If you’ve ever thought braces are “just for kids,” think again. More adults than ever are choosing orthodontic treatment, and not just for cosmetic reasons. In fact, nearly one in four orthodontic patients today is an adult, proving that it’s never too late to invest in your smile.
At Lakewood Orthodontics, we love helping adults in Lee’s Summit discover that confidence doesn’t have an age limit. Whether you’re fixing a relapse from childhood braces, improving your bite for better health, or finally treating yourself to the smile you’ve always wanted, adult braces can fit seamlessly into your lifestyle.
Treatment Options for Adults
Modern orthodontics offers more choices than ever, and that’s great news for busy adults. You can straighten your teeth with options that are faster, more comfortable, and more discreet than the braces you remember from childhood.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners like Invisalign®, ULab, and 3M™ Clarity are popular with adults because they’re nearly invisible and completely removable. These custom trays move your teeth gently and effectively — no wires, no brackets, and no food restrictions. You’ll wear each set for about one to two weeks before switching to the next in the series, watching your smile improve step by step.
Traditional Metal Braces
Still the most precise option available, modern metal braces are smaller, sleeker, and more comfortable than ever before. For complex cases, they can deliver powerful results in a shorter timeframe.
Ceramic Braces
If you prefer a fixed option, ceramic braces offer the reliability of traditional braces with a subtle, tooth-colored design. They’re perfect for adults who want consistent results without the “metal mouth” look.
Dr. Ravi Rajanna and our team at Lakewood Orthodontics will help you choose the best treatment option for your smile goals, schedule, and budget.
Why Adults Choose Braces
You might be surprised how many adults are now embracing orthodontic treatment, and for good reason. Here are some of the most common motivations we see from patients at Lakewood Orthodontics:
Relapse After Childhood Braces
Many adults had braces as kids, but stopped wearing their retainers over time. As a result, teeth can slowly shift back out of alignment. Adult braces or clear aligners can help you reclaim the straight, confident smile you once had.
Bite Problems or Jaw Pain
Orthodontic treatment isn’t just cosmetic. A misaligned bite can lead to jaw discomfort, headaches, or uneven wear on teeth. Straightening your bite helps improve long-term dental health and comfort.
Confidence and Professional Appearance
A straight, balanced smile helps you feel more confident in social and professional settings. Many adults seek treatment before major life events — weddings, career changes, or simply to feel their best every day.
Oral Health Improvements
Crowded or overlapping teeth are harder to clean, increasing the risk of plaque buildup and gum disease. Straightening your teeth makes brushing and flossing easier and more effective.
Setting an Example for Your Kids
Many parents choose to start treatment alongside their children, showing that taking care of your smile is a lifelong investment. It’s also a great way to show your kids that braces aren’t scary!
The Benefits of Adult Braces
No matter your reason, adult braces come with benefits that go far beyond straighter teeth.
Boosted Confidence
Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. Correcting crooked or uneven teeth can make you feel more comfortable smiling, speaking, and laughing — whether you’re in a meeting or out with friends.
Better Oral Health
When your teeth are properly aligned, it’s easier to keep them clean. That means fewer cavities, less plaque buildup, and healthier gums.
Improved Function
Orthodontic treatment can correct bite issues like overbites, underbites, and crossbites, improving the way your teeth fit together. That can make chewing, speaking, and even sleeping more comfortable.
Discreet Treatment Options
Gone are the days of bulky metal braces. Today’s options are sleek, subtle, and customized for comfort. Clear aligners and ceramic braces let you keep your treatment private while still delivering beautiful results.
Long-Term Investment
Straightening your teeth is a long-term investment in your health. Proper alignment reduces wear on enamel and helps prevent jaw strain and uneven tooth damage.
What to Expect with Orthodontic Treatment as an Adult
Starting orthodontic treatment as an adult is simpler than you might expect. Here’s how it typically works at Lakewood Orthodontics:
Step 1: Your Free Consultation
Your journey starts with a complimentary consultation at our Lee’s Summit office. Dr. Rajanna will take digital scans of your teeth (no messy impressions) and discuss your goals and treatment options.
Step 2: Personalized Treatment Plan
We’ll create a detailed treatment plan tailored to your needs, whether you choose clear aligners, ceramic braces, or another option. You’ll get a clear timeline of what to expect — including how long your adult braces may take based on your case.
Step 3: Active Treatment
Once your braces or aligners are placed, your teeth will gradually move into alignment. You’ll visit us for quick checkups every six to eight weeks to ensure everything is progressing smoothly.
Step 4: Retainers and Maintenance
When treatment is complete, you’ll wear retainers to maintain your results. This step is especially important for adults who’ve experienced relapse before — it keeps your new smile looking great for life.
Life with Adult Braces
Worried about how braces will fit into your day-to-day life? You might be surprised how easy it is.
- Professional Life: Most adults find that clear aligners or ceramic braces are so discreet that coworkers hardly notice.
- Diet: With clear aligners, you can eat whatever you want. If you choose braces, just avoid hard or sticky foods that could damage the brackets.
- Oral Care: You’ll brush and floss normally, though it may take a little extra time with braces. Clear aligners make this even easier.
- Comfort: Today’s orthodontic technology uses gentle, consistent force to move teeth comfortably and efficiently.
Our Lakewood team will give you all the guidance and tools you need to keep your treatment on track and your smile feeling its best.
Why You’ll Love Adult Braces at Lakewood Orthodontics
At Lakewood Orthodontics, we understand what it’s like to balance orthodontic treatment with a busy adult schedule. That’s why we design every plan around your lifestyle. From flexible financing options to early morning and convenient appointment times, we make your care easy and stress-free.
Dr. Rajanna combines expertise with advanced technology to deliver precise, efficient results for every patient, without sacrificing comfort or confidence along the way.
You’ll always know what’s happening, what to expect next, and how close you are to your goal. Our mission is to help you smile confidently, not just at the end of treatment, but every day in between.
Ready to Start Your Smile Story?
Your age doesn’t define your smile, your confidence does. Whether you’re in your 20s, 40s, or 60s, you deserve to love the way you look and feel. At Lakewood Orthodontics in Lee’s Summit, we’re here to help you make that happen. From clear aligners to ceramic braces, you’ll get personalized care designed around your goals, schedule, and lifestyle.
It’s never too late to love your smile. Schedule your free consultation today and discover how adult braces can help you look and feel your best.