Adult orthodontic treatment has become significantly more common over the past two decades, but the myths around it have been slower to disappear. A lot of adults who could benefit from treatment still hold back because of things they’ve heard or assumed that simply aren’t true anymore, or were never true to begin with.
Here’s what’s actually accurate about getting braces or aligners as an adult.
Myth 1: Braces Are Just for Teenagers
This is probably the most persistent one. Orthodontic treatment has historically been associated with adolescence, partly because that’s when most people had it done and partly because it’s when the teeth are still in active development. But the mechanics of moving teeth through bone don’t have an age cutoff.
Adults can and do undergo orthodontic treatment successfully. In fact, a meaningful portion of orthodontic patients treated at practices like Kelowna Orthodontics are adults. The treatment timeline may differ from that of a teenager, for reasons explained below, but the fundamental process is the same.
If you’re an adult who missed out on orthodontic treatment earlier or whose teeth have shifted since adolescent treatment, you’re not too late.
Myth 2: Adult Treatment Takes Much Longer
This depends heavily on the complexity of the case rather than the patient’s age alone. Some adult cases are simple and move quickly. Others involve more significant tooth movements or bite corrections that take longer, regardless of whether the patient is 25 or 55.
What is true is that adult bone is denser and no longer growing, which means teeth may move slightly more gradually than they would in an adolescent whose jaw is still developing. For many patients, this difference is modest and doesn’t significantly change the overall treatment timeline.
The more relevant factor is the complexity of what needs to be corrected. Mild crowding or spacing issues in an adult can sometimes be resolved more quickly than a complex bite discrepancy in a teenager.
Myth 3: Adults Can Only Use Invisalign
This one seems to have developed from the idea that adults want invisible treatment because they’re self-conscious about braces. While Invisalign is a popular option and works well for many adults, it’s not the only option, and it’s not right for every case.
Kelowna Orthodontics offers several treatment options for adults, including traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, and Lightforce clear braces, a custom 3D-printed bracket system that combines the precision of traditional braces with a less visible aesthetic. The right option depends on the specifics of the case and the patient’s lifestyle, not a blanket assumption about what adults should have.
You can explore what’s available for adult orthodontic treatment in Kelowna.
Myth 4: It’s Purely Cosmetic
This is worth addressing directly because it affects how people think about the value of treatment.
Misaligned teeth are harder to clean. Crowded or overlapping teeth create surfaces that are difficult to brush and floss effectively, which increases the likelihood of decay and gum disease over time. An uneven bite can place disproportionate stress on specific teeth, contributing to accelerated wear, and can contribute to jaw muscle tension and joint problems.
Correcting these issues through orthodontic treatment has functional implications that go beyond how the teeth look. Adults who have lived with crowding, a crossbite, or an overbite for years sometimes don’t realize how much those issues have affected their oral health and comfort until treatment is complete. You can read more about common orthodontic problems.
Myth 5: Teeth Will Just Move Back Anyway
This concern is understandable given how many people experienced shifting after wearing braces as teenagers and not following through with their retainers. The concern is real, but the solution is straightforward.
Retention is a permanent part of orthodontic treatment, not an afterthought. After active treatment is complete, a retainer maintains the position of the teeth. Adults who wear their retainers as directed can expect their results to remain stable long-term. The retention in Kelowna explains the options available after treatment ends.
Myth 6: You Need a Referral to See an Orthodontist
No referral is needed at Kelowna Orthodontics. Adults can call directly to book a free consultation without needing to see their dentist first. The team will assess the teeth, discuss treatment options, and provide clear information about timelines and costs during that first visit.
Zero-interest payment plans are available, which address another common concern about the financial side of adult treatment. You can review financial information before your consultation if you’d like to understand the payment options available.
Kelowna Orthodontics | Adult Braces in Kelowna
Kelowna Orthodontics is at 102-1110 Harvey Ave, Kelowna, BC. Call (250) 763-3312 to book a free consultation with Drs. Pollard, Diaz, or Kehler. No referral required, and new patients are welcome from Kelowna and across the Central Okanagan.
