You would be surprised how many adults in Weston and Sunrise are starting orthodontic treatment. Dr. Penny and Dr. Kristen work with patients in their 30s, 40s, 50s+, and beyond at Sawgrass Orthodontics, who want straighter teeth, a better bite, or simply a smile they don’t feel like hiding anymore.
If you have been thinking about braces but figured it was too late or too awkward, you’re not alone in that thought, but you’re also not stuck with teeth that bug you. Adult orthodontics is more common and doable than ever.
It’s Not Just About Looks
Having straight teeth makes everything easier. You’re less likely to trap food in weird places. Flossing gets simpler. Your bite lines up properly, which helps prevent uneven wear, jaw tension, and even headaches.
Yes, aesthetics matter too. If your smile is something you have always been self-conscious about, or if crowding, spacing, or shifting has worsened with age, there’s no reason to settle. Getting braces as an adult doesn’t mean you missed the boat. It means you’re taking care of something that has been on your mind.
Should You Go With Clear or Classic?
Braces today aren’t what they were in high school. You have more control over what the process looks like and how visible it is.
Invisalign
If you want something low-profile, Invisalign is a solid option. These clear aligners are custom-fit and removable, which makes them easier to work into a busy schedule. You take them out to eat and brush, so there’s less disruption to your routine. They’re nearly invisible, which means they won’t show up in every video call or photo.
Invisalign is a good fit for adults with mild to moderate alignment issues. If you’re a good candidate and can commit to wearing them 20–22 hours a day, it can be a convenient way to straighten your teeth without brackets or wires.
Metal Braces
Still, the most effective option for complex cases, metal braces might not be the flashiest, but they work. If your teeth need major movement, or if your bite is off in a way that Invisalign can’t fully fix, this route might make more sense.
Don’t let the look deter you. The metal braces you can get now are smaller and more comfortable than the ones you remember. Once you get into the rhythm of care and adjustments, it becomes part of your routine, and the results speak for themselves.
What Adult Braces Can Fix
Here’s where adult braces shine. They don’t just straighten your teeth. They solve problems you may not have realized were connected.
- Crowding or spacing
- Overbite or underbite
- Crossbite or open bite
- Jaw discomfort from misalignment
- Tooth wear from poor bite function
Correcting these issues doesn’t just give you a nicer smile. It helps preserve your teeth, reduce jaw tension, and prevent problems that tend to snowball with age.
Small daily frustrations like feeling your back teeth clash wrong or avoiding floss because it’s a struggle start to fade once your bite is where it should be.
What Treatment Feels Like as an Adult
Treatment feels different from doing this as a teenager. You have more responsibilities. Not to mention, there will be more appointments to juggle. You might feel self-conscious in a way teens don’t.
Adults also tend to be more motivated. You’re doing this for you, not because a parent made the call. That kind of clarity makes the process smoother.
Dr. Penny and Dr. Kristen walk patients through what to expect from start to finish. From your first consultation at Sawgrass Orthodontics to your final retainer, they will make sure your treatment fits into your life, not the other way around.
A Few Questions People Ask Before Starting
If you’re still on the fence, that’s normal. These are the kinds of things people want to know before making the call.
How long will it take?
Most adult treatment falls in the 12–24 month range, depending on your specific case. Invisalign can be faster if your corrections are mild. More complex bite issues might take longer, but the timeline is always something you’ll review together at your consult.
Is it going to hurt?
There’s an adjustment period, especially right after you get your braces on or when you switch to a new Invisalign tray. Think pressure, not pain. It’s manageable, and most people get used to it quickly.
Can I afford it?
Cost is a real concern. That’s why Dr. Penny and Dr. Kristen offer options and will walk you through insurance options to help make things work. If you have an FSA or HSA, that can usually be applied, too.
Braces are an investment, but they protect your teeth and save you money down the line in dental work.
You’re Not Too Late, And You’re Not the Only One
There’s a quiet confidence that comes from finally doing something you have been thinking about for years. Maybe you have been living with a bite that doesn’t quite feel right, or you have always smiled with your lips closed because you didn’t like your teeth. That doesn’t have to be permanent.
Adults all over Sunrise and Weston are choosing to make a change, not because they’re chasing perfection, but because they are ready to feel better in their skin. They are prioritizing long-term health, preventing future dental issues, and taking control of something that’s been bothering them for far too long. You can do this, too.
Let’s Take The First Step Together
If you have been thinking about straightening your teeth or fixing your bite, now is the time to find out what’s possible. Dr. Penny and Dr. Kristen will walk you through your options during your free consultation, whether that’s Invisalign, metal braces, or something in between.
You will get answers, a clear plan, and support from a team that knows how to work with adults who have busy lives and real schedules. Visit Sawgrass Orthodontics in Weston or Sunrise and see what the right treatment could do for your smile.
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