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For many of us, orthodontic treatment like braces and retainers are a childhood phenomenon. But that’s not the whole story. According to an American Association of Orthodontists survey, almost 2 million orthodontic patients were adults in 2024. This just goes to show that it’s never too late to give your teeth the love they deserve. But before taking the plunge, there are some things to consider as an adult orthodontia patient:
- 1. What is adult orthodontics?
- 2. How much do adult braces cost?
- 3. What are the different types of adult braces?
- 4. How do you find dental benefits that cover adult orthodontia?
Here are some answers to common questions about adult braces, the costs versus the benefits, and the different types of insurance that cover braces.
What is Adult Orthodontics
and Why You May Need It
A set of straight, white teeth is an undeniable confidence boost no matter the age. But as you navigate careers and relationships, you may find yourself thinking a lot more about the look of your smile. Yet, adult orthodontics is more than cosmetic. Misaligned teeth, bite issues, and other orthodontic issues can lead to even more complex health issues as we age.
Orthodontists use adult braces to correct misaligned teeth, adjust your bite position, or make space for crowded teeth. Adult orthodontic treatments can also improve facial and smile aesthetics, improve oral health, manage periodontal issues, and be used to prepare for restorative treatments by making space for crowns, veneers, or bridges. In some cases, adult braces and other orthodontics can assist with functional problems like TMJ or even address speech or chewing issues.
Adult orthodontics focuses on straightening teeth and correcting bite issues later in life, often in ways that fit more comfortably into a busy, professional lifestyle. This can be because the treatments are more discreet, flexible, or have shorter time commitments. Here’s a look at what this looks like in practice:
- Clear aligners that are nearly invisible and easy to remove
- Ceramic braces, designed to be less noticeable than traditional braces
- Lingual braces, which sit behind the teeth
Your orthodontist will tailor treatment around your oral health, lifestyle, and any dental work you already have.
Why Adults Choose Orthodontics (It’s Not Just About Looks)
While a straighter smile is a great benefit, adults may pursue orthodontic care for health-related reasons, too.
You might consider adult orthodontics if:
- Your teeth have shifted over time, especially after not wearing a retainer
- Crowded teeth make brushing and flossing harder
- You have a bite issue that causes jaw pain or headaches
- Certain teeth show uneven wear or chipping
- Chewing feels uncomfortable or inefficient
- You’ve become more self-conscious about your smile at work or in photos
Straightening your teeth, correcting your bite, or preparing your teeth for restorative treatment can help everything work together more smoothly — not just look better.
How Orthodontics Can Support Your Long-Term Oral Health
Properly aligned teeth can:
- Make daily cleaning easier and more effective
- Reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease
- Distribute bite pressure more evenly
- Help protect teeth from premature wear
- Chewing feels uncomfortable or inefficient
- Support healthier gums and jaw joints
Think of orthodontics as an investment in keeping your natural teeth healthy for as long as possible.
Is It Too Late to Get Braces as an Adult?
Not at all. There’s no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment. As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, you can benefit from treatment at almost any stage of adulthood. Many patients choose orthodontics during life changes — a new job, a renewed focus on health, or simply deciding it’s time to do something for themselves.
Four Types of Braces for Adults
If you opt for adult braces, your orthodontist will help you identify the best choice for your teeth. Together, you will likely weigh several factors including your lifestyle, the scale of your treatment needs, the relative cost for different types of adult braces, and whether your dental insurance covers braces. Here are the four most common types of adult braces:
Metal braces
When we picture the traditional braces of our childhoods, most adults picture metal braces. Composed of brackets, wires and bands, adult metal braces move teeth through gradual adjustments to the wires. But metal braces have come a long way in the last few decades; they are smaller, sleeker and less intrusive, making them a reasonable option for adults.
Ceramic braces
Ceramic braces are like metal braces, except the brackets are clear, making them less noticeable than their metal counterparts.
Clear Aligners
Invisible – or clear – aligners are a popular option for adult braces, because they are clear in color and removable. Over the course of treatment, your orthodontist fits you for several sets of custom clear aligners that gradually shift your teeth. A word of caution: when considering the cost of adult braces, you might be tempted to choose a mail-order DIY invisible aligner. Before going this route, it’s best to remember that your coverage may not extend to this kind of approach and to research the risk factors and consult your dentist.
Lingual braces
Lingual braces are placed on the back of the teeth, offering a more discreet look than other options of braces. Lingual braces usually come with the highest cost of all adult braces options.
Why You May Need Braces as an Adult
Left untreated, orthodontic issues can potentially cause problems later in life. Crowded and crooked teeth are harder to clean, leading to tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss. In some cases, an uneven bite interferes with eating and speaking and causes abnormal wear and tear on your teeth.
Given these potential problems, shouldering the cost of adult braces now may actually save you future dental work — and money — later in life. Your dentist or orthodontist can help you weigh the cost of adult braces with the benefits of treatment.
How Much Are Braces for Adults
Every smile is unique, and so is every orthodontic treatment plan. The cost of adult braces varies depending on the severity of the treatment, how long it takes to complete, and what area of the country you live in. It’s hard to know exactly how much your adult braces will cost without talking to an orthodontist.
You should also confirm with your benefits provider whether adult orthodontia is covered. Most basic dental plans don’t cover orthodontia unless you specifically enroll in a plan that includes it, like the Delta Dental – Plus Ortho Plan.
As an example, let’s assume you have a dental benefits plan that covers some orthodontic treatment. Here is a hypothetical list of what might go into how much you’ll end up actually paying for a $4,000 orthodontic treatment:
- $4,000 total treatment cost
- 12 months of orthodontic treatment
- 50% coverage for orthodontic treatment
- $1,500 total orthodontic coverage lifetime payout maximum
Example: $4,000 Orthodontic Treatment Cost Breakdown
In this example, the orthodontist charges $4,000 for treatment. The Delta Dental – Plus Ortho Plan covers up to 50% of orthodontic treatment, up to $1,500, with $750 after the treatment begins and then $62.50 each month of the treatment until the $1,500 lifetime maximum is met. After twelve months, you’ll pay $2,500 and the Delta Dental – Plus Ortho Plan will cover $1,500.
Note: The above information is only a high-level example. Your total out of pocket costs depends on a lot of factors like your specific plan, lifetime maximum, whether you’ve already reached your deductible, and more. If you're looking to find out the exact cost of adult braces, you should first check with your dental insurance provider to understand your plan's specific coverage for adult braces.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Braces for Adults?
Orthodontia is not a common part of most dental benefits or coverage unless you have a plan that specifically covers orthodontia. Our Delta Dental – Plus Ortho Plan, for example, has specific coverage for orthodontic treatment.
If you are an employer looking for dental coverage for you and/or your employees, take a look at our group dental plans.
If you are considering adult orthodontic treatment, double check with your coverage provider to ensure your costs will not exceed your budget. If you have a Delta Dental benefits plan, it’s easy to find out if your dental insurance covers braces. Log into your Delta Dental of Washington account here to learn about your dental coverage.
The Orthodontic Treatment Process (What to Expect Step-by-Step)
Once you decide to move forward with adult orthodontia, what can you expect? Luckily, orthodontic treatment and care are very structured, predictable, and supportive, so you know what’s coming next at each stage – and when!
Step 1: Your Initial Consultation
Your journey starts with a consultation, where the orthodontist:
- Examines your teeth, bite, and jaw alignment
- Takes x-rays, photos, or digital scans
- Talks through your goals and concerns
This is also the time to ask practical questions about comfort, cost, and how orthodontic treatment fits into your daily life.
Step 2: Your Personalized Treatment Plan
Next, your orthodontist creates a treatment plan designed just for you. This plan outlines:
- The type of treatment recommended (clear aligners, braces, etc.)
- The expected timeline
- How often you’ll need follow-up visits
- Any special considerations for existing dental work
This is when you’ll learn just how long you have to wear braces. In most cases, treatment lasts 12 to 24 months, though simpler cases may take less time and more complex cases may take longer.
Step 3: Getting Your Braces or Aligners
Once your plan is set, treatment begins.
- Braces are placed during an in-office appointment
- Clear aligners are delivered with instructions for wear and care
You may feel some pressure or soreness at first, but this typically fades within a few days as your teeth adjust.
Step 4: Regular Check-Ins and Adjustments
Throughout treatment, you’ll have periodic check-ins so your orthodontist can make small adjustments and keep things moving smoothly. These visits help:
- Ensure teeth are shifting as planned
- Address any discomfort or fit issues
- Keep treatment on track and efficient
Consistency — especially with aligner wear — plays a big role in staying within your expected timeline.
Step 5: Completing Orthodontic Treatment and Retention
Once your teeth reach their ideal alignment, active treatment ends — but maintenance continues.
- Braces are removed or aligners are completed
- You’ll receive a retainer to help keep your teeth in place
Wearing your retainer as directed is essential to protecting the results you’ve worked toward.
Find an Orthodontist Near You
Use our Find a Dentist tool and filter for orthodontists in your neighborhood. Whether you're looking for a dental plan or already have coverage, we're here for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of braces are best for adults
How much does braces for adults cost?
Does dental insurance cover braces?
- Cover orthodontic treatment for children only
- Offer limited or partial coverage for adults
- Have a lifetime orthodontia maximum
Does Delta Dental cover braces?
Does dental insurance cover clear aligners?
Does Delta Dental cover clear aligners?
How to find an orthodontist near me
Looking for an individual and family dental plan? Click here.
Looking for a group dental plan? Click here.
