By Dr. Lisa Gao, DDS, MS
Orthodontic treatment for adults can improve more than the way your smile looks. It can help correct crowding, spacing, shifting teeth, bite problems, and alignment issues that may affect cleaning, chewing, comfort, and long-term oral health. Whether you never had braces as a child or your teeth have moved after past treatment, adults can still benefit from braces, Invisalign, clear braces, or other orthodontic options.
At Westwood Orthodontics, Dr. Lisa Gao helps adults choose treatment that fits their smile, lifestyle, schedule, and goals. You do not have to be a teenager to start orthodontic care. You only need healthy teeth and gums, the right plan, and a treatment option that makes sense for your case.
Many adults decide to start orthodontic treatment because they are finally ready to improve something that has bothered them for years. Others notice their teeth shifting, their bite changing, or crowding becoming harder to clean.
Adult orthodontics may help with:
The goal is not only a straighter smile. A better-aligned bite can make teeth easier to clean and may help reduce uneven pressure on certain teeth.
No. It is not too late to get braces or Invisalign as an adult. Teeth can move at many ages when the gums and bone support are healthy enough for orthodontic treatment.
The main difference is that adult treatment may need more careful planning. Adults are more likely to have dental work, gum recession, missing teeth, worn enamel, or past orthodontic relapse. That does not automatically prevent treatment, but it does mean the orthodontist needs to evaluate the full picture before recommending a plan.
At Westwood Orthodontics, adult care starts with a detailed look at your teeth, bite, gums, and goals so Dr. Gao can explain what is realistic and which treatment option is likely to work best.
Adult patients have more choices than ever. Some want the most discreet option possible. Others want a dependable fixed treatment that can handle more complex movement. The right option depends on your smile and your lifestyle.
| Treatment Option | Best For | What to Know |
| Invisalign | Adults who want clear, removable aligners | Works well for many cases when aligners are worn as instructed |
| Traditional braces | Adults who need reliable fixed correction | Strong option for mild to complex alignment and bite issues |
| Clear braces | Adults who want fixed treatment with a more discreet look | Uses tooth-colored brackets that blend in better than metal |
| Lingual braces/InBrace | Adults who want braces hidden behind the teeth | May be an option for patients who want a less visible fixed appliance |
| Retainers | Adults with minor shifting after past treatment | Helps maintain or protect alignment after treatment |
Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to move teeth gradually. Many adults like Invisalign because it fits more easily into work, social events, meals, and daily oral hygiene.
With Invisalign, you can remove the aligners to eat, brush, and floss. That flexibility is helpful, but it also requires discipline. The aligners need to be worn as directed for treatment to stay on track.
Invisalign may be a good fit if you want:
Dr. Gao can explain whether Invisalign can correct your specific alignment or bite concerns predictably.
Braces remain one of the most reliable ways to move teeth. Because they stay attached to the teeth, they work continuously and do not depend on remembering to wear trays.
Traditional braces may be recommended when more controlled tooth movement is needed. Clear braces work in a similar way but use tooth-colored or translucent brackets for a more subtle appearance.
Adults may choose traditional braces if they want durability and dependable correction. Others may prefer clear braces if appearance is a major concern but they still want fixed orthodontic treatment.
Both options can help correct crowding, spacing, rotated teeth, and bite issues when planned properly.
Adult orthodontic treatment can improve appearance, but the benefits often go beyond cosmetics.
Straighter teeth may be easier to brush and floss. Better alignment may reduce areas where plaque builds up. A corrected bite may help distribute chewing pressure more evenly. For many adults, treatment also improves confidence in professional, social, and personal settings.
Adult orthodontics may help:
The best results come from a plan that considers the whole mouth, not just the front teeth.
Adult orthodontic treatment time depends on the case. Some minor alignment concerns may take several months. More involved cases with crowding, bite correction, or significant tooth movement may take 12 to 24 months or longer.
Your timeline may depend on:
During your consultation, Dr. Gao can give you a clearer estimate based on your teeth and treatment goals.
Many adults are good candidates for orthodontic treatment, but the first step is making sure the teeth and gums are healthy enough to move safely.
You may be a good candidate if you have:
If you have gum disease, missing teeth, implants, crowns, or bridges, treatment may still be possible. It simply needs more careful planning.
Adults choose Westwood Orthodontics because treatment is personal, detailed, and guided by a board-certified orthodontist. Dr. Lisa Gao, DDS, MS is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and serves as a Clinical Instructor in the UCLA Section of Orthodontics.
Our office offers orthodontic treatments for kids, teens, and adults, including braces, clear braces, Invisalign, lingual braces, and retainers. We focus on one-on-one care, clear communication, and treatment planning that respects your goals, schedule, and long-term oral health.
Adult patients often come to us because they want an option that feels professional, discreet, and realistic for their lifestyle. Our team helps you compare your choices clearly before starting.
Orthodontic treatment for adults can be a meaningful investment in your smile, confidence, and oral health. It is not too late to correct crowding, spacing, shifting teeth, or bite concerns. The right treatment depends on your goals, dental health, lifestyle, and the complexity of your case.
At Westwood Orthodontics, we can help you compare Invisalign, traditional braces, clear braces, and other options so you can choose a plan that feels right for your smile. Schedule your adult orthodontic consultation to get started.
Yes, it can be worth it if treatment improves alignment, bite function, oral hygiene, or smile confidence. The value depends on your goals and what your orthodontic plan can realistically correct.
Yes. Many adults are good candidates for Invisalign if their teeth and bite can be corrected predictably with clear aligners and they can wear them as instructed.
No. Braces can work for adults as long as the teeth and gums are healthy enough for orthodontic movement. Many adults choose traditional braces or clear braces.
Treatment time varies. Some minor cases may take several months, while more involved cases may take 12 to 24 months or longer. Your orthodontist can estimate timing after an evaluation.
Yes. Clear braces can be a good option for adults who want fixed orthodontic treatment with a less noticeable appearance than metal braces.
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