What Are Adult Braces?
Adult braces are orthodontic appliances that straighten teeth, close gaps, and correct bite issues in patients over 18. They work the same way as braces for kids and teens, just on adult bone. Whether you have crowding, an overbite, or teeth that have shifted with age, braces for adults in Tualatin, OR offer a reliable way to a healthier, more confident smile.
There’s no age limit for orthodontic care. Your teeth can move at 25, 45, or 65. Board-certified orthodontist Dr. Seth Senestraro works with adults throughout Tualatin, OR and the surrounding communities to find the option that fits your lifestyle, budget, and smile goals.
Today, roughly one in four orthodontic patients are adults. That number keeps growing as more people discover that it’s never too late to invest in their oral health. At Senestraro Family Orthodontics, we see adults every day who wish they’d started sooner, and we’re here to tell you that right now is a great time.
Modern braces come in several styles, and each one has its place:
- Traditional metal brackets are the most common option and handle nearly every type of case, from mild spacing to complex bite correction.
- Tooth-colored ceramic braces blend with your natural enamel for a more subtle look, popular with professionals.
- Lingual braces sit behind your teeth, hidden from view entirely.
- Clear aligner systems like Invisalign use removable trays for mild to moderate corrections.
During your free consult, our team walks you through every option so you can choose the one that fits your goals.
Benefits of Getting Braces as an Adult
Straightening your teeth does more than improve your appearance. Here’s what adult braces can do for you.
Crowded teeth trap food and make brushing difficult. Straight teeth are easier to clean, which means less plaque buildup, fewer cavities, and healthier gums over time. Better oral health is one of the most overlooked reasons adults choose braces.
Relief from jaw tension and headaches. A misaligned bite puts stress on your jaw joints and muscles. Many adults live with chronic TMJ discomfort, teeth grinding, or tension headaches without realizing their bite is the cause. Correcting your alignment can bring real relief.
Even wear on your teeth. When your bite doesnโt line up properly, certain teeth take more pressure than others. The result? Chips, cracks, and worn enamel over time. Braces distribute force evenly across all your teeth.
A confidence boost is the benefit most adults talk about first. Let’s be honest: how you feel about your smile affects how you show up in meetings, on video calls, and in photos. Adults who straighten their teeth often say they smile more freely and feel more confident in professional and social settings.
Long-term value. Orthodontic care is an investment that pays off for decades. Healthy, well-aligned teeth require less dental work down the road.
The Adult Braces Treatment Process in Tualatin
Getting braces as an adult is straightforward. Here’s what to expect at Senestraro Family Orthodontics:
Free consult and digital scan. Your first visit includes a thorough exam and digital scan using iTero digital scanners, no goopy impressions. Weโll talk through your concerns, take photos, and answer all your questions.
Custom treatment plan. Based on your scan, Dr. Seth creates a plan outlining your timeline, the type of braces recommended, and a clear breakdown of fees. Youโll know exactly what to expect before you commit.
Braces placement. Getting your braces on typically takes one to two hours. Your teeth may feel a bit tight afterward as they start adjusting.
Regular adjustments. Youโll visit our Tualatin office every six to eight weeks for adjustments. These quick visits keep your treatment on track and give us a chance to monitor your progress.
Retainers and aftercare. Once your braces come off, youโll wear retainers to keep your teeth in their new positions. This step is essential. Without retention, teeth can shift back over time.
Free consult and digital scan. Your first visit includes a thorough exam and digital scan using iTero digital scanners, no goopy impressions. Weโll talk through your concerns, take photos, and answer all your questions.
Custom treatment plan. Based on your scan, Dr. Seth creates a plan outlining your timeline, the type of braces recommended, and a clear breakdown of fees. Youโll know exactly what to expect before you commit.
Braces placement. Getting your braces on typically takes one to two hours. Your teeth may feel a bit tight afterward as they start adjusting.
Regular adjustments. Youโll visit our Tualatin office every six to eight weeks for adjustments. These quick visits keep your treatment on track and give us a chance to monitor your progress.
Retainers and aftercare. Once your braces come off, youโll wear retainers to keep your teeth in their new positions. This step is essential. Without retention, teeth can shift back over time.
Most adult treatments take between 12 and 24 months, depending on the complexity of your case. Some minor corrections finish in under a year, while more involved cases may take a little longer.
Are You a Good Candidate for Adult Braces?
Most adults with healthy teeth and gums are good candidates for braces. Wondering if it’s right for you? You might benefit from braces if you have:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth that are hard to clean
- Gaps between teeth you’d like to close
- An overbite, underbite, or crossbite affecting your bite function
- Teeth that have shifted since childhood orthodontic care
- Jaw discomfort or uneven wear from misalignment
- A history of grinding or clenching tied to bite issues
If you have active gum disease, that needs to be addressed first. Healthy gum tissue provides the foundation for tooth movement. Our team works closely with your general dentist to make sure you’re ready for treatment.
Had braces as a teenager but didn’t wear your retainer? You’re not alone. Many of our adult patients are getting a second chance at a straight smile. Dr. Seth evaluates each case individually during your free consult to determine the best approach for your specific situation.
Why Tualatin, OR Adults Choose Senestraro Family Orthodontics
Choosing an orthodontist is a big decision. Here’s why families and adults across Tualatin trust Senestraro Family Orthodontics:
Board-certified expertise. Dr. Seth Senestraro is a board-certified orthodontist and member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), American Dental Association (ADA), and American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). He brings years of specialized training focused exclusively on moving teeth and correcting bites.
A practice that treats you like family. Weโre not a corporate chain. Senestraro Family Orthodontics is a family-owned practice where youโll see the same faces at every visit. We take time to get to know you and answer your questions, with no rushing through visits.
What sets us apart most, though, is how we mix that personal feel with serious clinical tools. Our team is built around making every visit feel easy from the moment you walk in.
Tech that makes treatment easier. Our iTero digital scanners eliminate messy impressions. We use low-profile brackets and offer discreet options for adults who want a subtler look during treatment.
Affordable payment options. We think everyone deserves a great smile. Our team works with you to maximize insurance benefits and offers flexible monthly payment plans that fit your budget.
We’ve earned strong reviews from patients throughout Tualatin, OR, Tigard, Sherwood, Wilsonville, and Lake Oswego who appreciate our welcoming environment.
Adult Braces FAQs
Am I too old for braces?
No, you’re not too old for braces. There’s no upper age limit for orthodontic care. As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, braces can work for you whether you’re 30, 50, or 70. Adult bone is denser than a teenager’s, which sometimes means treatment takes a little longer, but the results are just as effective.
How much do adult braces cost in Tualatin?
The fee varies based on your specific needs and the type of braces you choose. During your free consult, we provide a detailed estimate with no surprises. Senestraro Family Orthodontics offers affordable payment options and works with most insurance plans that include adult orthodontic coverage.
How long will I need braces as an adult?
Most adult treatments take 12 to 24 months. Minor corrections may finish in under a year, while more complex cases can extend beyond two years. Dr. Seth gives you a realistic timeline during your consult based on your individual case.
Do adult braces hurt?
You’ll feel some pressure and mild soreness after your braces are placed and following adjustments. This typically lasts a few days and responds well to over-the-counter relievers. Most adults find the discomfort very manageable and much less intense than they expected.
Will insurance cover adult braces?
Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits for adults, though coverage amounts vary. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment begins so you know exactly what to expect. We also offer payment plans to make any remaining balance affordable.
Braces vs. Invisalign for adults: which is better?
It depends on your case. Here’s a quick comparison:
Dr. Seth discusses both options during your consult and recommends what will give you the best smile.
Schedule Your Free Adult Braces Consult in Tualatin
Ready to unleash your smile? Senestraro Family Orthodontics offers free consults for adults considering braces. There’s no obligation, just an honest conversation about your options and what treatment would look like for you.
Book online at senestrarofamilyortho.com/lp/free-consult or give us a call at (503) 783-4093. We also offer virtual consults for busy adults who want to get started from home.
Our practice serves Tualatin, OR, Tigard, Sherwood, Wilsonville, and Lake Oswego, with offices in Tualatin, Sherwood, Wilsonville, and Portland. Wherever you are in the area, we’re here to help you get the smile you’ve always wanted.
Sit back, relax & get started, it’s never too late to invest in yourself.