Thinking about straightening your teeth as an adult? You’re in good company. More grown-ups than ever are choosing orthodontic care to improve their smile, bite and overall oral health. At Gross Orthodontics in El Paso, Dr. Amanda Gross and her team help adults find the right treatment option for their goals and lifestyle.
Here’s everything you need to know before you get started.
What Is Adult Orthodontics?
Adult orthodontics is orthodontic care for people 18 and older that corrects tooth alignment and bite issues using braces or clear aligners. It addresses the same concerns treated in teens (crowding, spacing, overbite, underbite, crossbite) plus relapse from earlier childhood treatment.
Adults make up a growing share of orthodontic patients. That shift reflects better options, better technology and a growing appreciation for how much a healthy bite matters at every age.
The biology is the same as it is for kids. Gentle, consistent pressure guides teeth into their ideal position over time. What’s different is the approach. Adults often want discreet appliances, predictable timelines and treatment plans that fit around careers, families and social lives. Dr. Gross and her team design care with all of that in mind, keeping each plan grounded in what works best for real, everyday life.
How Adult Orthodontic Treatment Works
Adult orthodontic care typically follows five clear steps, from your first visit to your final retainer. Most adult cases take 12 to 24 months, depending on complexity and the appliance you choose.
Here’s what to expect at Gross Orthodontics:
- Free consult and digital evaluation. Your first visit includes photos, digital scans and a bite assessment. Dr. Amanda Gross, a board-certified orthodontist, reviews your goals and identifies what’s happening beneath the surface.
- Personalized treatment plan. Dr. Gross recommends the best option for your case, whether that’s metal braces, clear braces, lingual braces or clear aligners. You’ll get a clear timeline for your treatment.
- Appliance placement. For braces, brackets are bonded to your teeth (often using indirect bonding for precision and comfort). For clear aligners, your first set is delivered along with instructions for wear and care.
- Regular progress visits. These visits are quick. Dr. Gross adjusts wires, swaps out aligner sets and tracks progress to keep your treatment on schedule.
- Retention phase. Once your teeth are in their new positions, retainers hold everything in place. Consistent retainer wear is what protects your results long term.
Gross Orthodontics uses the latest technology, including intraoral scanning, 3D printing and CBCT assessment, to make every step more accurate, more efficient and more comfortable for you.
Benefits of Adult Orthodontics
Straightening your teeth as an adult is about far more than looks. The benefits reach into your daily comfort, long-term health and confidence.
How Does Straightening Improve Oral Health?
Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss. That means less plaque buildup, a lower risk of cavities and healthier gums over time. Aligned teeth also reduce the small crevices where food and bacteria can hide, which supports fresher breath throughout your life. Many adults find that daily hygiene simply feels easier once their teeth are properly positioned.
How Does Orthodontic Care Improve Bite Function?
A properly aligned bite can reduce jaw strain and uneven wear on your enamel. Chewing feels easier and more natural, and speech can improve when your upper and lower teeth meet the way they were designed to. Fixed appliances and clear aligners both work to guide your bite into a healthier position, which protects your teeth from long-term wear.
Can Adult Orthodontics Boost Confidence?
A smile you’re proud of changes how you show up at work, at events and in photos. For many adults, this is the benefit they didn’t see coming. Feeling good about your smile often carries over into how you speak, laugh and interact with others, and that ripple effect is one of the most rewarding parts of adult care.
What Discreet Options Are Available?
Clear aligners, lingual braces and clear braces let you straighten your teeth without a mouth full of metal, if that’s what you prefer. If you had braces as a teen and your teeth shifted (very common without lifetime retainer wear), adult treatment can restore your smile. Orthodontic care also protects your dental health for decades, making it a lasting investment in yourself.
Dr. Amanda Gross is a board-certified orthodontist with years of specialized training, which means your care is guided by expertise you can trust. Every plan is built around your goals, not a one-size-fits-all template.
Comparing Adult Treatment Options: Braces vs. Aligners
Not sure which option is right for you? Here’s a side-by-side look at the four adult treatments offered at Gross Orthodontics.
| Option | Visibility | Best For | Removable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Braces | Visible | Complex cases, all severities | No |
| Clear Braces | Subtle (tooth-colored) | Most cases, moderate discretion | No |
| Lingual Braces | Invisible from front | Adults wanting full discretion | No |
| Clear Aligners | Nearly invisible | Mild to moderate cases | Yes |
A few things to think through as you compare:
- Lifestyle. Clear aligners come out for meals, brushing and special occasions. Braces stay put and do the work without you thinking about it.
- Case complexity. Some bite corrections respond better to fixed appliances. Dr. Gross will tell you honestly which options fit your case.
- Aesthetics. If keeping treatment private matters to you, lingual braces and clear aligners are the most discreet choices.
The best way to decide is a free consult. Dr. Gross will walk you through what each option would look and feel like for your specific smile.
Am I a Candidate for Adult Orthodontics?
If your teeth and gums are healthy, you’re likely a great candidate. There’s no upper age limit on orthodontic care. Dr. Gross treats adults in their 30s, 40s, 50s and well beyond.
You may be a strong candidate if you have:
- Crowded teeth that overlap or twist
- Gaps or spacing between teeth
- Overbite, underbite or crossbite affecting how your teeth meet
- Relapse from earlier orthodontic care
- Jaw discomfort linked to bite misalignment
A few things to know before starting:
- Gum health matters. Any active gum disease needs to be under control first. Healthy gums are the foundation of successful tooth movement.
- Consistency counts. You’ll need to keep up with brushing, flossing and your visit schedule. If you choose clear aligners, wearing them 20-22 hours a day is essential.
- A free consult is the best next step. Dr. Gross will evaluate your teeth, gums and bite, then let you know exactly what your options look like.
Every adult smile is different. That’s why Gross Orthodontics builds treatments personalized for you, so you can find your perfect fit and get a smile you love.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adult Orthodontics
Can you get orthodontics as an adult?
Yes. There is no upper age limit for orthodontic care. As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, you can straighten your smile at any age. Dr. Amanda Gross regularly treats adults in their 30s, 40s, 50s and well beyond who want to invest in their oral health and confidence.
Do I need a referral to see an orthodontist?
No referral is needed. You can schedule a free consult with Dr. Gross directly. During your visit, she’ll evaluate your smile, recommend the best treatment options for your goals and answer any questions you have about timelines and daily life during care.
How long does adult orthodontic care take?
Most adult cases take 12 to 24 months. Simpler cases (like minor spacing) may finish faster, while complex bite corrections can take longer. Dr. Gross will give you a personalized timeline at your consult based on your specific alignment goals and the appliance you choose.
Are clear aligners as effective as braces?
For most mild-to-moderate cases, yes. Clear aligners can achieve excellent results when worn consistently, 20-22 hours a day. For more complex bite issues, braces may be the better tool. Dr. Gross will help you decide which option will give you amazing results and fit into your lifestyle with the least disruption.
Will people notice I’m in orthodontic treatment?
Not if you’d rather they didn’t. Clear aligners are nearly invisible, clear braces blend with your natural tooth color and lingual braces sit behind your teeth where no one can see them. Dr. Gross will walk you through the most discreet options for your case at your free consult.
Do adults need to wear retainers after treatment?
Yes. Teeth naturally want to drift back toward their old positions, and that tendency doesn’t go away with age. Wearing your retainer as Dr. Gross directs is what protects your results for the long term.
Meet With an Adult Orthodontist in El Paso
Looking for an adult orthodontist in El Paso who will give you honest options and a plan that fits your life? Schedule a free consult at our El Paso office on Helen of Troy Dr. and find out what’s possible for your smile.