What Is Adult Orthodontic Treatment?
Adult orthodontic treatment uses braces to correct crowding, spacing, bite problems, and shifted teeth in patients over 18. At Zammitti & Gidaly Orthodontics in Charlotte, NC, adults of all ages achieve straighter, beautiful, healthy smiles with the help of our experienced orthodontists.
Getting braces as an adult is more common than you might think. Adults come to Zammitti & Gidaly Orthodontics to finally get the straight smile they’ve always wanted. If you’re dealing with crowding that’s gotten worse over time, spacing issues, bite problems, or teeth that shifted after earlier treatment, adult braces can make a real difference in your oral health and confidence.
Orthodontic treatment works because teeth can be moved at any age when the gums and bone are healthy. Our orthodontists offer several types of braces designed with adult lifestyles in mind: traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, and self-ligating brackets that often require fewer adjustments. We also use up-to-date technologies and techniques to keep treatment efficient and comfortable for adult patients specifically.
You’re not alone in considering this step. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, 1 in 3 orthodontic patients today is an adult. Adults are choosing braces for many reasons. Some want to finally fix issues they’ve lived with for decades. Others realized later in life that their bite was causing headaches or uneven wear on their teeth. Whatever brought you here, Zammitti & Gidaly Orthodontics provides high-tech orthodontics for the entire family, including adult orthodontics in Charlotte designed specifically for grown-up schedules and goals.
Benefits of Getting Braces as an Adult
Adult braces offer five key benefits: improved oral health, increased confidence, jaw discomfort relief, prevention of future dental problems, and access to today’s more discreet treatment options. Here’s a closer look at what straightening your teeth at Zammitti & Gidaly Orthodontics in Charlotte, NC can do for you:
- Better oral health through easier cleaning and reduced risk of cavities and gum disease
- Increased confidence and a smile you’re proud to show
- Relief from jaw discomfort, clicking, and chronic headaches
- Prevention of future chips, cracks, and costly restorative work
- Access to today’s smaller, more comfortable, and more discreet braces
Better Oral Health
Crooked or crowded teeth create tight spaces where plaque and bacteria hide. Brushing and flossing become difficult, which increases your risk of cavities and gum disease. When your teeth are properly aligned, keeping them clean is much simpler. It makes a real difference, and your dentist will notice it too.
Increased Confidence
A lot of our adult patients tell us they spent years hiding their smile. They avoided photos, held back in meetings, or covered their mouths when laughing. After treatment, they smile freely. That boost in self-esteem often carries into other areas of life, from work presentations to first dates to family photos they actually want to be in.
Relief from Jaw Discomfort and Headaches
A misaligned bite puts uneven pressure on your jaw joints and muscles. Over time, that strain can lead to chronic headaches, jaw clicking, and TMJ discomfort. Our orthodontists at Zammitti & Gidaly Orthodontics evaluate your bite alignment to determine if braces can help reduce these symptoms. For many adults, correcting the bite brings noticeable relief.
Prevention of Future Dental Problems
Misaligned teeth wear unevenly over time, and some teeth take on more force than they should. That leads to chips, cracks, and excessive wear. Fixing alignment now can save you from crowns or veneers later, and it protects the investment you’ve already made in your dental health.
More Comfortable, Discreet Options
Today’s braces are smaller, sleeker, and more comfortable than what you might remember from middle school. Clear brackets blend with your teeth, and high-tech wire technology means gentler, more efficient tooth movement. Many of our adult patients in Charlotte are surprised by how little their braces affect their daily routine.
The Adult Braces Treatment Process at Zammitti & Gidaly Orthodontics
The adult braces process at Zammitti & Gidaly Orthodontics includes four steps: a free consultation, braces placement, regular adjustments, and braces removal with retainers. We’ve designed each step to fit into busy adult schedules at our Charlotte, NC office. Here’s what to expect from start to finish:
- Free Consultation
The first visit includes a thorough exam, digital imaging, and a conversation about your goals. Dr. Zammitti or Dr. Gidaly will explain what’s happening with your bite, show you your options, and build a treatment plan around your specific goals and timeline. This appointment is a complimentary consultation, so you can get all your questions answered before making any decisions.
- Braces Placement
Once you’re ready, we’ll schedule your placement appointment. This visit typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. Our team carefully bonds each bracket and connects them with an archwire. Most patients feel pressure but not discomfort.
- Regular Adjustment Visits
Every 4 to 8 weeks, you’ll come back for adjustments. These appointments are usually quick, often under 30 minutes. We check your progress, swap out wires as needed, and answer any questions. This is the part where changes really start to show. Some patients notice movement within the first few weeks, while others see the biggest shifts after a few months. Each adjustment brings a slight tightening sensation that typically fades within a day or two. If you’ve been wondering what adjustments actually feel like, most patients describe it as mild pressure, not sharp discomfort, and it’s over quickly.
- Braces Removal and Retainers
When your teeth have reached their final positions, we remove your braces and fit you with retainers. This is the appointment patients look forward to most. Wearing your retainers as directed keeps your amazing new smile in place for years to come.
Most adult treatments take between 12 and 30 months, depending on the complexity of your case. During your complimentary consultation, we’ll give you a more specific timeline based on your individual needs.
Choosing the Right Braces for You: Are You a Candidate?
Most adults with healthy teeth and gums are good candidates for braces at Zammitti & Gidaly Orthodontics, even those with crowns, bridges, or missing teeth. Adult orthodontics in Charlotte has come a long way, and there are more options now than ever. Here’s how to think about what might work best for you:
| Braces Type | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Metal Braces | Complex cases, significant bite issues | Most versatile, highly effective, budget-friendly |
| Clear Braces | Adults wanting a less noticeable look | Ceramic brackets blend with teeth, same effectiveness as metal |
| Self-Ligating Braces | Adults wanting fewer appointments | No elastic ties, often requires fewer adjustments |
Each type has its strengths, and the right choice depends on your specific goals, lifestyle, and the complexity of your case. Aesthetics matter most to some adults, so they go with clear braces for a more discreet look. Others prefer the reliability and track record of metal brackets, especially for more involved bite corrections. During your complimentary consultation at Zammitti & Gidaly Orthodontics, we’ll walk you through each option in detail so you can make a confident decision.
What About Prior Restorations?
If you have crowns, bridges, or other restorations, you can often still get braces. Our orthodontists at Zammitti & Gidaly Orthodontics will evaluate your specific situation and design a treatment plan that works with your existing dental work.
Conditions That May Need Attention First
Active gum disease or significant bone loss may require treatment before starting braces. We work closely with your general dentist to make sure your mouth is ready for orthodontic treatment. If preliminary care is needed, we’ll coordinate that before beginning.
Not Sure If You’re a Candidate?
The best way to find out is to schedule a complimentary consultation at Zammitti & Gidaly Orthodontics in Charlotte, NC. We’ll examine your teeth, discuss your concerns, and let you know exactly what options are available for your situation. No obligation. Just honest answers.
Why Charlotte Adults Trust Zammitti & Gidaly Orthodontics
Adults throughout the Charlotte area choose our practice because we combine specialized expertise with genuine attention to each patient. Our orthodontists have advanced training in adult treatment, and our team understands that treating adults requires a different approach than treating teens. We adjust our care to fit each adult patient, whether that means working around a busy travel schedule or coordinating with your general dentist on existing restorations.
Scheduling is built around your life, not ours. We offer appointment times designed to fit adult work schedules, so you don’t have to choose between your career and your smile. On the financial side, we’re in-network with all PPO insurance plans and offer flexible financial options to make braces for adults in Charlotte, NC accessible to more people. Our financial coordinator will sit down with you and work out a plan that fits your budget, with no surprises.
Our Google reviews tell the story. Adult patients talk about the welcoming atmosphere, the professional care, and most importantly, the amazing new smile they achieved. We use digital imaging and high-tech bracket systems to make your treatment as precise and efficient as possible, which means better outcomes in less time with greater comfort along the way. That combination of technology, experience, and genuine care is why adults across the Charlotte area keep choosing Zammitti & Gidaly Orthodontics.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adult Braces
Am I Too Old for Braces?
No. Healthy adults of any age can benefit from orthodontic treatment. We’ve treated patients in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond at Zammitti & Gidaly Orthodontics in Charlotte, NC. As long as your teeth and gums are in good condition, age is not a barrier.
How Long Do Adult Braces Take?
It depends on what we’re correcting. Minor crowding might take closer to a year, while more involved bite issues could take up to 30 months. Most adult braces treatments fall somewhere in the 12 to 24 month range. During your free consult at Zammitti & Gidaly Orthodontics, we’ll give you a realistic estimate based on your specific case.
Do Adult Braces Hurt?
Expect some pressure and mild soreness after your braces are placed and after adjustment appointments. This usually lasts a few days and responds well to over-the-counter relievers like ibuprofen. Most patients tell us the discomfort is very manageable and fades quickly.
How Much Do Adult Braces Cost in Charlotte?
The cost of adult braces at Zammitti & Gidaly Orthodontics varies depending on the type of braces you choose and the complexity of your treatment. The best way to get accurate pricing is to schedule a complimentary consultation. We’ll provide a detailed breakdown with no surprises.
Can I Get Braces If I Have Crowns or Missing Teeth?
In many cases, yes. Crowns can have brackets bonded to them, though we may use special techniques to protect the restoration. Missing teeth don’t automatically disqualify you either. We’ve worked with plenty of adults in similar situations. Every mouth is different, so we’ll evaluate yours during your consultation at Zammitti & Gidaly Orthodontics.
Will Braces Affect My Work or Social Life?
Honestly, most adults adapt faster than they expect. Clear braces are barely noticeable, and even metal braces are much smaller than they used to be. You can continue working, attending meetings, and socializing normally. After the first week or two, most patients say they barely think about their braces during the day.
Schedule Your Free Adult Braces Consultation in Charlotte
Ready to find out if braces are right for you? Zammitti & Gidaly Orthodontics offers a complimentary consultation for adults considering orthodontic treatment. You’ll meet with Dr. Zammitti or Dr. Gidaly, get a full evaluation, and receive a treatment plan designed for your specific goals, all with no obligation.
We also offer our Smile Protection Plan to give new patients added peace of mind as they begin their treatment.
Book your free consult today:
- Visit us online at charlottebraces.com/lp/free-consult
- Call us at 704.908.6924
- Stop by our Charlotte, NC office at
We create beautiful, healthy smiles for all ages, and adults throughout the Charlotte area trust us to deliver results that last. Schedule your free consult and find out what’s possible for your smile with our team today.