There's a moment that many adults describe exactly the same way. You're in a video call, or a photo pops up from a family event, and you see your teeth, really see them, in a way you hadn't before. And you think: I should have done something about this.
There's a moment that many adults describe exactly the same way. You're in a video call, or a photo pops up from a family event, and you see your teeth, really see them, in a way you hadn't before. And you think: I should have done something about this.
The good news is that you can. One in four orthodontic patients in Canada is now an adult. The stigma around adult braces has largely evaporated, the treatment options are more discreet than ever, and the results are every bit as good as what you'd get in your teens.
Here's what's different about orthodontic treatment as an adult — and what that means for choosing the right approach.
The reasons adults come into Riverside Orthodontics are different from the reasons parents bring their kids in. Adults usually show up because they're noticing their teeth have shifted over time (this happens naturally as we age), because a general dentist spotted a bite issue that was causing wear or gum problems, because they're about to attend a milestone event and want to feel good in photos, or simply because they could never afford treatment when they were younger and can now.
All of these are legitimate reasons. There's no wrong motivation for wanting a straighter smile.
Biologically, adult teeth and jaws behave differently than adolescent ones — but not in a way that prevents treatment. The main differences are practical.
Bone density and gum health matter more. Adults are more likely to have had some bone loss or gum recession than teenagers. This doesn't prevent orthodontic treatment, but it does mean the orthodontist needs a fuller picture of your overall oral health before starting. If there's active gum disease, that's addressed first.
Existing dental work creates puzzle pieces. Crowns, bridges, implants, veneers, and missing teeth change the treatment planning. None of these is a reason not to proceed, but they require more careful coordination. An experienced orthodontist has seen all of these scenarios.
Treatment may take a bit longer. Adult bone doesn't remodel as quickly as a teenager's. The difference is modest — often a few extra months — but it's worth knowing.
The most popular choice for adults, and for understandable reasons. Clear aligners are nearly invisible, removable for meals and meetings, and easy to keep clean. They fit into a professional life in a way that metal braces sometimes feel like they don't.
They work well for a wide range of adult cases — including most cases of crowding, spacing, mild to moderate bite issues, and relapse (teeth that shifted after prior treatment).
Tooth-coloured brackets with standard wires. Less visible than metal, just as precise. A good option for adults whose cases are too complex for aligners but who still want some discretion.
Yes, plenty of adults get metal braces. They're more affordable, they handle the most complex cases best, and frankly — more adults than you'd expect find them a non-issue. If the priority is the most effective treatment at the most accessible price, metal braces deserve serious consideration.
Check-up appointments at a specialist clinic are short — typically 15 to 20 minutes every 6 to 10 weeks. With Invisalign, some monitoring can happen remotely via an app between visits. Most working adults find this genuinely manageable.
The bigger adjustment is the first couple of weeks after each new tray set or adjustment. There's typically a period of pressure and mild soreness that usually resolves within 2 to 3 days.
As for professional contexts — a job interview, a presentation, a big meeting — most adults in clear aligners report that colleagues and clients never notice unless they're told. The treatment is genuinely subtle.
Many adult dental insurance plans do cover orthodontic treatment, though the benefit is typically a lifetime maximum rather than an annual one. Federal government employees, unionized workers, and employees at many tech and professional services firms in the Ottawa area often have $2,000 to $3,500 of orthodontic coverage.
At Riverside Orthodontics, we'll review your insurance plan with you and build a payment schedule that makes your out-of-pocket cost manageable from month to month. A lot of adults are surprised by how affordable treatment turns out to be once insurance and a payment plan are factored in.
A lot of adults who come in for a consultation mention that they've been thinking about it for five or ten years. The honest answer is: waiting doesn't usually help. Misaligned teeth tend to get more crowded over time, not less. Bite issues cause progressive wear. The situation you're thinking about fixing at 35 is usually harder to fix at 45.
If you've been sitting on the idea, the consultation is free and there's no pressure to commit on the spot. It's worth knowing what your options actually are.
Book a free consultation at Riverside Orthodontics in Gloucester, Ottawa. Call 613-907-5411 or visit riversideorthodontics.ca
