Braces for Adults Waterloo
Orthodontic braces were historically associated with teenagers. Today, an increasing number of adults are choosing to wear braces to straighten their teeth and correct malocclusions (bad bites). In fact, it is now estimated that almost one third of all current orthodontic patients are adults.
Orthodontic braces are predictable, versatile and incredibly successful at realigning the teeth. Braces work in the same way regardless of the age of the patient, but the treatment time is greatly reduced in patients who are still experiencing jaw growth and have not been affected by gum disease. In short, an adult can experience the same beautiful end results as a teenager, but treatment often takes longer.
Can Adults Benefit From Orthodontic Braces?
Absolutely! Crooked or misaligned teeth look unsightly, which in many cases leads to poor self esteem and a lack of self confidence. Aside from poor aesthetics, improperly aligned teeth can also cause difficulties biting, chewing and articulating clearly. Generally speaking, orthodontists agree that straight teeth tend to be healthier teeth.
Straight teeth offer a multitude of health and dental benefits including:
- Reduction in general tooth decay
- Decreased likelihood of developing periodontal disease
- Decreased likelihood of tooth injury
- Reduction in digestive disorders
Fortunately, orthodontic braces have been adapted and modified to make them more convenient for adults. There are now a wide range of fixed and removable orthodontic devices available, depending on the precise classification of the malocclusion.
The most common types of malocclusion are underbite (lower teeth protrude further than upper teeth), overbite (upper teeth protrude further than lower teeth) and overcrowding, where there is insufficient space on the arches to accommodate the full complement of adult teeth.
Prior to recommending specific orthodontic treatment, the waterloo orthodontist will recommend treatment of any pre-existing dental conditions such as gum disease, excess plaque and tooth decay. Orthodontic braces can greatly exacerbate any or all of these conditions.
Embrace the journey to a beautiful smile with our dental clinic in Waterloo, ON
What Are the Main Types of Orthodontic Braces?
The following are some of the most popular orthodontic braces:
- Traditional braces – These braces are strong and tend not to stain the teeth. They are comprised of individual brackets which are cemented to each tooth and accompanied by an archwire which constantly asserts gentle pressure on the teeth. Traditional braces are generally metal but are also available in a clear synthetic material and “tooth colored” ceramic. The ceramic brackets are generally more comfortable than the metal alternative, but can become discolored by coffee, wine, smoking and certain foods.
- Invisalign® – Invisalign aligners are favored by many adults because they are both removable and invisible to onlookers. Invisalign® aligners are clear trays, and should be worn for the recommended amount of time each day for the quickest results. Invisalign® aligners are more comfortable and less obtrusive than traditional braces, but also tend to be more costly. Not all patients are candidates for Invisalign®.
- Lingual braces – These appliances are usually metal and fixed on the tongue side of the teeth, therefore not seen when a patient smiles. Lingual braces tend to be moderately expensive and in some cases, can interfere with normal speech.
If you have any questions about orthodontic braces, please contact our office.
What to Expect During Adult Braces Treatment
Adult orthodontic treatment follows the same biological principles as treatment in children — controlled forces applied over time to move teeth through the bone. The key differences are that adult bone is more dense (so movement is slower and more predictable), growth modification isn't possible (so skeletal issues sometimes require surgery), and adults are more invested in the cosmetic side of the appliance.
Treatment starts with a comprehensive orthodontic consultation: photos, x-rays, impressions or digital scans, and a discussion of what you want to achieve. We map out a treatment plan with realistic expectations for the time, the appliance options (traditional metal, ceramic brackets, lingual braces behind the teeth, or clear aligners), and the cost. Most adult cases run 18 to 30 months in the active phase, with some shorter and some longer depending on complexity.
Appliance placement takes 60 to 90 minutes. Follow-up appointments every 6 to 10 weeks adjust the wires or hand out the next set of aligners. As treatment progresses, the wires become stiffer and more targeted, and additional accessories (elastics for bite correction, springs for spacing) may be added. When active treatment finishes, the appliance comes off (or aligners stop), the teeth are cleaned, and you move into the retainer phase.
Who Is a Candidate for Adult Braces
Adults are candidates for orthodontic treatment at essentially any age, as long as the teeth and supporting bone are healthy. Common reasons adults pursue treatment:
- Crowding that worsens cleaning and contributes to cavities or gum disease
- Gaps that bother you cosmetically or trap food
- Bite issues — overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite — causing uneven wear or chewing difficulty
- Teeth shifting after past dental work or after losing a tooth
- Cosmetic concerns about smile appearance
- Preparation for restorative work (implants, crowns, veneers) that needs proper alignment first
Active gum disease, untreated cavities, or significant bone loss around the teeth need to be addressed before orthodontic forces are applied. Severe skeletal jaw discrepancies may require coordinated treatment with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. We screen for these at the consultation.
Living With Adult Braces
Daily care matters more during treatment. Food trapped around brackets can lead to decalcified spots (chalky white marks where enamel has lost minerals) that become permanent shadows once the appliance comes off. The patients who finish treatment with the cleanest teeth are the ones who took home hygiene seriously from week one.
Brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush angled above and below each bracket. A small interdental brush cleans between brackets where a regular brush can't reach. Daily flossing with a floss threader or orthodontic floss gets between teeth where the archwire would block standard floss. An electric toothbrush helps many adults by handling the technique automatically.
Food choices matter too. Hard foods (whole apples, raw carrots, hard candy, ice) can break brackets — cut them into pieces. Sticky foods (gum, caramels, taffy) pull brackets off. Most patients adjust within a couple of weeks. If a bracket comes loose or a wire pokes, call us — we'll fit you in to fix it quickly so treatment stays on schedule.
Speaking and eating return to normal within a week or two. Public-facing professionals sometimes worry about appearance — clear aligners or ceramic brackets are options that significantly reduce visibility.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
Adult braces fees depend on the complexity of the case, length of treatment, and the appliance chosen (traditional metal, ceramic, lingual, or clear aligners). We follow the current Ontario Dental Association (ODA) Suggested Fee Guide and give you a complete written estimate at the consultation including the retainer phase and any follow-up visits.
Adult orthodontic coverage varies more than child coverage. Some extended dental plans cover adult orthodontics; many do not. Plans that do cover usually reimburse 50% subject to a lifetime maximum that applies across all orthodontic treatment ever (so prior treatment counts against your remaining benefit). We submit predetermination to your insurer so you know your coverage before we start. We offer interest-free payment plans to spread the cost across the treatment timeline.
Adult Braces — Frequently Asked Questions
Am I too old for braces?
No. Adults of any age can undergo orthodontic treatment with comparable outcomes to younger patients. The biology is the same; movement may take slightly longer because adult bone is denser, but the end result is similar.
Will my teeth shift back after treatment?
Without retention, yes — teeth tend to drift back toward their original positions over time. The retainer phase is permanent (long-term nightly wear) to hold the result. We explain this clearly at the consultation.
How visible are the braces?
Traditional metal braces are visible. Ceramic brackets blend with tooth color and are much less noticeable. Lingual braces (placed behind the teeth) are essentially invisible from the front. Clear aligners are nearly invisible. The choice usually depends on case complexity, cost, and your priorities.
Will it affect my work or social life?
There's a brief adjustment period (one to two weeks) with any appliance. After that, speaking and eating are normal. Most public-facing professionals find ceramic brackets or clear aligners give them the discretion they want.
Can I have whitening done at the same time?
Whitening is generally postponed until after braces come off, since the brackets cover part of the enamel and would result in uneven whitening. We typically whiten in the weeks after the appliance comes off, before the bonded retainer is placed if applicable.
What if I had braces as a teen and my teeth shifted back?
Common. Many adult cases are correcting drift from inadequate long-term retainer wear after teenage treatment. Re-treatment is usually shorter than the original — often 12 to 18 months — because the bite is already mostly set and the goal is repositioning.