What Are Adult Braces?
Adult braces are orthodontic appliances that correct misaligned teeth and bites at any age. They apply gentle, steady pressure that gradually moves teeth into their proper position. Fixed to your teeth, they work around the clock to align your smile and improve how your bite functions, no matter how old you are.
At Shannon Orthodontics in Davenport, FL, our team uses braces for adults to straighten teeth and correct bite problems that may have developed over the years. It’s never too late to straighten your smile.
Today’s adult patients have more options than ever. You can choose from traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, gold braces, or smaller mini metal brackets. Each style gets the job done, but the look and feel can vary quite a bit.
How do braces differ from Invisalign? Braces are fixed to your teeth and work around the clock without needing to be removed. Invisalign uses a series of removable, clear trays. Both can produce beautiful results, but braces often handle more complex bite issues with greater precision.
If you skipped orthodontic care as a teen or your teeth have shifted over the years, adult braces can help you achieve a healthy, confident smile. Our orthodontists will walk you through every option so you can pick what fits your lifestyle and goals.
Benefits of Adult Braces in Davenport
Straightening your teeth as an adult does more than improve how your smile looks. It can improve how your mouth works every day.
Here are the main benefits adult patients gain from braces:
- Better oral function. Properly aligned teeth make it easier to chew your food and speak clearly. Small misalignments can throw off both.
- Lower risk of dental problems. Crowded or crooked teeth are harder to clean. Straight teeth reduce the chances of decay, cavities, and gum disease over time.
- Less stress on your jaw. A misaligned bite can put pressure on the TMJ, leading to jaw pain, headaches, and clicking. Correcting your bite often relieves these symptoms.
- Easier oral hygiene. Floss glides between straight teeth. Brushes reach every surface. Your daily routine becomes much more effective.
- A confidence boost. Many adults say their new smile changes how they feel in social and work settings. That kind of shift matters.
- A fix for old issues. If childhood orthodontic care wasn’t an option, adulthood is your chance to address those long-standing concerns.
A growing share of orthodontic patients today are adults. You’re in good company. Treatment as an adult can deliver lasting results that protect your oral health for decades to come.
The Adult Braces Process at Shannon Orthodontics
Getting braces as an adult follows a clear, predictable path. Here’s what your experience at Shannon Orthodontics looks like from start to finish:
- Complimentary new patient exam. Your first visit includes a thorough evaluation and digital imaging so our orthodontists can assess your alignment, bite, and oral health.
- Custom treatment plan. Based on your goals and exam findings, we’ll design a plan tailored to your bite. We’ll discuss appliance options, expected timeline, and financial options before you commit.
- Placement appointment. When you’re ready, we bond the brackets to your teeth and attach the archwire. The process is straightforward and painless.
- Adjustment visits. You’ll return every 4 to 8 weeks for adjustments. These appointments keep treatment on track and let our team monitor your progress.
- Retainer phase. Once your braces come off, you’ll wear a retainer to hold your teeth in their new position. This step protects everything you’ve worked for.
Most adult braces treatment takes between 12 and 36 months, depending on the complexity of your case. Simple alignment issues finish faster. More involved bite corrections take longer.
Are You a Candidate for Adult Braces?
Most healthy adults make great candidates for braces. If you have crowding, gaps, an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, treatment can likely help you.
Before starting, your teeth and gums need to be healthy. Cavities or active gum disease should be treated first. Once your mouth is in good shape, braces can do their job effectively.
Worried about appearance? Many adults choose ceramic braces, which blend with your tooth color, or gold braces for a unique look. Smaller mini metal brackets are also a discreet option for those who want a lower profile.
There’s no upper age limit for orthodontic care. Patients in their 30s, 50s, and beyond regularly start treatment at our Davenport practice. As long as your teeth and bone structure are healthy, you can benefit from braces.
Why Choose Shannon Orthodontics in Davenport, FL
Choosing the right practice for adult braces matters. Here’s what sets Shannon Orthodontics apart:
- Skilled orthodontic team. Dr. Chris Shannon, DDS, and Dr. Tyrel Larsen, DDS, MS, lead our practice. Dr. Larsen is a board-certified orthodontist, and both doctors are active members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), Southern Association of Orthodontists (SAO), American Dental Association (ADA), and Florida Dental Association (FDA).
- Multiple braces options. We offer traditional metal, clear ceramic, gold, and mini metal braces, plus Invisalign for adults who prefer a removable option.
- Treatment built around you. Every adult patient receives a plan shaped by their bite, lifestyle, and goals. No two mouths are alike, and your care reflects that.
- A warm, welcoming practice. You’ll feel right at home in our fun and energetic office, where we love making you smile. Hablamos español, so Spanish-speaking patients always feel welcome.
- Davenport convenience. Right here in Davenport, our location makes ongoing adjustment visits easy to fit into your schedule, so staying on track with treatment never feels like a hassle.
From your first exam through your final adjustment, the quality of care you receive at every appointment reflects the attention our team brings to each patient. We’d love for you to be the next success story.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adult Braces
How long do adult braces take to straighten teeth?
Adult braces typically take between 12 and 36 months to deliver full results. The exact timeline depends on how much movement your teeth need and the type of bite correction involved. Simple cases finish faster, while more complex alignment may take closer to three years. Your orthodontist will give you a personalized estimate after your complimentary new patient exam.
Are adult braces painful?
Braces aren’t usually painful, but you may feel some soreness for a few days after placement and after each adjustment. Most patients describe it as pressure or tenderness rather than sharp pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods help during those first few days. The discomfort fades quickly as your mouth adjusts.
How much do braces for adults cost in Davenport, FL?
The cost of adult braces varies based on the type of appliance, length of treatment, and complexity of your case. At Shannon Orthodontics, we offer financial options and online payment to make care more accessible. We’ll review the full cost with you at your complimentary new patient exam so there are no surprises.
Can I get clear or less noticeable braces as an adult?
Yes. Many adult patients choose clear ceramic braces, which use tooth-colored brackets that blend with your natural smile. Gold braces and mini metal brackets are other discreet options. Invisalign is also available if you prefer removable, nearly invisible aligners.
Braces vs Invisalign: which is better for adults?
Both work well for adults, but the right choice depends on your case. Braces handle complex bite issues and stubborn rotations very effectively. Invisalign offers discretion and the freedom to remove your trays for meals and brushing. Our orthodontists will help you weigh the trade-offs and pick what works best for your goals.
| Feature | Braces | Invisalign |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Visible (clear or gold options available) | Nearly invisible |
| Removable | No | Yes |
| Best for | Complex cases, all ages | Mild to moderate cases |
| Maintenance | Brush carefully around brackets | Clean trays daily |
Will insurance cover adult orthodontic treatment?
Coverage varies by plan. Some dental insurance policies include adult orthodontic benefits, while others limit coverage to patients under a certain age. Our team can help you review your benefits and explore the financial options available at our practice.
Schedule Your Adult Braces Consultation in Davenport, FL
It’s never too late to start. If you’ve been thinking about straightening your teeth, Shannon Orthodontics in Davenport, FL is ready to help you take the next step. Our team will design a treatment plan around your goals and walk you through every option, from ceramic braces to Invisalign. Whatever your age or stage of life, our orthodontists are here to make the process clear, comfortable, and rewarding from your very first visit.
Call us at 863-353-6867 to schedule your complimentary new patient exam, or request an appointment online. We are eager to hear from you!