Adult Orthodontics

You are never too old to straighten your teeth. At Enoch & Lamei Orthodontics, adult orthodontics is one of our most popular services. Board-certified orthodontists Dr. Harold Enoch and Dr. Amir Lamei have treated adults in their 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and even 70s at our Marietta and Roswell offices. Today, one in five orthodontic patients is an adult and that number keeps growing.

Whether you missed out on treatment as a teenager, had braces before but your teeth have shifted, or are simply ready to invest in your smile, we offer discreet treatment options that fit seamlessly into your professional and personal life.

Why Adults Choose Orthodontic Treatment

Adults seek orthodontic treatment for many reasons:

  • Straighten teeth for a more attractive, confident smile
  • Correct relapse from previous braces when retainers were not worn long-term
  • Improve oral hygiene — crowded or overlapping teeth are harder to brush and floss, raising the risk of cavities and gum disease
  • Fix bite problems — overbites, underbites, and crossbites can cause uneven wear, jaw pain, and chewing difficulty
  • Close gaps between teeth that have shifted over time
  • Prepare for dental work — your dentist may recommend orthodontics before crowns, bridges, or implants to create a better foundation
  • Relieve TMJ symptoms — correcting bite alignment can reduce jaw pain and headaches

No matter your reason, the health benefits of straight teeth and a balanced bite last a lifetime.

Treatment Options for Adults

We offer several orthodontic options designed with adult lifestyles in mind.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligner therapy using 3M Clarity and Angel Aligners is our most requested adult treatment. These smooth, removable plastic trays are nearly invisible, so most people will not notice you are wearing them. Clear aligners let you eat whatever you want, brush and floss normally, and remove the trays for important meetings or events.

Clear aligners work well for mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and many bite issues. Treatment typically takes 6 to 18 months for most adult cases.

Ceramic Braces (Clear Braces)

Ceramic braces use tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend with your teeth. They provide the same effectiveness as metal braces with a much more discreet appearance. Ceramic braces are a strong choice for adults who need comprehensive orthodontic correction but want a lower-profile look.

Modern ceramic brackets are designed to resist staining throughout treatment, and they can handle more complex cases than clear aligners alone.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are placed behind your teeth, making them completely invisible from the outside. This is the ultimate option for adults who need full braces treatment without any visible hardware. Each lingual bracket is custom-designed by Dr. Enoch and Dr. Lamei for precise, efficient tooth movement.

Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces remain the most effective and affordable option for complex adult cases. Today’s metal brackets are smaller and more comfortable than ever, and they deliver excellent results for even the most challenging orthodontic problems.

What Makes Adult Treatment Different

Adult orthodontics differs from treating children and teens in a few important ways:

  • Bone density — adult bone is denser than growing bone, so tooth movement may be slightly slower. This is completely normal and accounted for in your treatment plan.
  • Previous dental work — crowns, bridges, and missing teeth require special planning. Dr. Enoch and Dr. Lamei coordinate with your dentist to integrate orthodontic treatment with your existing dental work.
  • Gum health — adults with a history of gum disease can still receive orthodontic treatment, but may need to see a periodontist during the process. Healthy gums are essential for safe tooth movement.
  • Compliance — adults are generally excellent patients because they choose treatment and are motivated to follow instructions consistently.

Treatment time for adults averages 15 to 18 months, though it varies based on the complexity of your case and the type of treatment you choose.

The Health Benefits of Straight Teeth

Orthodontic treatment is not just about appearance. Straight teeth and a balanced bite offer real health advantages:

  • Easier cleaning — properly aligned teeth are simpler to brush and floss, reducing your risk of cavities and gum disease
  • Less wear — an even bite distributes chewing forces across all your teeth, preventing excessive wear on individual teeth
  • Jaw comfort — correcting bite problems can alleviate TMJ pain, headaches, and jaw tension
  • Long-term savings — investing in orthodontics now can prevent costly restorative dental work down the road

Cost and Financing for Adult Orthodontics

Adult orthodontic treatment fees are based on the severity of your case, the type of treatment chosen, and the expected treatment time. Clear aligners and ceramic braces are generally priced similarly to traditional metal braces, making all options accessible.

At Enoch & Lamei Orthodontics, we make treatment affordable with:

  • Free consultations, including a full cost estimate
  • Interest-free monthly payment plans
  • Insurance coordination to maximize your orthodontic benefits
  • No hidden fees — your quoted fee covers records, appliances, visits, and one set of retainers

Visit our financial options page for more details.

Schedule Your Adult Orthodontics Consultation

If you have been thinking about straightening your teeth, now is the time. Dr. Enoch and Dr. Lamei offer free consultations for adults at both our Marietta and Roswell offices. You will receive a thorough exam, digital scans, and a personalized treatment plan with clear cost and timeline information.

Frequently Asked Questions

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No. There is no age limit for orthodontic treatment. Dr. Enoch and Dr. Lamei have treated patients well into their 70s. As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, you can benefit from braces or clear aligners at any age.

Not at all. Ceramic braces, lingual braces, and clear aligners are all designed to be discreet. Many of our adult patients are professionals, teachers, and parents who want an effective treatment that does not draw attention.

Most adult cases take 15 to 18 months, though simple cases may finish sooner and complex cases can take up to 24 months. Following your orthodontist’s instructions closely helps keep treatment on track.

Adults experience the same mild soreness as younger patients, typically for a few days after adjustments. Modern appliances and techniques apply gentler forces than in the past, making treatment more comfortable. Most patients say the discomfort is very manageable.

In most cases, yes. Dr. Enoch and Dr. Lamei will coordinate with your dentist to develop a treatment plan that works around your existing dental work. Implants cannot be moved by braces, but surrounding teeth can be repositioned to improve your overall bite and alignment.