Treatment for Adults (ages 20+)

Why Consider Orthodontic Treatment as an Adult

Adult patients pursue orthodontic treatment for a range of reasons, from cosmetic concerns tooth alignment to bite issues that have developed or worsened over time. The benefits of treatment extend well beyond appearance.

Improved Confidence

A straighter smile can affect how confident you feel in professional and social settings. Many adult patients delay treatment for years before deciding the investment is worthwhile at any stage of life.

Better Oral Health

Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean and maintain, which reduces the risk of cavities, gum disease, and uneven wear on tooth enamel over time.

Correction of Bite Issues

Overbites, underbites, and crossbites can contribute to discomfort, uneven wear, and jaw strain if left untreated. Adult orthodontic treatment can address these issues directly.

Discreet, Modern Options

Advances in orthodontic technology mean adult treatment today looks and feels different than it did a generation ago. Clear aligners such as Invisalign and Angel Aligner allow many adult patients to complete treatment with minimal visibility.

Adult Treatment Options

We offer four treatment options for adult patients. During your consultation, we will recommend the option best suited to your bite, timeline, and preferences.

Angel Aligner

For adults who need comprehensive correction, Angel Aligner is typically our first recommendation. The elastic hooks are integrated directly into the aligner itself, so nothing is glued to the teeth. This results in easier brushing and flossing, a more comfortable fit, and fewer emergency appointments compared to systems that rely on separate attachments bonded to the teeth.

Invisalign

Invisalign is a well established clear aligner system that we use both for comprehensive cases and for Invisalign Touch-Up, a shorter treatment option designed for adults addressing minor relapse or limited corrections. Invisalign Touch-Up typically takes 2 to 3 months, considerably shorter than a comprehensive treatment plan.

Ceramic or Metal Braces

Ceramic braces use clear or tooth-coloured brackets that blend with the natural tooth, offering the precision of fixed braces with a significantly less visible appearance than metal. While braces are rarely chosen by adults, they are a great option for adults who are concerned about the compliance with wearing clear aligners.

Cost and Treatment Time

Every treatment plan is an investment and the cost depends on the complexity of the case. We review all costs and financing options in detail during your consultation. As a general guide orthodontic treatment ranges between $3000 and $9000 with additional fees for patients with very complex treatment plans such as surgery.

Most adult patients are great candidates for accelerated orthodontic treatment with treatment times ranging between 6 months and 24 months depending on the complexity of treatment, your specific bite and goals.

What to Expect at Your Consultation

At MacKenzie Orthodontics, we provide a complete initial assessment at no cost and no obligation.

1. Comprehensive Examination

We take digital x-rays, clinical photographs, and a 3D intraoral scan to fully evaluate your bite and alignment.

2. Personalized Treatment Plan

Based on our findings, we present the treatment options appropriate for your case, along with our recommendation and the reasoning behind it.

3. Transparent Pricing

You will receive a clear breakdown of costs and financing options before making any decision about treatment.

4. Time for Your Questions

We reserve time during every consultation to answer your questions so that you leave with a clear understanding of your options.

Why Choose MacKenzie Orthodontics as an Adult Patient

• Dr. MacKenzie is the most experienced clear aligner provider in Atlantic Canada. We have treated over 6,000 patients with Invisalign and Angel Aligner.
• More than half of our patients are adults.
• Two aligner systems: Angel Aligner and Invisalign, with a recommendation based on what is right for your case
• Accelerated orthodontics using Propel (a computerized mouthguard that helps speed up orthodontic treatment)
• Advanced technology, including digital scanning and remote monitoring, for fewer in-office visits
• Three convenient New Brunswick locations in Saint John, Quispamsis and Rothesay, and St. Stephen, with the St. Stephen location also serving patients from St. George, St. Andrews, and Northern Maine

Retainers to Maintain Your Smile

Once active treatment is complete, wearing a retainer is essential to keeping your teeth in their corrected position. Without consistent retainer wear, teeth can shift over time, even years after treatment has ended. We provide 3D printed retainers as part of every adult treatment plan, along with a customized wear schedule to protect your results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I too old for orthodontic treatment?

There is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment provided your teeth and gums are healthy. Over half of our patients are adults, and we treat patients across a wide range of ages.

Will people notice I am in treatment?

Angel Aligner and Invisalign are both designed to be discreet, and ceramic braces are significantly less visible than traditional metal brackets. Many adult patients complete treatment with minimal visibility to those around them.

How long will my treatment take?

Most comprehensive adult treatment takes 12 to 24 months. The accelerated treatment option shortens the treatment time and the number of visits. Invisalign Touch-Up for minor corrections typically takes 2 to 3 months.  Some surgical or highly complex cases can take over 24 months. Your exact timeline will be confirmed at your consultation.

What does treatment cost?

Standard comprehensive treatment ranges from $3,000 to $9,000 and depends on the time and complexity of treatment. We review financing options with every patient during the consultation.

Can adult orthodontic treatment help with TMJ discomfort?

We have treated over 800 patients for TMJ discomfort, most often using clear aligners and occasionally braces, with treatment typically taking 12 to 24 months. If jaw pain or clicking is a concern, we can evaluate this as part of your consultation.

Ready to Get Started?

Book a free consultation at any of MacKenzie Orthodontic’s three New Brunswick locations, and we will help you find the treatment option that fits your goals, timeline, and budget.