Adult orthodontics: why more adults are getting orthodontic treatment

More than three-quarters of orthodontists (76%)reported an increase in adult patients seeking orthodontic treatment between 2020-2023. The survey, conducted by the British Orthodontic Society, found the majority of patients (83%) were between 26-55 years old.

We're exploring why interest in adult orthodontic treatment is growing, and will leave you with insights that help you decide if it's the right time to start your orthodontic journey.

What are orthodontics for adults?

Orthodontics corrects the misalignment of teeth and jaw placements. This is typically corrected using clear aligners or braces.

What's the difference between orthodontics for adults vs children?

The main difference between orthodontics for adults is that the bone structure is already fully formed in adults. Orthodontists will work with your permanent teeth, which can me a lengthier and more technical process.

Interceptive orthodontics in children is typically used to prevent and correct malocclusion problems before jaw development is complete. That's why regular checks throughout childhood are important.

Braces in adulthood: why wear orthodontics?

Correcting your dental misalignments, or repair broken, missing or gap teeth is a popular health desire for many. You might also have a need for dental repairs with a dentist or orthodontist if you're dealing with decay and gum disease.

Healthy teeth and gums is more than a matter of aesthetics in adulthood. Properly aligned teeth help you avoid tooth decay and gum disease, as it makes your teeth easier to brush and floss. An issue of misalignment and malocclusion can end up causing more serious dental or health problems:

• poor digestion 
• sleep apnea
• tooth loss
• headaches
• neck pain
• difficulty pronouncing certain sounds

Orthodontics for adults: when is it necessary?

Three types of adult patients typically seek out functional orthodontics to straighten their teeth.

Some people have never been treated before, which could be for a number of reasons.

It could be due to access to financial resources, for others, it could be the waiting times when accessing treatment through the public health system.

The second group is people who have experienced orthodontics before. Adults who failed to complete their treatment with traditional metal braces in their teens may need it again in adulthood. This is usually the case if patients stop wearing retainers afterwards.

There are also cases where patients didn’t need orthodontics as a child, but do as an adult because of something like their wisdom teeth growing in and shifting the teeth and or causing crowding.

Orthodontics for adults can treat all sorts of dental problems, from the simplest to the most complicated: crowding, open occlusion, protrusion, overbite, anterior or posterior crossbite and more.

Orthodontic treatment options for adults

There are currently many types of braces and orthodontic treatment options for adults. Thanks to advances in technology and medicine, you can now choose between several different types of orthodontics:

• Metal braces for adults - Traditional metal braces are a common option for teeth straightening. They are made up of metal braces glued to the tooth and joined by a were.

• Clear braces for adults - Ceramic braces, or sapphire braces work in the same way as metal braces, although they are a bit more discreet because their colour mimics that of the tooth's natural enamel.

• Lingual braces - Placed on the inside of the teeth, lingual braces are completely invisible from the outside unless you look inside the mouth. They work in the same way as metal braces, with the only difference being the change in location.

• Removable Orthodontics for Adults - Removable aligners are essentially just transparent splints that work by putting pressure on the teeth to move them until they are fully aligned. 

Their main component is rigid and robust polyurethane, a type of high-quality medical material created with the latest technology. It is also the most comfortable and functional option when it comes to orthodontics for adults.

There are also dental splints for other conditions, such as bruxism and retention.

Adult orthodontics: before and after

If you are curious to see the before and after of orthodontics in adults, take a look at our results and reviews section. You can take a look at some of the cases we have treated with clear aligners and see our results.

Benefits of orthodontics or braces in adults

Orthodontics has many benefits for the adult patient, like:

Improved aesthetics

We can correct those small dental imperfections and achieve the smile of our dreams.

Health improvement

We can also correct oral health problems, in addition to improving certain respiratory and muscular problems. Chewing problems are also improved, making it easier to brush your teeth thoroughly, and aid the proper digestion of food.

Improved pronunciation

Some occlusion problems can lead to difficulties pronouncing certain sounds. Thanks to orthodontics, many people have been able to pronounce certain sounds that they were not capable of before. Or, on the other hand, they’ve also managed to get rid of unwanted sounds like a lisp.

Prepares the mouth for subsequent dental treatments

For example, there are certain cases, like with dental implants, that require orthodontics to create spaces for their placement.

Orthodontics for adults over 50

Over the age of 50 is a rising age group of people wanting to invest in orthodontic treatment, however, there are certain cases which are ill-advised to start treatment.

Patients suffering from periodontitis, osteoporosis, impacted teeth or certain conditions related to the bite should all seek the direction of an orthodontic specialist.

Impress clear aligners: an alternative to braces for adults

At Impress we want to help you achieve a healthy and aligned smile by offering you a quality service that adapts to your lifestyle. So we specialise in invisible orthodontics, and use teeth aligners to treat adults and teens.

At Impress we offer different treatments with fixed all-inclusive prices. If you want to align your teeth with the best professionals, get in touch with us. Why not find your nearest Impress clinic?

You can also book an appointment through our website, by phone on +44 20 3808 1072, or follow us on social media.

Updated: October 2025