It’s never too late to invest in a smile you love. At Premier Orthodontics & Dental Specialists, we specialize in orthodontics for adults in Elmhurst and Downers Grove, IL, helping patients of all ages achieve straighter, healthier teeth with comfort and confidence.
Whether you missed out on braces as a teen, your teeth have shifted over time, or you simply want to enhance your appearance, our team led by Board-Certified Orthodontist Dr. Corina Radu offers modern, discreet options designed for adult lifestyles. From clear braces to invisible aligners, we make orthodontic care convenient, professional, and completely customized to you.
Why Do Adults Choose Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic treatment is no longer just for teens. More adults than ever are choosing orthodontic care to improve both their health and self-confidence. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, two in five orthodontic patients today is an adult.
Common reasons adults consider treatment include:
Crowded or spaced teeth that affect your smile or bite, narrow jaws with gum recession and obstructive breathing and snoring.
Jaw discomfort caused by misalignment, overbites or underbites.
Desire to improve confidence and overall oral health, or re-treatment.
Orthodontic care isn’t just about looks it’s about comfort, long-term dental stability, and overall well-being.
Adult Orthodontic Treatment Options
Modern orthodontics means more choices than ever. Adults can straighten their teeth comfortably and discreetly with options such as:
Metal Braces: traditional small but mighty bonded on the outside o the teeth, versatile and highly efficient
Ceramic Braces: Smooth, tooth-colored brackets designed for aesthetics, Blend with your teeth for a subtle, professional look.
Self-Ligating Braces: Sleeker, low-pressure braces with a “gate” that require slightly fewer adjustments and no additional ties.
Lingual Braces: Placed behind the teeth for complete invisibility, you can get married with them and no one will know you are improving your smile!
SureSmile® and other brands of Clear Aligners: A convenient, removable option that fits busy schedules, require some attachments and compliance.
Your adult orthodontist will guide you through each choice, helping you find the best fit for your lifestyle, timeline, and comfort preferences.
The Difference Between Adult Orthodontics and Treatment for Children or Teens
The biggest difference between treating adults and younger patients is how the jaw and bones respond to movement. In children and teens, the jaw is still growing, which makes it easier to guide teeth and correct bite issues. For adults, jaw growth has stopped, so certain bite corrections may require adult expanders with mini-implants (MARPE), surgical expansion SARPE, orthognathicjaw surgery or advanced appliances to achieve ideal alignment.
Other key differences include:
Gum or Bone Loss (Periodontal Disease)
Adults are more likely to experience gum recession or bone loss due to gingivitis or periodontal disease. Straightening the teeth can actually improve gum health and make oral hygiene easier.
Worn or Missing Teeth
Over time, teeth may wear down, drift, or shift out of position. Missing teeth can also cause others to tilt or move, creating bite problems and increasing the risk of gum disease. Orthodontic care helps restore balance and alignment.
Incomplete Treatment as a Teen
Many adults began orthodontic treatment when they were younger but never finished. As adults, they now choose to complete care to achieve the healthy, confident smile they’ve always wanted.
At Premier Orthodontics & Dental Specialists, we understand that adults have different priorities and biological considerations than younger patients. Our team provides personalized care, advanced technology, and respectful communication to ensure you receive the most effective and comfortable treatment for your unique needs. We offer later in the day and weekend appointments for your convenience, at our two locations. We stand behind our work and we’re happy to help solving your individual orthodontic needs. Be treated by an orthodontist!
What Are the Health Benefits of Straightening Your Teeth as an Adult?
Orthodontic care goes beyond appearance; it improves overall oral health and function. Straightening your teeth can:
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Reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease
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Relieve strain on the jaw and prevent TMJ discomfort
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Make brushing and flossing easier and more effective
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Prevent uneven wear and protect dental restorations
When teeth are aligned properly, they’re easier to care for and that helps your smile stay healthy for life.
Confidence at Any Age
Many adults say orthodontic treatment changes more than just their smile; it transforms how they feel. A confident smile can improve social interactions, boost self-esteem, and even make professional life more rewarding.
At Premier Orthodontics, we make sure every visit feels comfortable and encouraging. Our goal is to help you look forward to your appointments and enjoy the progress you see along the way.
FAQ
How Long Will Adult Orthodontic Treatment Take?
Treatment time varies depending on the complexity of your case and your specific goals. On average, most adults complete orthodontic treatment within 12 to 24 months. Minor corrections may take less time, with food compliance, especially with advanced systems like SureSmile® clear aligners or lingual completely hidden behind the teeth braces with custom memory wires. We use a hybrid approach for some patients, braces followed by clear alginers. Complicated cases may need adult expansion with MARPE or SARPE or mandibular or maxillary jaw surgery, should we aim to restore facial balance and harmony to one’s face and correct large skeletal discrepancies.
Can I Get Orthodontics If I Have Crowns, Implants, or Missing Teeth?
Yes. Many adults begin treatment with existing dental work or gaps. We can move teeth as long as they are clean and healthy, with no cavities. Dr. Corina Radu carefully plans tooth movement around crowns and implants, ensuring safe and effective results, working with periodontists, oral surgeons and restorative dentists to achieve and execute the best treatment plan. In some cases, orthodontic treatment can also help create the proper space for future restorations or implants, or completely close missing teeth spaces to avoid implants or bridges. If you are contemplating orthodontic treatment, it is best to move the teeth first then do teh restorative part after correcting the alignment and the bite. A free consultation will help you making the right decisions.
Are Retainers Permanent After Adult Treatment?
After braces or aligners, retainers are essential to keep your teeth in their new position. Some retainers are removable, while others are bonded behind the teeth for long-term stability. Your orthodontist will recommend the best option based on your treatment and lifestyle. There are pros and cons of each retainer device, and your eating , cleaning habits and grinding patterns, the magniture to which the teeth were moved and initial pre-treatment presentation will help design the best retention protocol.
Will Braces Interfere With My Professional Life (Work, Appearance)?
Not necessarily. Today’s orthodontic options are discreet and professional. Some adults choose clear braces or clear aligners that blend naturally with your teeth. If you want an absolutely completely hidden approach, AND NO ONE KNOWING YOU ARE IMPROVING YOUR SMILE, then LINGUAL braces are the way to go! These modern systems make it easy to maintain confidence in both business and social settings during treatment. Within a short few months, the improvements will be noticeable and make you think why didn’t you do this earlier?
Can I Straighten My Teeth Later If I Delay Treatment?
Yes, but starting sooner is often better. Teeth will continue to shift with age, and delaying treatment will worsen crowding and increase the depth of the bite, to the point that certain teeth will require extraction. Gum recession, bone loss or cavities and tooth wear may develop if teeth are hard to clean and bites are not corrected. Early correction helps protect your oral health and may reduce the need for more extensive procedures later on.
Start Your Journey to a Confident Smile
Your ideal smile is within reach, no matter your age. Schedule a free orthodontic consultation at Premier Orthodontics & Dental Specialists in Elmhurst or Downers Grove, IL today. We accept most major dental insurances and we are more affordable that you think, with most patients on flexible mnthly payment plans.
Our team will review your goals, discuss treatment options, and design a personalized plan weather you want traditional braces, hidden lingual behind the teeth braces or invisible transparent clear aligners that fit your schedule and budget. Orthodontic treatment should be performed by specialists, be treated by an orthodontist! It’s never too late to start loving your smile.