Advancements in orthodontics mean adults now have more discreet, comfortable, and effective options for achieving a healthy, confident smile than ever before. According to recent figures from Orthodontics Australia, nearly a third of all new orthodontic patients in Australia are adults, a trend reflected right here on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
With a passion for making orthodontic care accessible for all ages, Dr Anastasia`s goal is to provide you with practical, research-based advice and treatments. In this article you’ll find:
- An overview of modern braces types available to adults
- Where newer technologies like temporary anchorage devices (TADs) may make a difference
- What to expect from the adult orthodontic treatment process
- Key lifestyle tips for adults with braces, and
- Common questions patients ask.
Types of Fixed Braces for Adults
Modern orthodontics gives adults the opportunity to straighten teeth with a range of options designed around appearance, comfort, and efficiency. This helps people select what best fits their lifestyle, bite, and aesthetic goals. Here’s a summary of the most popular choices:
Traditional Metal Braces
Stainless steel brackets and slim wires remain a powerhouse in orthodontics. Today’s designs are much less obtrusive than older “train tracks” and can be more comfortable than previously.
- Durable steel handles even complex bite corrections and severe crowding.
- Secured with elastic ties or modern sliding clips.
- Often the fastest and most affordable option for comprehensive treatment.
Metal braces are excellent for adults prioritising predictability, efficiency, and lasting results.
Ceramic (Tooth coloured) Braces
Tooth-coloured ceramic brackets blend beautifully with your smile, offering a less visible alternative for anyone who prefers their braces to be inconspicuous.
- Toothcoloured or translucent brackets and white wires can create a more natural appearance.
- Robust enough for most adult cases, with slight differences in size and strength compared to metal.
- Modern ligatures resist staining but require good home care and hygiene.
Great for patients that prioritise subtlety and aesthetics, particularly during work or social occasions.
Lingual (Hidden) Braces
Lingual braces are fully customised and fitted to the inner (tongue-facing) surfaces of your teeth. This makes them entirely invisible in conversation or on camera.
- Custom-milled brackets and wires, tailored digitally to your smile.
- Ideal for those in public-facing roles seeking absolute discretion.
- Some adaptation is needed for speech and tongue comfort, but patients typically adjust quickly.
Lingual braces are a great solution for adults whose work or social life calls for a completely hidden solution.
Self-Ligating Braces
These systems use a sliding clip to hold the archwire, reducing friction and sometimes allowing for fewer adjustment visits.
- Available in both metal and tooth-coloured options.
- Fewer “plaque traps,” and can be more comfortable than traditional ties.
- Can be combined with other technologies for enhanced results.
Self-ligating braces can be popular with adults seeking a streamlined routine as they can be easier to clean and manage.
Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs)
Temporary anchorage devices, or TADs, are small titanium fixtures gently placed in the jaw to serve as anchor points to allow for specific orthodontic movements.
When are TADs helpful?
- Closing spaces where teeth are missing (e.g., after extractions) without affecting surrounding teeth
- Intruding (pushing up) over-erupted molars or correcting bite discrepancies
- Achieving results that historically may of required surgery
TAD placement is done under local anaesthetic with mild pressure but no significant pain. Post placement soreness is usually minimal and manageable with paracetamol and ibuprofen. Most patients find TAD care straightforward and their removal is simple, typically with only local anaesthetic required.
How Are Braces Applied?
Your orthodontic journey always starts with thorough assessment, and clear communication. Here’s what you can expect when the time comes to have your braces put on:
Spacers and Bands
Small elastic rings (“spacers”) may be placed to make space between the back teeth. Metal bands may be fitted for strength and stability to the back molars to allow for certain orthodontic movements.
Bonding Brackets
Gentle tooth preparation, precise bracket positioning, and careful wire placement are performed, with digital planning and customisation guiding every step. This process is gentle, usually completed in about 90 minutes, and does not require any drilling or injections.
Auxiliary Tools
Depending on your treatment plan, elastics (small rubber bands), power chains, coil springs, or bite pads for fine-tuned results may be needed, all designed to create optimal outcomes.
Each step in your treatment is personally planned and overseen by Dr Anastasia for maximum precision and the most comfortable modern experience possible.
The Adult Braces Journey
Every adult’s path in orthodontics is unique, but there’s a predictable series of stages:
Consultation & Records
Your first appointment combines a relaxed discussion of your goals and concerns, digital photos and scans, and x-rays to map out a treatment customised to you.
Pre-Treatment Dental Health
Managing any gum disease or tooth decay first ensures your teeth move safely and comfortably during treatment.
Braces Placement
Getting braces on at Beaches Dental Mona Vale is gentle and straightforward. We also provide a tailored hygiene kit and clear dietary advice for your comfort in the first few days and to minimise complications while having braces.
Adjustment Phase
Regular reviews (typically every 4–8 weeks) keep treatment on track. Most adults experience only mild, short-lived tenderness after adjustments.
Mid-Course Review
We reassess progress with scans or x-rays and refine your plan as needed.
Finishing Stage
Final wires and elastics may be needed to achieve the best alignment and bite.
Braces Removal & Retainers
Once your new smile is completed, we remove your braces, polish your teeth, and fit custom retainers, (either fixed, removable, or a combination of both) as individually appropriate to ensure lifelong results.
Timeframe
Most adults complete treatment in 12–24 months, depending on their case complexity and goals.
Living with Adult Braces
Diet
- Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods (nuts, lollies, crusty breads, popcorn, ice).
- Enjoy soft, easy-to-chew foods (steamed vegetables, pasta, boneless meats, soft fruit, chocolate that melts in the mouth).
Speech & Work
- Most people adapt quickly with minimal impact on speech.
- Lingual braces may cause temporary lisping, usually resolving within days or weeks.
- In work, social, or professional contexts, modern brackets and aligners can be barely noticeable.
Sports & Travel
- If you play contact sports, a custom mouthguard is essential to protect your investment.
- When traveling, bring wax, a toothbrush, and spare elastics for comfort and emergencies.
Oral hygiene
- Use an electric toothbrush and if possible brush after every meal.
- Clean between your teeth daily with special tools like water flossers and pixters.
- Have professional cleans regularly, every 3–6 months (especially if you have a history of gum issues).
Trends & Community Insights
Adult orthodontics is rapidly growing, not just among celebrities or executives but busy parents, professionals, and anyone seeking lasting, natural results. In the Northern Beaches, we see adults motivated by work, personal milestones, or the desire to finally do the orthodontic treatment they have been considering doing for years. With today’s discreet options and achievable timelines, adult braces are more normalised and celebrated than ever.
Why Choose Beaches Dental Mona Vale?
- Board-certified specialist orthodontist with advanced training, research, and a track record of successful adult results.
- Personal, expert-led care at every stage.
- The latest in digital planning and gentle techniques for comfortable, discreet adult orthodontics.
- Patient-friendly scheduling, financing, and communication every step of the way.
If you’re considering orthodontics as an adult, don’t wait any longer, book a consultation with Dr Anastasia at Beaches Dental Mona Vale, where your experience, comfort, and results always come first.
Ready to take the first step? Call (02) 9997 8822 or book your assessment online today.
