There is a quiet trend happening in orthodontic offices across Memphis, and it has nothing to do with kids or teens. Adults are getting orthodontic treatment in higher numbers than ever before. One in every four orthodontic patients in the United States is now an adult, and that number continues to grow every year. If you have ever thought about finally straightening your teeth but assumed your window had closed, this guide is for you.
Why Are More Memphis Adults Getting Orthodontic Treatment?
Adult orthodontics is not a new concept. What has changed is access, technology, and the range of options available. A few specific shifts have driven the trend:
Clear aligners changed the game. When Invisalign entered the mainstream in the early 2000s, it suddenly became possible for adults to straighten their teeth without the social cost of visible braces. Business professionals, parents in the school pickup line, and anyone whose daily life involves being in front of other people no longer had to choose between crooked teeth and obvious orthodontic hardware.
Adults are more focused on long-term health. Straight teeth are easier to clean, which reduces the long-term risk of cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. A properly aligned bite also prevents abnormal wear on teeth and reduces strain on the jaw joints, which can become significant issues later in life.
Work and social expectations have shifted. Video calls, social media, and a general premium on appearance in professional settings have made adults more aware of their smiles than ever before. Many patients tell us they have thought about treatment for years and finally decided to stop putting it off.
Treatment is faster and more comfortable. Modern orthodontic technology, from 3D digital scanning to accelerated treatment protocols, has shortened treatment times and made the experience much easier than it used to be.
Financing is more flexible. Interest-free payment plans, HSA and FSA acceptance, and expanded insurance coverage have made adult orthodontic treatment financially accessible for more families.
Is It Really Ever Too Late for Adults to Get Orthodontic Treatment?
No. This is probably the biggest misconception we hear at consultations. Teeth can be moved at any age, as long as the gums and underlying bone are healthy. We regularly treat patients in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond. Some of our most enthusiastic patients are retirees finally doing something they have wanted to do for decades.
There are a few differences between adult and adolescent treatment worth knowing:
- Adult bone is fully developed. Tooth movement in adults can sometimes take slightly longer than in kids, since the jaw is no longer growing.
- Adults often have existing dental work. Crowns, fillings, bridges, and implants all factor into treatment planning. An experienced orthodontist works around these seamlessly.
- Compliance tends to be excellent. Adults who choose to invest in orthodontic treatment are usually highly motivated and follow instructions carefully, which often makes treatment go smoothly.
What matters most is the health of your teeth and gums, not your age. At your consultation, we evaluate your oral health and confirm whether treatment makes sense for your specific situation.
The Most Popular Treatment Options for Adults in Memphis
Invisalign. By far the most common choice for adults in Memphis. The trays are nearly invisible, removable, and comfortable. For patients with mild to moderate alignment issues, Invisalign for adults often delivers excellent results with minimal impact on daily life.
Ceramic (clear) braces. For adults with more complex cases who want a fixed treatment but prefer a discreet look, ceramic braces are a strong middle-ground option. The tooth-colored brackets blend in more naturally than metal, while still delivering the control and predictability of traditional braces.
Traditional metal braces. Still the most effective option for complex cases, especially those involving significant bite correction. Modern metal braces are much smaller and more comfortable than the braces most adults remember from childhood. Some adults even appreciate that they are no longer trying to hide treatment and can simply get it done.
Accelerated treatment options. Newer technologies can sometimes reduce treatment time, which appeals to adults who want to finish quickly. Your orthodontist can tell you whether any of these options are a fit for your case.
Common Reasons Adults Choose Orthodontic Treatment
Retreatment after teenage braces. A surprising number of adults got braces as teens, stopped wearing their retainer at some point, and watched their teeth slowly shift back over years or decades. Retreatment is extremely common and often much faster than the original treatment.
Preparation for other dental work. Some adults come in because their dentist recommended orthodontic treatment before receiving crowns, veneers, or implants. Moving teeth into proper position first makes those other treatments more effective and longer-lasting.
Bite issues causing other problems. Jaw pain, uneven tooth wear, chronic headaches, and TMJ symptoms can all be related to bite problems. Orthodontic treatment often improves these issues significantly.
They never had the chance. Many adults grew up in families where orthodontic treatment was not in the budget or was not emphasized. Now that they have the means, they are finally doing it for themselves.
Confidence and career reasons. A great smile affects how people perceive us and how we perceive ourselves. Adults investing in their own orthodontic treatment often describe the results as life-changing, not because their teeth look different, but because they finally feel comfortable smiling without thinking about it.
What to Expect From Adult Orthodontic Treatment
Treatment length. Most adult cases take 12 to 24 months. Simple Invisalign cases can finish in as little as 6 to 9 months. Comprehensive cases involving bite correction can take up to two years, similar to adolescent treatment.
Daily impact. Invisalign has minimal impact on daily life. You wear the trays 20 to 22 hours a day, remove them to eat, and swap to the next tray in the series every one to two weeks. Braces require a few minor adjustments (avoiding hard and sticky foods, flossing with more care), but most adults adapt quickly.
Office visits. Invisalign patients come in every 8 to 12 weeks. Braces patients come in every 6 to 8 weeks. Both schedules are designed to work around professional and family commitments.
Comfort. Modern orthodontic treatment is far more comfortable than most adults expect. The first few days after braces are placed or after switching to a new Invisalign tray can involve mild soreness, but this is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
The finish line. At the end of treatment, you are fitted with retainers to hold your new smile in place. Retainer wear is critical (and lifelong) to prevent the drifting that caused so many adults to need retreatment in the first place.
How Much Does Adult Orthodontic Treatment Cost in Memphis?
Adult orthodontic treatment in Memphis typically costs:
- Invisalign: $4,000 to $7,500
- Ceramic braces: $3,500 to $7,000
- Traditional metal braces: $3,000 to $6,500
Many adults are surprised to learn that dental insurance often covers orthodontic treatment for adults, not just kids. Most plans include a lifetime orthodontic benefit (usually $1,000 to $3,000) that applies at any age, as long as you have not already used it.
HSA and FSA funds can also be used to pay for orthodontic treatment, which makes it more affordable on a pre-tax basis. And interest-free monthly payment plans spread the cost across the length of treatment, often bringing the monthly cost to around $200 to $300 per month.
Why Memphis Adults Choose Saddle Creek Orthodontics
At Saddle Creek Orthodontics, we treat adults every single day. Our team is experienced in the specific considerations that come with adult treatment: working around existing dental work, planning around professional appearances, accommodating busy schedules, and delivering discreet treatment options like Invisalign and ceramic braces.
Dr. Kyle Fagala and Dr. John Boling are both board certified, a credential held by only 30% of practicing orthodontists. Dr. Fagala also serves as a speaker and Key Opinion Leader for 3M Oral Care and regularly lectures other orthodontists on advanced treatment techniques. That depth translates into better outcomes, especially for adult cases that require careful planning around existing dental work and professional lifestyles.
We have offices in Germantown and Collierville, serving adult patients across the entire Memphis metro. Flexible scheduling, including early morning and late afternoon appointments, makes it easy to fit treatment into your work week.
Taking the First Step
If you have ever thought about finally straightening your teeth, the best first step is a free consultation. You will get a full orthodontic evaluation from a board certified orthodontist, a clear treatment recommendation, and a transparent cost breakdown. No pressure, no obligation.
Most adults leave their first consultation feeling relieved that treatment is easier, faster, and more affordable than they expected. Many schedule their start date before they walk out the door. Others take time to think it over and come back when they are ready.
Either way, you will have the information you need to make a decision that is right for you.
Schedule your free consultation with Saddle Creek Orthodontics today. It might be the best thing you do for your smile all year.