Oasis Family Dentistry & Orthodontics provides orthodontic treatment for adults of all ages in Gilbert, Arizona, under the care of Dr. Shana Vohra, a board-certified orthodontist. Adults are among the fastest-growing groups seeking orthodontic treatment, and the options available today, clear aligners, ceramic braces, and metal braces, make it easier than ever to fit treatment into a professional and active lifestyle. There is no age limit for orthodontic treatment: healthy teeth can be moved at any age. Beyond aesthetics, straighter teeth are easier to clean and maintain, reducing long-term risk of cavities and gum disease.
Treatment Options for Adults
Clear Aligners (Angel Aligners) Clear aligners are the most popular choice among adult orthodontic patients. At Oasis, we use Angel Aligners, a series of custom, removable clear trays that gradually shift teeth into alignment. They're virtually invisible, removable for eating and hygiene, and fit comfortably into professional and social life. Custom trays are ready approximately 4 weeks after records are taken.
Ceramic Braces Ceramic braces work exactly like traditional metal braces but use tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend with the teeth. They offer the full clinical precision of braces, including the ability to treat more complex cases, with a significantly less visible appearance. A popular choice for adults in professional environments.
Metal Braces Traditional metal braces remain the most effective and affordable orthodontic treatment available. For adults with complex alignment or bite issues, metal braces often deliver the most precise and predictable results. Modern brackets are smaller and more comfortable than ever.
Adult Braces in Gilbert, AZ
Braces aren't just for teenagers. At Oasis Family Dental & Orthodontics, we treat adults with braces every day, and the results speak for themselves: straighter teeth, a healthier bite, and a smile that's hard not to show off.
We offer both traditional metal braces and ceramic braces for adults. Metal braces are the most time-tested and efficient option for a wide range of alignment issues, while ceramic braces use tooth-colored brackets that blend in naturally with your smile. Both work the same way; the difference is mostly aesthetic.
Dr. Vohra will walk you through which option makes the most sense based on your specific alignment needs, lifestyle, and goals. Many adults appreciate that braces work around the clock without any extra effort.
Many insurance plans include an orthodontic benefit that applies to adults, and we offer flexible financing through CareCredit and Cherry as well. Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Vohra to find out if braces are the right path for you."
The Majority of Our Clear Aligners Patients are Adults in Gilbert, AZ
Adults now make up more than one in four orthodontic patients in the U.S., and we see that reflected right here at Oasis Family Dental & Orthodontics! Whether your teeth have shifted since childhood braces or you never had the chance to address misalignment, it's never too late.
Clear aligners are a natural fit for adult lifestyles. They're nearly invisible, removable for meals and special occasions, and easy to keep clean since you brush and floss normally. No one at work or at family gatherings needs to know you're in treatment.
Adult treatment requires a bit more planning than teen treatment, since your teeth are no longer growing and existing dental work like crowns or implants needs to be factored in. Dr. Vohra coordinates with our general dentistry team throughout the process, which is one of the real advantages of having both dentistry and orthodontics under one roof.
Most adults complete treatment in 12 to 18 months, though treatment times can vary depending on a variety of factors. Many insurance plans include an orthodontic benefit for adults, and we offer flexible financing as well. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Vohra to see what's possible, or try our virtual ortho consult to get started from home.
What's Different About Adult Orthodontic Treatment?
Adult treatment is largely the same as treatment for teens and kids, with a few practical differences worth knowing:
Bone density: Adult bones are fully developed and no longer growing, which means tooth movement can sometimes be slightly slower than in younger patients. Treatment timelines are still very manageable, most adult cases complete within 12–24 months.
Existing dental work: Adults often have crowns, bridges, veneers, or implants that need to be accounted for in treatment planning. Brackets can generally be bonded to crowns and veneers. Implants and bridges cannot be moved orthodontically, the surrounding teeth can be aligned around them. Dr. Vohra coordinates with the full picture of your dental history to ensure orthodontic treatment works alongside existing restorations.
Gum health: Active gum disease needs to be treated and stable before orthodontic treatment begins. Patients should be up to date on dental exams and cleanings prior to starting treatment. If any periodontal concerns need to be addressed first, those should be resolved before orthodontics begins.
Motivation and compliance: Adults are typically highly motivated patients who follow instructions closely, which often means excellent results. For clear aligner patients especially, adult compliance tends to be strong.
Adult Orthodontics & Your Overall Dental Health
Orthodontic treatment isn't just cosmetic, it has real implications for your long-term oral health:
- Crowded teeth trap plaque and food in areas that are difficult to clean, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease
- Bite problems can cause uneven wear on teeth, jaw pain, and TMJ issues over time
- Gaps between teeth can allow adjacent teeth to drift and shift over years
- Misaligned teeth can make restorative work like crowns and implants less effective or shorter-lived
Addressing alignment as an adult is an investment in your oral health for decades to come, not just in how your smile looks today.
Fitting Treatment Into Your Life
One of the most common concerns adults have is whether orthodontic treatment will be disruptive. Here's the reality:
Clear aligners: Virtually invisible. Most people won't notice them in conversation. You remove them to eat and drink, so there are no food restrictions. Cleaning your teeth is the same as normal. You visit the office every 6–10 weeks.
Ceramic braces: Much less noticeable than metal. There are some food restrictions (avoid hard, sticky, chewy foods). You'll visit every 6–8 weeks for adjustments. Most adult patients adjust to them within the first week.
Metal braces: Visible, but worn confidently by many adult patients. The most affordable option and highly effective. Same food restrictions and visit schedule as ceramic.
In all cases, treatment is manageable alongside a full work and social schedule. Most adult patients say it was much less disruptive than they anticipated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an age limit for orthodontic treatment? No. There is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment, healthy teeth can be moved at any age. Dr. Vohra has treated patients well into their 50s, 60s, and beyond. The key requirement is that teeth and gums are healthy enough to support treatment, which she will evaluate at your free consultation.
Will people notice I'm wearing braces or aligners? Clear aligners are virtually invisible in normal conversation. Ceramic braces are significantly less noticeable than metal. Many adult patients are surprised by how little attention their treatment draws. That said, plenty of adults wear metal braces confidently too, it's entirely a personal preference.
How long will treatment take as an adult? Most adult cases with clear aligners complete in 12–18 months. Braces cases average 12–24 months depending on complexity. Adults with mild relapse from previous orthodontic treatment are often on the shorter end of that range. Dr. Vohra will give you a realistic personalized estimate at your consultation.
I had braces as a teenager and my teeth have shifted. Can I fix that? Yes, this is one of the most common reasons adults seek treatment at Oasis. Teeth naturally shift over time, especially when retainers aren't worn consistently. Depending on the degree of shifting, treatment can range from a short corrective clear aligner case to full braces. Dr. Vohra will assess your current alignment and give you an honest recommendation.
Do I need to see my regular dentist during orthodontic treatment? Yes. Continuing your regular cleanings and checkups throughout orthodontic treatment is important. Braces and aligners can make it harder to clean teeth thoroughly, so staying on top of preventive care reduces the risk of cavities during treatment. At Oasis, your dental and orthodontic care are coordinated in one office, no need to manage two separate schedules.
What if I have crowns, veneers, or implants? Existing dental restorations need to be factored into treatment planning. Brackets can generally be bonded to crowns and veneers, though with some differences in technique. Implants and bridges cannot be moved orthodontically, the surrounding teeth can be aligned around them. Dr. Vohra will review your full dental history at the consultation and plan accordingly.
Can I get orthodontic treatment if I have gum disease? Gum disease needs to be treated and stable before orthodontic treatment begins, moving teeth in the presence of active periodontal disease can accelerate bone loss. Patients should be up to date on dental exams and cleanings before starting orthodontic treatment. If any gum concerns are identified, those need to be addressed first. Once your gums are healthy and stable, treatment can proceed safely.
