Adult orthodontics is orthodontic treatment for patients over 18, using braces or clear aligners to correct crowding, spacing, and bite problems. New England Orthodontic Specialists provides adult orthodontic treatment at five offices on Boston’s North Shore, in Beverly, Salem, Lynn, Topsfield and South Hamilton. Treatment is led by Dr. Diana Esshaki and Dr. Neil Flückiger, both board-certified orthodontists and members of the American Board of Orthodontics.
Can adults get braces?
Yes. Adults can get braces or Invisalign at any age. Teeth move in response to steady pressure throughout life, so the biology that makes orthodontic treatment work does not stop after adolescence. Adult treatment may take longer than treatment for a teenager because adult bone is denser and no longer growing, and adults are more likely to need coordination with a general dentist or periodontist if there is existing restorative work or gum disease.
Why more adults are choosing orthodontic treatment
Adults now make up roughly one in three orthodontic patients, and that share has grown steadily. Most adolescents in braces are there because a parent chose treatment for them. Adults arrive with a clearer sense of what they want and why, usually a mix of two things: they have lived with a smile they dislike for decades, or a dentist has flagged a functional problem that orthodontics can solve.
The health case, not just the cosmetic one
Crooked or crowded teeth are harder to brush and floss effectively, which raises the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. A misaligned bite can cause uneven wear on the enamel and strain the jaw joint and muscles, which for some patients shows up as chronic headaches, jaw pain, or facial and neck discomfort.
Correcting the bite can reduce or eliminate those symptoms and protect against more serious problems later. For adults, that often means avoiding restorative work that costs considerably more than the orthodontic treatment would have.
Adult treatment options
Metal braces
Modern metal brackets are smaller than they were a generation ago and no longer wrap around the entire tooth. Thinner archwires move teeth with more comfort. Metal braces have the longest track record, handle the most complex cases, and are typically the most economical option.
Clear braces
Clear braces are the same size and shape as metal braces but use translucent ceramic brackets that blend with your natural tooth color. Paired with clear or tooth-colored elastics, they are considerably less visible. The ceramic brackets are durable but more prone to breakage than metal, which is why we recommend them mainly for teen and adult patients.
Invisalign
Invisalign uses a series of clear removable aligners instead of brackets and wires. The aligners are made from thermoplastic resin and custom-fitted to your teeth. Because they come out, there are no food restrictions and brushing and flossing stay normal. Worn 20 to 22 hours a day as directed, Invisalign treats most common orthodontic problems as effectively as braces. Dr. Flückiger is a Diamond Invisalign provider.
How long does adult orthodontic treatment take?
Most adult orthodontic treatment takes 12 to 24 months, depending on how much the teeth need to move and whether the bite needs correcting as well as the alignment. Minor crowding can resolve in under a year. Cases involving significant bite correction can run longer. Your orthodontist can give you a specific estimate after a clinical exam and digital scan.
Insurance and payment
We work with the major insurance carriers and offer payment plans for qualifying patients, along with discount programs. Our office staff handles claims and paperwork for you, and we will check what your dental insurance covers for orthodontics before you commit to anything.
Adult orthodontics near Boston and the North Shore
We treat adult patients from across the North Shore and Greater Boston at our offices in Beverly, Salem, Lynn, Topsfield and South Hamilton. Many of our adult patients commute into Boston and choose us because treatment fits around a working schedule closer to home.
Frequently asked questions
Am I too old for braces?
No. There is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment. What matters is the health of your teeth, gums and supporting bone, not your age. Patients in their 50s, 60s and beyond are treated successfully every year.
Is Invisalign or are braces better for adults?
Both work. Invisalign is more discreet and removable, which suits adults who present at work. Braces handle complex bite corrections more predictably and cost less. The right choice depends on your specific case, and an orthodontist can tell you after an exam.
Does adult orthodontic treatment hurt?
You will feel pressure and mild soreness for a few days after braces are placed or when you switch to a new aligner. It is generally described as discomfort rather than pain and it settles quickly. Over-the-counter pain relief is enough for most patients.
Will my dental insurance cover adult orthodontics?
Some plans include adult orthodontic coverage and some limit it to dependents under 19. We will verify your specific benefits before treatment begins.
Book a free consultation
You are not too old to fix your smile. Book a free consultation with Dr. Diana Esshaki or Dr. Neil Flückiger at any of our five North Shore offices and we will tell you honestly what treatment would involve.