Adult orthodontics in Pittsburgh and Allison Park, PA, can help improve tooth alignment, bite function and long-term dental health at any stage of adulthood. At Smiles by Smith Orthodontics, our orthodontist and team provide personalized orthodontic care for adults who are seeking treatment for the first time, addressing changes that have developed over time or revisiting previous orthodontic treatment.
Dr. Bradley D. Smith has more than 20 years of experience treating adult orthodontic patients and has managed approximately 3,000 adult orthodontic cases. His extensive experience with braces, clear aligners, bite correction, interdisciplinary care and advanced digital technology allows him to evaluate a wide range of adult treatment needs.
Why Adults Choose Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment is not only about creating a straighter smile. For many adults, improving tooth position and bite relationships can support comfort, function, oral hygiene and long-term dental stability.
Our orthodontist may recommend adult orthodontic treatment to help:
- Correct crowded, crooked or rotated teeth
- Close unwanted spaces between teeth
- Improve overbites, underbites, crossbites, open bites and deep bites when appropriate
- Improve bite relationships and chewing function
- Make it easier to brush and floss around properly aligned teeth
- Prepare the teeth for restorative or periodontal treatment when needed
- Address orthodontic relapse after previous treatment
- Improve smile confidence and overall dental appearance
Because adult patients often have different dental histories, restorative needs and treatment goals, our orthodontist will develop an individualized plan rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.
Adult Orthodontics in Pittsburgh and Allison Park, PA
Adults considering orthodontic treatment may have concerns that differ from those of younger patients. Some are focused primarily on appearance, while others are seeking treatment for crowding, bite concerns, shifting teeth, worn dental work or changes that have occurred since earlier orthodontic treatment.
Our orthodontist will evaluate the teeth, bite, jaw relationships, gum health, existing dental restorations and treatment goals before recommending care. This helps ensure that the orthodontic plan fits the patient’s current oral health and broader dental needs.
Dr. Smith has treated approximately 3,000 adult orthodontic cases and more than 10,000 orthodontic patients overall. His experience allows him to work with a wide range of adult treatment needs, from straightforward alignment concerns to complex interdisciplinary cases.
Braces for Adults
Braces remain an effective option for adults who need precise and consistent control over tooth movement. They may be especially useful when the bite is complex, the teeth require significant movement or fixed appliances provide advantages over removable treatment.
Dr. Smith has provided traditional braces for more than 20 years and has treated approximately 6,000 traditional braces cases. He has also treated approximately 2,000 ceramic braces cases for patients who may prefer a less noticeable fixed appliance.
Our orthodontist can explain whether traditional braces, ceramic braces or another orthodontic system may be appropriate based on the patient’s bite, treatment goals and desired level of discretion.
Clear Aligners for Adults
Clear aligners are another popular treatment option for many adult patients. Dr. Smith has more than two decades of experience providing clear aligner treatment and has treated thousands of cases using both Invisalign® clear aligners and Solventum Clarity™ Aligners.
Clear aligners may be considered for crowding, spacing and cosmetic alignment concerns as well as certain bite problems, depending on the severity and complexity of the case. Some adults may be excellent candidates for aligners, while others may achieve more predictable results with braces.
Our orthodontist will evaluate what each treatment method can realistically accomplish before making a recommendation. The goal is not to favor one appliance over another, but to choose the option that best fits the patient’s clinical needs and lifestyle.
Orthodontic Retreatment for Adults
Some adults seek orthodontic care because their teeth have shifted after previous treatment. This can occur when retainers are no longer worn consistently, when a retainer is lost or damaged, or as the mouth changes over time.
Dr. Smith provides orthodontic retreatment and refinements for patients who have experienced relapse. Depending on the amount of movement, treatment may involve braces, clear aligners or another approach followed by an updated retention plan.
Our orthodontist can evaluate the current position of the teeth and determine whether limited retreatment or more comprehensive orthodontic care may be appropriate.
Adult Orthodontics and Interdisciplinary Dental Care
Adult orthodontic treatment sometimes involves more than tooth alignment alone. Patients may have crowns, bridges, implants, missing teeth, gum concerns, significant wear or plans for restorative dentistry that should be considered as part of orthodontic treatment.
Dr. Smith has managed approximately 3,000 orthodontic cases requiring interdisciplinary care with general dentists, oral surgeons, periodontists and other dental and healthcare providers. This experience is especially valuable for adults whose orthodontic treatment needs to be coordinated with restorative, periodontal or surgical care.
When appropriate, our orthodontist and team work closely with the patient’s dentist and other specialists so tooth movement can be planned with the broader treatment goals in mind.
Complex Bite and Jaw Concerns in Adults
Some adults have more complex orthodontic needs involving significant bite discrepancies, jaw relationships or TMJ-related concerns. Dr. Smith has evaluated or treated approximately 2,000 TMJ and jaw-related cases and frequently evaluates complex orthodontic cases that may require multidisciplinary care.
For patients with significant skeletal or bite concerns, our orthodontist may coordinate with oral surgeons or other specialists when orthognathic surgery or another form of interdisciplinary treatment is being considered.
This broader evaluation helps ensure that treatment recommendations address function and stability as well as tooth alignment.
Advanced Technology for Adult Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic technology plays an important role in diagnosis, treatment planning and monitoring at Smiles by Smith Orthodontics. Dr. Smith has used cone beam 3D imaging for approximately 10 years and digital intraoral scanning for more than 10 years.
Depending on the patient’s needs, our orthodontist may use digital photographs, CBCT imaging, digital scanning and other records to evaluate tooth position, bite relationships and supporting structures.
The practice also uses in-office 3D printing and digital workflows to support appliance fabrication, treatment planning and retention. These technologies help create a more customized and efficient orthodontic experience whenever appropriate.
Adult Orthodontic Care That Fits Your Lifestyle
Many adults are concerned about how orthodontic treatment will fit into work, family responsibilities, travel and social activities. Our orthodontist will take these concerns into account when discussing treatment options.
Depending on the individual case, adults may be able to choose between discreet clear aligners, ceramic braces or other treatment approaches. Our team also provides clear instructions about appointments, oral hygiene, appliance care and what to expect throughout treatment.
During active treatment, patients typically visit the office every six to seven weeks, although appointment frequency may vary based on the treatment method and stage of care.
Can Adults Benefit From Orthodontic Treatment at Any Age?
There is no single age at which someone becomes too old for orthodontic treatment. Healthy teeth can often be moved in adulthood, but the condition of the gums, bone, restorations and overall oral health should be considered before treatment begins.
For this reason, our orthodontist will complete a comprehensive evaluation before recommending care. Adults with periodontal concerns, restorative needs or other dental conditions may benefit from coordinated treatment with their general dentist or another specialist.
The best time to begin treatment depends on the individual patient’s oral health, goals and readiness rather than age alone.
What to Expect at an Adult Orthodontic Consultation
An adult orthodontic consultation gives our orthodontist an opportunity to understand what the patient would like to change and evaluate the clinical factors that may affect treatment.
The visit may include:
- A discussion of smile and bite concerns
- An evaluation of tooth alignment and bite relationships
- Review of existing dental work and oral health considerations
- Digital scans, photographs or other diagnostic records when appropriate
- A discussion of braces, clear aligners or other possible treatment options
- An estimated treatment timeline based on the individual case
- A review of financial and insurance options
Our orthodontist will explain the available options so patients can make an informed decision about whether and how they would like to proceed.
Supporting Adult Smiles for the Long Term
Orthodontic care does not end when braces or aligners are removed. Retention is an essential part of preserving the result. Dr. Smith has managed approximately 10,000 retention cases during his career.
At the completion of treatment, patients receive a personalized retention plan designed to help maintain tooth alignment. Our team also provides replacement retainers and retreatment options when patients experience shifting after previous orthodontic care.
Schedule an Adult Orthodontic Consultation in Pittsburgh and Allison Park, PA
If you are considering adult orthodontics in Pittsburgh and Allison Park, PA, our orthodontist can evaluate your alignment, bite, dental history and treatment goals and explain which options may be appropriate for you.
We also welcome adult patients from nearby Fox Chapel and surrounding communities.
Contact our office today to schedule an adult orthodontic consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adult Orthodontics
Am I too old for orthodontic treatment?
There is no single age limit for orthodontic treatment. Many adults can benefit from braces or clear aligners when their teeth and supporting tissues are healthy enough for treatment. Our orthodontist can evaluate your oral health and determine which options may be appropriate.
What orthodontic options are available for adults?
Adult treatment options may include traditional braces, ceramic braces, Invisalign® clear aligners, Solventum Clarity™ Aligners or another orthodontic approach. The best option depends on the complexity of the case, the tooth movements required and the patient’s goals.
Are clear aligners a good option for adults?
Clear aligners can be an effective option for many adults, but they are not appropriate for every orthodontic problem. Our orthodontist will evaluate the bite, tooth movements and treatment goals before recommending aligners or braces.
Can adults get braces?
Yes. Braces can be an effective option for adults, especially when precise control or more complex tooth movement is needed. Dr. Smith has treated approximately 3,000 adult orthodontic cases and has more than 20 years of braces experience.
Can orthodontics help if my teeth shifted after previous treatment?
Yes. Our orthodontist can evaluate orthodontic relapse and determine whether limited retreatment, clear aligners, braces or an updated retention plan may be appropriate.
Can I have orthodontic treatment if I have crowns or other dental work?
Many adults with crowns, fillings and other dental restorations can still receive orthodontic treatment. The existing dental work and overall oral health should be evaluated before treatment begins, and coordinated care with the general dentist may be appropriate.
How long does adult orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment time varies depending on the complexity of the case, the amount of tooth movement required and the treatment method selected. Our orthodontist can provide a more specific estimate after completing an orthodontic evaluation.
Will I need a retainer after adult orthodontic treatment?
Yes. Retention is an important part of maintaining orthodontic results. Our orthodontist will provide a personalized retention plan after active treatment and can explain how often your retainer should be worn.
Do you offer adult orthodontics in Pittsburgh and Allison Park, PA?
Yes. Our orthodontist and team provide adult orthodontic treatment at our offices in Pittsburgh and Allison Park, PA. We also welcome adult patients from nearby Fox Chapel and surrounding communities.