What Are Adult Braces?

Adult braces are orthodontic appliances, including metal braces, clear braces and clear aligners, used to correct crooked teeth, spacing and bite issues in patients 18 and older. At Chartrand Orthodontics, we offer adult braces in Omaha with board-certified orthodontist Dr. Daniel Chartrand designing each treatment plan to fit your smile, lifestyle and long-term oral health goals.

Here's the good news: your teeth can move at any age. As long as your gums and bone are healthy, teeth can be straightened at 45 just like at 15. Modern options are also far more discreet and comfortable than the braces you may remember from years ago.

We're a doctor-owned, doctor-led private practice serving adults across Omaha and the surrounding communities. Below, you'll find what adult braces can fix, how the process works and how to know if you're a good candidate.

What Adult Braces Can Fix

Straightening your teeth as an adult goes well beyond looks. These are the reasons adults most often come in:

  • Teeth that shifted since childhood. Many adults notice their teeth have moved since their teen years, especially after years without a retainer.
  • Easier cleaning and healthier teeth. Straight teeth are simpler to brush and floss, which lowers your risk of decay and gum disease over time.
  • A more balanced bite. Correcting your bite reduces jaw strain and uneven tooth wear.
  • More confidence when it counts. Whether you're presenting at work or meeting new people, a smile you love changes how you show up in daily life.
  • Finishing touches under one roof. We also offer teeth whitening, white spot lesion treatment and laser gingivectomy so you can refine every detail of your finished smile.

You're never too old to invest in your health, and plenty of adults tell us they wish they'd started sooner.

Your Adult Braces Treatment Process at Chartrand Orthodontics

We keep the process simple, transparent and personal. From your first appointment to your final visit, you'll see Dr. Chartrand at every step.

  1. Free consult with Dr. Chartrand. Your first appointment is complimentary. We'll talk through your goals, look at your smile and walk you through options that fit your life. No pressure, no obligation.
  2. Digital scans and X-rays. We use iTero digital scanning and i-CAT 3D imaging instead of messy impressions. No sticky trays or bulky material in your mouth, just a fast scan that takes minutes.
  3. Your personalized treatment plan. Dr. Chartrand builds a plan around your bite, your goals and your schedule. You'll get straightforward answers about how treatment works and what to expect before you commit to anything.
  4. Appliance placement. If you choose metal or clear braces, we'll bond the brackets at your placement appointment. If you choose clear aligners, we'll deliver your first tray and show you how to wear and care for them.
  5. Adjustments and progress checks. Braces patients visit every four to eight weeks for adjustments. Aligner patients move through new trays on a set schedule and check in with Dr. Chartrand at regular intervals.
  6. Retention phase. Once your smile is where you want it, we'll fit you with a custom retainer to keep everything in place. Wearing your retainer protects the results you worked so hard to achieve.

You're never a number here. Every appointment is with the same board-certified orthodontist, from your first scan to your final reveal.

Am I a Candidate for Adult Braces?

Most healthy adults are excellent candidates for braces or clear aligners. If you have crowding, gaps, an overbite, underbite, crossbite or teeth that have shifted since childhood orthodontics, treatment can help.

A few things to know before you get started:

  • Healthy gums and bone come first. If you have active gum disease or bone loss, we'll coordinate with your dentist or periodontist to address that before treatment starts.
  • Existing dental work isn't a dealbreaker. Crowns, bridges and implants can be accommodated with careful planning, and Dr. Chartrand coordinates with your dentist when needed.
  • There's no upper age limit. If your teeth and gums are healthy, your age is not a barrier.

Still wondering if you can get braces as an adult? The best way to know for sure is a free consult with Dr. Chartrand. He'll evaluate your smile and recommend the option best suited to you.

Why Omaha Adults Choose Chartrand Orthodontics

Adults across Omaha choose Chartrand Orthodontics for personal, expert care from a doctor who knows their name.

  • Board-certified expertise. Dr. Daniel Chartrand is a board-certified orthodontist who personally directs every treatment plan from start to finish.
  • Doctor-owned, doctor-led. You'll never be handed off to a rotating cast of providers. One doctor, every visit, every time.
  • Advanced tech, you-first care. iTero digital scanning and i-CAT 3D imaging give Dr. Chartrand a clear view of your teeth, bite and airway without messy impressions.
  • Insurance help. We review your insurance benefits, file claims on your behalf and walk through the options during your free consult.
  • Reviews you can trust. Patients consistently mention great experiences with our team, our communication and the care they get at every visit.
  • Free consults and virtual appointments. Busy professionals can start with a virtual visit and move forward on their own timeline.

Perfecting smiles, changing lives isn't just our tagline. It's how we approach every patient who walks through our door.

Adult Braces in Omaha: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth getting braces at 40 or older?

Yes. Straightening your teeth in your 40s, 50s or later can make your teeth easier to clean and help your bite work the way it should. Many adult patients also tell us the boost in confidence was just as valuable. Age isn't a limiting factor as long as your gums and bone are healthy.

How long does adult treatment take?

It depends on your case. Dr. Chartrand gives you an estimated timeline at your free consult, based on your specific case, before you commit to anything.

Are clear aligners or braces better for adults?

It depends on your case and lifestyle. Clear aligners like Invisalign work well for mild to moderate cases and appeal to adults who want a discreet, removable option. Metal or clear braces are often the better choice for more complex bite issues or when precise tooth movement is needed. Here's a quick comparison:

Feature Clear Aligners Metal/Clear Braces
Appearance Nearly invisible Visible (clear brackets less so)
Removable Yes No
Best for Mild to moderate cases All case complexities
Compliance required High (worn most of the day) Built-in
Food restrictions None (remove to eat) Some restrictions

Dr. Chartrand will help you weigh the pros and cons at your free consult.

Does insurance cover adult braces in Nebraska?

Coverage for adult orthodontic treatment varies by plan. Some dental plans include an orthodontic benefit for adults, while others only cover children. Our team reviews your benefits at your free consult so you know where you stand before you start.

Can I get braces with crowns, implants or missing teeth?

Yes. Crowns, bridges, implants and even missing teeth can be accommodated with proper planning. Implants don't move, but the natural teeth around them can be shifted into better positions. Dr. Chartrand will coordinate with your general dentist as needed to make sure everything works together.

Will I need a retainer afterward?

Yes. Once your teeth are in their new positions, a custom retainer keeps them there. Wearing it as directed protects your results for the long run.

Book Your Free Adult Braces Consultation in Omaha

It's never too late to straighten the smile you've been thinking about for years. Your free consult with Dr. Chartrand includes a full evaluation and a straightforward conversation about your options. No pressure. No obligation.

Busy schedule? We offer virtual appointments so you can get started from your office or living room.

Stop searching and start smiling. Book your free consult online or reach out to our Omaha office today to take the first step toward straighter, healthier teeth for life.