bonded to each tooth, and a wire is threaded through to guide teeth into position. Adjustments are typically made every 4-6 weeks.
Clear Brackets: Clear braces, also known as ceramic braces, are a popular orthodontic option that uses tooth-colored or clear brackets. These brackets are designed to blend in with your teeth, making them much less noticeable than traditional metal braces. Although the wires used with clear braces are typically still metal, the overall appearance is subtle and discreet. This makes them a great choice for adults or anyone who wants a more aesthetic alternative to traditional braces.
Aligners: A popular and convenient option, these clear, thin, and plastic-like trays are formed to fit an individual's teeth. These trays make small adjustments with each new tray and are worn for a set period. They are also removable to make it easy to eat, brush and floss.4
Lingual braces: Lingual braces are a unique type of orthodontic treatment where the brackets and wires are placed on the inside, or tongue-side, of the teeth. Because of their hidden placement, they are virtually invisible to others, making them a very discreet option.
While they offer a great aesthetic advantage, there are a few important things to consider. Not every orthodontist offers lingual braces, and they can often be more expensive than traditional braces. Some patients also experience a temporary lisp while they adjust and may find them more difficult to clean.
Retainers: Used to maintain and stabilize the results of the treatment.4

Ready for a Healthy, Confident Smile?

The way your teeth function affects your speech, your diet, and your self-confidence. Start with a healthy foundation by visiting your local dentist.

You can also visit the American Association of Orthodontics website to find an orthodontist near you. Discover the options available to you and begin your smile transformation today.

Sources

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ORAL HEALTH QUIZ

What's behind your smile?

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