Adult Orthodontic
Treatment.
Orthodontic treatment for adults has grown significantly — and for good reason. Advances in treatment technology and the availability of discreet options have made it easier than ever for adults to pursue the smile they've always wanted without it interfering with professional or personal life. At TriCity Orthodontics, roughly one in four of our patients are adults. We've treated patients well into their 50s, 60s, and beyond.
Benefits of Adult Orthodontic Treatment
The clinical and personal benefits of orthodontic treatment don't diminish with age. Adult patients at TriCity pursue treatment for many of the same reasons teenagers do — and experience many of the same outcomes:
A more aligned, aesthetically pleasing smile
Correction of relapse following earlier orthodontic treatment
Closure of gaps or spacing between teeth
Improved bite function and chewing comfort
Better oral hygiene through elimination of hard-to-clean crowded areas
Reduced tooth wear caused by a misaligned bite or grinding
Many adults assume they missed their window for orthodontic treatment. They didn't. The biological process behind tooth movement is the same at 40 as it is at 14 — what changes is the range of options available and the pace of treatment. What doesn't change is the result.
Adult orthodontics across Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge has grown steadily as more patients discover that treatment fits into their lives more naturally than they expected — and that the outcomes are just as strong as those achieved in adolescence.
Adult Treatment is More Common Than You Think
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTION:
Why Do Adults Seek Treatment?
Our adult patients come to us for a range of reasons, and no two situations are identical: some never had the opportunity for orthodontic treatment growing up and are pursuing it for the first time. Others wore braces as teenagers but experienced gradual shifting after inconsistent retainer use. A third group have concerns that weren't easily treatable with older methods — but are now well within reach thanks to advances in orthodontic technology and technique.
Whatever the starting point, the path forward begins with a thorough clinical assessment and an honest conversation about what treatment can realistically achieve.
Discreet Treatment Options for Professional Adults
One of the most common concerns among adult patients is appearance during treatment. It's a practical consideration — particularly for those in client-facing roles or professional environments. Modern orthodontics has largely solved for this.
Today's treatment options are smaller, more precise, and far more discreet than what most adults remember from childhood. At TriCity, we offer three virtually invisible treatment options that allow adults to undergo orthodontic treatment without it being obvious to colleagues, clients, or anyone else.
Invisalign®
Invisalign uses advanced 3D imaging to design a series of custom removable aligners that progressively move teeth into their optimal position. Aligners are worn for the majority of the day and removed for eating, drinking, and cleaning — making them a practical fit for adult lifestyles.
Treatment times vary by case, typically ranging from several months to around 18 months. What's critical is that Invisalign is planned and supervised by a specialist orthodontist — not simply prescribed. A specialist has the clinical depth to determine whether removable aligners can achieve all the controlled tooth movements your case requires, or whether another approach — or a combination — would serve you better. At TriCity Orthodontics, that assessment is part of every consultation.
Pitt Brackets
For adult patients who want the precision of fixed orthodontic treatment with zero visible hardware, Pitt Bracket braces are the answer. Brackets are bonded entirely to the back surface of the teeth — completely hidden from view, fully effective clinically. It's an option most orthodontic practices don't offer, and one that's particularly well suited to image-conscious professionals.
Clear Ceramic Braces
For cases where fixed braces are the most appropriate clinical choice but discretion still matters, clear ceramic brackets are a strong alternative to standard metal. Nearly invisible against the teeth, ceramic braces deliver the same treatment outcomes as traditional braces — with a significantly lower profile.
Your First Consultation is Free
No referral required. Our specialist orthodontists will conduct a thorough clinical examination, walk through your treatment options, and give you a clear picture of timelines and costs — with no obligation to proceed. Whatever you decide, the information is yours to keep.