Adult Orthodontics: Options for Braces and Invisalign as a Grown-Up 1

Adult Orthodontics: Options for Braces and Invisalign as a Grown-Up

ByDr.O Reading Time: 5 minutes
Adult Orthodontics: Braces & Invisalign for Grown-Ups | Othman Orthodontics in Lombard & Orland Park, IL

Adult Orthodontics: Options for Braces and Invisalign as a Grown-Up

If you think braces are “just for kids,” you might be surprised. Today, more adults than ever are choosing orthodontic treatment to improve their smiles, bite and confidence.

At Othman Orthodontics in Lombard and Orland Park, IL, a significant portion of our patients are adults—professionals, parents, college students and retirees—who want straighter teeth and a healthier bite.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

  • Why adults choose orthodontic treatment
  • Adult-friendly options: metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces and Invisalign
  • How adult treatment differs from treatment in teens
  • Cost, comfort and practical considerations
  • How to get started in Lombard or Orland Park

Why More Adults Are Choosing Orthodontics

Adults pursue orthodontic treatment for many reasons, including:

  • Cosmetic concerns: Crooked, crowded, spaced or protruding teeth.
  • Bite problems: Overbite, underbite, crossbite or open bite affecting chewing or comfort.
  • Relapse: Teeth that shifted after not wearing retainers following childhood treatment.
  • Dental health: Difficulty cleaning crowded teeth, leading to gum or bone issues.
  • Future dental work: Teeth that need to be moved to make room for implants or restorations.

Many adults tell us they’ve “always wanted to fix” their smile and are finally ready to do something about it. Modern adult orthodontics offers discreet, flexible options that fit busy, grown-up lives.

Adult Orthodontic Options at Othman Orthodontics

We offer several treatment choices tailored to adult needs and preferences:

1. Metal Braces

Today’s metal braces are smaller, more comfortable and more efficient than in the past. For adults, they offer:

  • Excellent control for complex cases.
  • Reliable, 24/7 tooth movement.
  • Often the most cost-effective option.

Adults who choose metal braces are often focused on results and speed—and are less concerned about visibility.

2. Ceramic (Clear) Braces

Ceramic braces use tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend with your teeth. They offer:

  • Similar effectiveness to metal braces in many cases.
  • A more discreet appearance in photos and everyday life.
  • A good balance between visibility and control.

Many adults who don’t want removable aligners but do want a lower-profile look choose ceramic braces.

3. Lingual and Incognito™ Braces

Lingual braces and Incognito braces are placed on the back side of the teeth, making them virtually invisible from the front.

Advantages include:

  • Truly hidden braces for professional or social settings.
  • Comprehensive control similar to traditional braces.

Not every case is ideal for lingual or Incognito braces, but for the right adult candidates, they offer a powerful “invisible” option.

4. Invisalign for Adults

Invisalign is a popular choice for adult orthodontics in Lombard and Orland Park. It uses clear, removable aligners to gently move teeth. Adult patients love Invisalign because:

  • Aligners are nearly invisible when worn.
  • You remove them to eat, drink, brush and floss.
  • There are no metal brackets or wires.

For many mild to moderate cases—and even some complex ones with the right planning—Invisalign can be an excellent adult option.

How Adult Orthodontics Differs from Teen Treatment

While the basic principles are similar, adult treatment has unique considerations:

1. No Jaw Growth

Children and teens are still growing, which can help correct certain jaw and bite issues. Adults are fully grown, so:

  • Some jaw discrepancies may require surgical orthodontics for ideal correction.
  • In other cases, we may camouflage certain issues with carefully planned tooth movements.

2. Gum and Bone Health

Adults may have:

  • Gum recession.
  • Bone loss around teeth (periodontal disease).
  • Existing restorations (crowns, bridges, implants).

We work closely with your general dentist (and sometimes a periodontist) to ensure orthodontic treatment supports long-term dental health.

3. Treatment Goals

Adult goals can be different from teen goals. Some adults want:

  • A “picture-perfect” result, no matter how long it takes.
  • Targeted improvements in specific areas (for example, straightening crowded front teeth).
  • Space opened or closed to allow for implants or other restorative work.

During your orthodontic consultation, we’ll clarify your goals and design a plan around them.

Is It Too Late to Straighten My Teeth?

In almost all cases, the answer is no. As long as:

  • Your teeth and gums are healthy enough for treatment.
  • Any significant gum disease is treated and stable.

You can benefit from adult orthodontics—whether that’s braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces or Invisalign.

We regularly treat adults in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond who want better function, easier cleaning and a more confident smile.

How Long Does Adult Orthodontic Treatment Take?

Treatment time for adults is often similar to that of teens. Many adult cases fall into the:

  • 12–18 month range for mild to moderate issues.
  • 18–24+ months for more complex bite or crowding problems.

For a deeper dive, see our blog How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take? (update this URL to match your site structure).

Adult Orthodontics and Everyday Life

Work and Social Situations

Many adults choose:

We’ll help you choose the option that fits your comfort level in meetings, presentations, patient-facing work, etc.

Eating and Diet

With braces, you’ll avoid hard, sticky or very chewy foods that could damage brackets or wires. With Invisalign, you remove aligners to eat, so food restrictions are minimal—you just need to brush before putting aligners back in.

Oral Hygiene

Good brushing and flossing are crucial, especially for adults:

  • With braces: use floss threaders or a water flosser to clean around wires.
  • With Invisalign: brush and floss normally and keep aligners clean.

Your dentist and hygienist will partner with us throughout treatment.

Cost and Financing for Adult Orthodontics

Many adults are pleasantly surprised by how manageable orthodontic treatment can be. At Othman Orthodontics, we offer:

  • Clear, upfront treatment fees.
  • Insurance benefit verification and estimates.
  • Flexible, often interest-free payment plans.
  • Ability to use FSA and HSA funds when applicable.

Learn more on our financing pages for Lombard, IL and Orland Park, IL.

Adult Orthodontics in Lombard & Orland Park, IL

Lombard Office

Our Lombard office serves adults from Lombard, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Wheaton, Villa Park, Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace, Hinsdale, Westmont, Lisle, Naperville and nearby communities with:

Orland Park Office

Our Orland Park location offers the same adult-friendly options for patients in Orland Park, Tinley Park, Palos Heights, Palos Park, Homer Glen, Oak Forest, Mokena, Frankfort, New Lenox, Lockport and the surrounding suburbs.

Ready to Explore Adult Orthodontics?

If you’ve been thinking about straightening your teeth for years—or you’ve noticed changes in your smile as an adult— this is your sign to take the next step.

Contact Othman Orthodontics today to schedule an orthodontic consultation in Lombard, IL or an orthodontic consultation in Orland Park, IL.

We’ll listen to your goals, evaluate your teeth and bite, explain all your options and build a treatment and financing plan that works for your life—as a grown-up with real responsibilities, real schedules and real goals.

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