Adult braces straighten shifted teeth and correct bite problems at any age. Efros Orthodontics provides adult braces and clear aligners at our Latham office. Treatment typically takes 12 to 30 months, depending on your bite. You can start with a digital scan rather than putty impressions.
Too late for straight teeth?
No. Teeth can move at any age as long as your gums and bone are healthy. Many adults come to us after noticing teeth shift years after their last orthodontic treatment. Others never had braces as a teenager.
Common reasons adults seek treatment
- Crowding or spacing that was never corrected
- Teeth that have shifted with age or after losing a retainer habit
- Jaw discomfort linked to a misaligned bite
- A bite problem that was never addressed
- Wanting to feel more confident in work or social settings
Straightening options for adults
You can choose between fixed braces and clear aligners, depending on your bite and your preferences. Ceramic braces use tooth-colored brackets for a less visible option. Invisalign for adults uses removable aligners worn 20 to 22 hours a day. Most adults finish Invisalign treatment in 12 to 18 months.
| Option | Visibility | Typical timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Metal braces | Visible brackets and wires | 12 to 30 months |
| Ceramic braces | Tooth-colored, less noticeable | 12 to 30 months |
| Invisalign | Nearly invisible, removable | 12 to 18 months |
How we help you decide
During your exam, we review your bite, your daily routine and your goals. Some bite issues respond best to braces, while milder spacing or crowding often suits aligners.
What happens during adult visits?
Every plan starts with an iTero digital scan along with digital panoramic and cephalometric X-rays, so there’s no putty involved. You’ll return for adjustment visits lasting about 20 minutes every 4 to 6 weeks if you choose braces. Invisalign patients get progress checks on the same schedule.
With braces, you’ll want to avoid sticky candy, popcorn kernels, hard nuts and ice. Plan to brush after meals and floss with a threader.
Adult braces cost and repeat treatment
Cost depends on which option you choose and how complex your case is. We offer 0% interest payment plans with monthly payments as low as $99 in some cases. We’re in-network with most major insurance plans, so check our patient resources page for details. You can also schedule a free consultation to get X-rays, a scan and your options explained.
Teeth that shifted after childhood braces are one of the reasons adults come back for treatment. The braces for teens page outlines what changes with age if you’re comparing notes with a younger family member.
Why choose our Latham office?
Our office sits at 17 Johnson Road in Latham, off Route 9, with parking directly at the door. We’re open Monday through Thursday from 8:00am to 5:00pm and Friday from 7:30am to 3:00pm. This makes it easy to schedule around a workday.
Adults from Loudonville, Cohoes, Watervliet, Waterford, Clifton Park and Halfmoon visit this location, along with North Colonie and Shaker school families. Dr. Robin Lozman has practiced orthodontics in Latham since 1997. She earned her DMD and a Master’s in Education at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Lozman completed a two-year residency at the Eastman Dental Center, University of Rochester. There she treated adults, children and surgical orthodontic cases. If you were previously a Lozman Orthodontics patient, you’ll keep the same team and the same location. You can read more on her bio page, or visit the details for our Latham office.
Braces for Adults questions from Latham patients
Does treatment hurt more for adults than teenagers?
No, the sensation of adjustments is similar across ages, though bone movement can be slightly slower in adults. Most people describe mild soreness for a day or two after each visit.
Can I whiten my teeth while wearing ceramic braces?
Whitening is done after braces come off, not during treatment, because brackets shield part of each tooth and would leave pale patches. Many adults finish with Zoom whitening once their braces are removed.
What if a bracket breaks during a busy week?
We handle emergency bracket repairs, so call us and we’ll get you scheduled promptly. Avoiding hard or sticky foods helps reduce how often this happens.
Is Invisalign realistic if I travel often for work?
Yes, aligners are removable and you change them at home. Travel doesn’t interrupt treatment as much as it might with fixed braces. You’ll still need to keep up with wear time and progress checks every 6 to 8 weeks.
