What Are Adult Braces and Why Are More Adults in Los Angeles Choosing Them?
Adult braces are orthodontic devices that correct misalignment, crowding, and bite issues using brackets, wires, or clear aligners. If you’re exploring braces for adults in Los Angeles, CA, you’re not alone. The American Association of Orthodontists reports that adult orthodontic treatment has grown significantly over the past two decades, with roughly 1 in 4 orthodontic patients now over the age of 18.
Board-certified orthodontists at 360 Orthodontics in Los Angeles offer metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign to help adults achieve straighter, healthier smiles. Maybe crooked teeth have bothered you for years, or a bite issue is causing jaw discomfort. Either way, modern braces can help.
So what’s driving the trend in Los Angeles? Confidence at work, easier cleaning, fewer cavities down the road. The reasons vary, but the decision usually comes down to being ready to invest in yourself. Many adults in Ventura County are also realizing that straight teeth contribute to better long-term oral health, not just a better-looking smile.
Today’s braces aren’t like the bulky metal brackets you might remember from middle school. They’re smaller, more comfortable, and work faster than previous generations of orthodontic appliances. Clear braces blend with your natural tooth color. Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible. You have options that fit your lifestyle and preferences.
Adults in their 30s, 50s, and even 70s start treatment at our Los Angeles office every month.
Benefits of Getting Braces as an Adult
Adult braces offer five key benefits: improved oral health, jaw discomfort relief, greater confidence, discreet treatment options, and long-term cost savings that can prevent costly future dental work.
Better oral health
Crooked or crowded teeth create tight spaces where plaque and bacteria hide. Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss properly, which means fewer cavities and healthier gums over time. The American Dental Association notes that proper tooth alignment supports gum health and reduces the risk of periodontal disease. For many adults, this alone makes treatment worthwhile.
Relief from jaw discomfort
A misaligned bite puts extra stress on your jaw joints and muscles. Picture waking up with a sore jaw every morning, or hearing a click every time you chew. Correcting your bite can reduce or eliminate chronic headaches, jaw clicking, and uneven tooth wear. Relief from jaw discomfort is one of the most common reasons adults at 360 Orthodontics in Los Angeles start treatment.
More confidence in everyday life
A smile you’re proud of changes how you carry yourself in meetings, on video calls, and at family gatherings. Many of our adult customers at 360 Orthodontics in Los Angeles tell us they smile more freely after treatment, and that confidence shows up at work and at home.
You don’t have to announce to the world that you’re getting braces, either. Clear braces and Invisalign let you straighten your teeth without drawing attention, which matters to a lot of working professionals.
Long-term cost savings
Then there’s the financial side. Crooked teeth and bite issues can lead to worn enamel, cracked teeth, and gum recession over time. Fixing alignment issues now can prevent costly dental work later, making braces a smart long-term investment. Putting money toward your smile now pays off for years to come.
The Adult Braces Process at 360 Orthodontics in Los Angeles
The adult braces process at 360 Orthodontics in Los Angeles involves five steps: a free consultation, choosing your braces type, placement, regular adjustments, and removal with retainer fitting. Here’s what to expect at each stage:
Free consultation with digital imaging. Your first visit includes digital X-rays and scans, all included at no extra cost. Our orthodontists examine your teeth, discuss your goals, and create a treatment plan specific to you.
Choose your braces type. Based on your needs and preferences, you’ll select from metal braces, clear braces, or Invisalign aligners. We’ll explain what works best for your situation so you can make an informed decision.
Braces placement or aligner fitting. Once you’re ready, we place your braces or fit your first set of aligners. The appointment is comfortable and typically takes about an hour for braces or less for Invisalign.
Regular adjustment visits. You’ll return every 4-8 weeks so we can check your progress and make adjustments. These visits are quick, usually 15-20 minutes.
Braces removal and retainer fitting. When your teeth reach their ideal positions, we remove your braces and fit you with a custom retainer. Wearing your retainer as directed keeps your results lasting.
Most adult treatments take between 12 and 24 months, depending on the complexity of your case. During your free consultation at 360 Orthodontics, we’ll give you a realistic timeline based on your specific situation.
Am I a Good Candidate for Adult Braces?
Most adults with healthy teeth and gums are good candidates for braces at 360 Orthodontics in Los Angeles, including those with crowding, gaps, bite issues, or orthodontic relapse. Active gum disease or significant decay should be treated first, but these conditions don’t rule out braces entirely.
Common issues we treat in adults
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbite, underbite, or crossbite
- Teeth that have shifted after previous orthodontic treatment
Had braces as a teenager but your teeth have moved? You’re not alone. Orthodontic relapse is common, especially if retainers weren’t worn consistently. Retreatment can restore your straight smile.
What might delay treatment?
Active gum disease or significant tooth decay typically needs to be addressed before starting braces. Our orthodontists work with your general dentist to make sure your mouth is healthy and ready for treatment.
The best way to know if you’re a candidate is to schedule a free consultation at 360 Orthodontics in Los Angeles. Our board-certified orthodontists will evaluate your teeth, answer your questions, and explain your options. No pressure, no obligation. Our Colton office is conveniently located for adults across Ventura County.
Why Los Angeles Adults Trust 360 Orthodontics
Choosing an orthodontist is a big decision. Here’s why adults across Los Angeles and Ventura County choose 360 Orthodontics:
Board-certified orthodontic specialists
Our orthodontists completed years of specialized training beyond dental school. You’re getting care from experts who focus exclusively on straightening teeth and correcting bites, not general dentists offering orthodontics on the side.
Modern technology for better results
Digital X-rays and 3D scanning allow our team to plan your treatment with precision. That means no messy impressions and more predictable outcomes.
Prices you can smile about
We quote you one price that covers everything, and that’s what you pay. No hidden fees or surprise costs, easy payment plans, and flexible financing options.
Scheduling is flexible, too. Our Los Angeles office offers appointment times that work around your busy life.
Our customers consistently mention the friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere in their reviews. We want your time with us to be comfortable from your first visit to your last adjustment.
With over 10k customers served across Southern California, 360 Orthodontics has built a reputation that Los Angeles families and working professionals trust.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adult Orthodontic Treatment in Los Angeles
How much do adult braces cost in Los Angeles, CA?
Adult braces in Los Angeles typically range depending on type and complexity. Metal braces are generally the most affordable option, while Invisalign may cost more. Your free consultation at 360 Orthodontics includes a detailed cost breakdown with no surprises.
Are braces uncomfortable for adults?
Adult braces cause mild, temporary discomfort that typically lasts a few days after placement and following adjustment appointments. This is normal and usually manageable with over-the-counter relief like ibuprofen. Most adults find it’s much less than they expected.
How long do adults wear braces?
Most adults wear braces for 12 to 24 months, though some cases may be shorter or longer. Treatment time depends on the severity of misalignment, the type of braces chosen, and how closely you follow your orthodontist’s instructions.
Can I get braces if I have crowns or missing teeth?
Yes. Our orthodontists create treatment plans that work around existing dental work like crowns, bridges, and implants. In some cases, braces can help prepare your mouth for future dental restorations by creating proper spacing.
What’s the difference between clear braces and Invisalign?
Clear braces use tooth-colored ceramic brackets bonded to your teeth with wires, similar to metal braces but much less noticeable. Invisalign uses a series of removable clear plastic aligners that you switch out every 1-2 weeks. The table below compares clear braces and Invisalign across five key factors to help you decide which option fits your lifestyle.
| Feature | Clear Braces | Invisalign |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Tooth-colored, subtle | Nearly invisible |
| Removable | No | Yes |
| Eating restrictions | Some | None |
| Best for | Complex cases | Mild to moderate cases |
| Adjustment visits | Every 4-8 weeks | Every 6-8 weeks |
Schedule Your Free Adult Braces Consultation in Los Angeles Today
Ready to find out what braces can do for your smile? Book your free consultation at 360 Orthodontics in Los Angeles. We’ll take digital scans of your teeth, discuss your goals, and walk you through your treatment options, all at no cost and with no obligation.
You deserve a better smile. Getting started is simple, and with all-inclusive pricing starting at $89/month, easy payment plans, and a team that actually answers when you call, there’s no reason to wait.
We also have offices in Oxnard, Santa Clarita, Santa Ana, and Colton, so wherever you are in Southern California, 360 Orthodontics is nearby.
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