It Is Never Too Late for the Smile You Deserve 

152 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, TX, 775041

☎ Call 210-361-2000

 ✉ lucent@satxdentalgroup.com

You Are Not Alone — Adult Orthodontics Is More Popular Than Ever

If you feel like you are seeing more adults with braces and clear aligners than ever before, you are right. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, adult orthodontic patients now make up a significant and rapidly growing segment of orthodontic practices across the country. Advances in treatment technology, more discreet options, and greater awareness of the long-term health benefits of proper alignment have all contributed to this trend.



Adults seek orthodontic treatment for many reasons, and no reason is too small or too late:

You never had braces as a kid — Many adults grew up in families where orthodontic treatment was not an option due to cost, access, or other factors. Now that they are in a position to invest in themselves, they are ready to get the smile they always wanted.

Your teeth have shifted over time — Even if you had braces as a teenager, teeth can gradually shift over the years, especially if a retainer was not worn consistently. Adult treatment can re-straighten teeth that have moved out of alignment.

You want to improve your oral health — Crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth are harder to clean effectively, which increases the risk of cavities, gum disease, and uneven wear. Straightening your teeth makes daily oral hygiene more effective and can prevent costly dental problems down the road.

You want to correct a bite problem — Overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites can cause jaw pain, headaches, difficulty chewing, and excessive wear on certain teeth. Orthodontic treatment addresses these functional issues at their source.

You want to boost your confidence — For many adults, the desire for a straighter smile is about how it makes them feel. A smile you are proud of can change the way you carry yourself in meetings, social gatherings, photos, and everyday interactions.

Treatment Options Designed for Adult Lives

We understand that adult patients have different priorities than teenagers. Your career, your relationships, your daily responsibilities, and your personal preferences all factor into the treatment approach that will work best for you. That is why we offer multiple options, each with its own strengths.

Clear Aligner Therapy — Our Most Popular Option for Adults

Clear aligners are the number one choice among our adult patients, and it is easy to see why. These custom-made, virtually invisible plastic trays straighten your teeth without any brackets, wires, or metal components. Most people will never notice you are wearing them. Aligners are removable, so you can eat anything you want, brush and floss normally, and take them out for important meetings, presentations, dates, or photos when needed. They are ideal for adults with mild to moderately complex alignment and bite issues who value discretion and flexibility.

Ceramic Braces — Discreet Power

For adults whose cases require the precision and control of fixed braces, ceramic braces offer a more subtle alternative to metal. The brackets are made from tooth-colored or translucent ceramic material that blends with your natural teeth, making them far less noticeable. Ceramic braces deliver the same reliable results as metal braces while keeping your appearance professional and polished throughout treatment. They are an excellent choice for adults who need comprehensive correction but want to minimize the visual impact of braces.

Traditional Metal Braces — Maximum Effectiveness

While many adults prefer the discreet options above, traditional metal braces remain the most versatile and effective orthodontic treatment available. For complex cases involving significant bite correction, severe crowding, or multi-dimensional tooth movements, metal braces often deliver the fastest, most precise results. Today’s metal braces are smaller and more comfortable than ever, and some adults appreciate the straightforward, no-fuss nature of a fixed appliance.

During your free consultation, Dr. Shakourian will evaluate your teeth, bite, and overall oral health, discuss your goals and preferences, and recommend the treatment approach that will give you the best results for your unique situation.

It Is Never Too Late for the Smile You Deserve

152 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, TX, 775041

☎ Call 210-361-2000

 ✉ lucent@satxdentalgroup.com

Addressing the Concerns Adult Patients Have Most

We have treated many adult patients at Lucent Orthodontics, and we know that adults often come in with specific questions and concerns. Here are honest answers to the ones we hear most:

Will braces or aligners affect how I look at work?

This is the single most common concern among adult patients, and the good news is that you have excellent options. Clear aligners are virtually invisible, and most patients report that colleagues and clients do not notice them at all. Ceramic braces are also highly discreet, with tooth-colored brackets that blend naturally. Many of our adult patients work in professional environments — from corporate offices to healthcare to education — and they consistently tell us that their treatment has not negatively affected their professional image.

Is it really worth it at my age?

Absolutely. The benefits of orthodontic treatment — improved oral health, better bite function, reduced risk of future dental problems, and increased confidence — are just as meaningful for a 45-year-old as for a 15-year-old. In many ways, adult patients appreciate their results even more because they have lived with the issues longer and understand the value of the investment.

Will treatment take longer because I am an adult?

Adult treatment can sometimes take slightly longer than teen treatment for comparable cases, because adult bone is denser and teeth may move a bit more slowly. However, the difference is usually modest. Many adult cases are completed in 12 to 18 months, and milder cases with clear aligners can be finished in as few as 6 months. Dr. Shakourian will give you a realistic, personalized timeline during your consultation.

Can I get treatment if I have crowns, veneers, or other dental work?

In most cases, yes. Adults often have existing dental work including crowns, bridges, veneers, implants, or fillings. Dr. Shakourian will evaluate your entire dental situation during your consultation and develop a treatment plan that takes your existing restorations into account. Certain considerations may apply — for example, brackets bond differently to crowns than to natural tooth enamel — but these are well-understood and manageable.

What about gum disease or bone loss?

If you have a history of gum disease or bone loss, it does not necessarily rule out orthodontic treatment, but it does need to be addressed first. Dr. Shakourian will coordinate with your general dentist or periodontist to make sure your gums and bone are stable and healthy before treatment begins. Orthodontic treatment in a healthy mouth is safe and effective at any age.

Will treatment be uncomfortable?

Modern orthodontic treatment is far more comfortable than most adults expect. You may experience mild soreness for a few days after braces are placed or adjusted, or when switching to a new set of aligners. This typically resolves quickly and is manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers if needed. Most adult patients report that the discomfort is much less than they anticipated.

Real Talk — What Adult Patients Wish They Had Known

We asked some of our adult patients what they wish they had known before starting treatment. Here is what they told us:

"I wish I had known how easy it would be. I built it up in my head for years, and the reality was so much simpler than I expected."

"Nobody at work even noticed my aligners. I was worried for nothing."

"The payment plan made it completely affordable. I thought I could not fit it into my budget, but the monthly amount was very manageable."

"My only regret is waiting so long. I should have done this ten years ago."

"Dr. Shakourian made me feel like she genuinely cared about my results. She was never rushed and always answered every question I had."

Orthodontic Treatment and Your Overall Health

The benefits of adult orthodontic treatment extend well beyond aesthetics. Properly aligned teeth and a healthy bite contribute to better overall health in several important ways:

Easier oral hygiene — Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss thoroughly, reducing plaque buildup and lowering the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Reduced jaw pain and headaches — Bite misalignment is a common contributor to TMJ discomfort, jaw tension, and chronic headaches. Correcting the bite can bring significant relief.

Better digestion — Proper bite alignment allows you to chew food more thoroughly and efficiently, which supports healthy digestion.

Protection against future wear — Misaligned teeth can cause uneven wear patterns that gradually damage enamel and lead to cracking, chipping, and the need for crowns or other restorative work. Orthodontic treatment distributes bite forces evenly across all teeth.

Improved speech — Some adults live with subtle speech issues related to tooth positioning that they may not even be fully aware of. Alignment correction can make a noticeable difference in clarity and comfort.

Affordable Adult Orthodontics in San Antonio

We are committed to making adult orthodontic treatment financially accessible. At Lucent Orthodontics, you can count on:

• A completely free initial consultation with no obligation
• Acceptance of most major dental and orthodontic insurance plans
• Flexible, personalized payment plans with low to no down payment
• Transparent pricing — the cost you are quoted is the cost you pay
• Same-day starts for qualifying patients who are ready to begin
• HSA and FSA accepted for additional tax-advantaged savings

Frequently Asked Questions — Adult Orthodontics