More Adults Are Choosing Braces — Here’s Why It Makes Sense

If you’ve been living with crooked teeth, a misaligned bite, or overcrowding for years, you’re not alone. Across West Jordan, South Jordan, Riverton, Taylorsville, and Murray, adult orthodontic treatment is more popular than it has ever been. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists estimates that roughly one in four orthodontic patients in the United States today is an adult. Improved technology, more discreet options, and a better understanding of long-term oral health have convinced a growing number of adults to finally move forward with treatment.

At West Valley OMS, we work closely with orthodontists throughout the Salt Lake Valley to help adult patients understand how oral surgery and orthodontic care often go hand in hand. Whether you’re considering traditional braces, clear aligners, or need preliminary oral surgery before braces can begin, our board-certified surgeons in West Jordan, UT are here to guide you through every step.

Your Adult Braces Options in West Valley

Adults in West Valley, UT have more orthodontic choices than any previous generation. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options:

Traditional Metal Braces

Metal brackets and wires remain the most reliable and cost-effective solution for complex cases. If you have significant crowding, spacing issues, or a bite problem, traditional braces give your orthodontist the most control over tooth movement. Many adults in Herriman and Taylorsville who need comprehensive correction find that metal braces deliver the most predictable results.

Ceramic (Tooth-Colored) Braces

Ceramic braces work exactly like traditional metal braces but use tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend with your natural enamel. They’re far less noticeable on a daily basis, making them a popular choice for working professionals in West Jordan, UT who want effective treatment without the obvious metallic look.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces attach to the back (tongue-side) of your teeth, making them completely invisible from the front. They’re one of the most discreet options available, though they do require an adjustment period and are typically more expensive than standard braces.

Clear Aligners (Invisalign and Similar Systems)

Clear aligner trays have revolutionized adult orthodontics. Removable, nearly invisible, and comfortable to wear, aligners are an excellent fit for mild to moderate alignment issues. However, they require strong patient compliance — wearing the trays 20 to 22 hours per day — and may not be appropriate for every case. Your orthodontist will advise whether aligners can achieve your specific goals.

Not sure which option is right for you? Our post on adult braces in West Valley, UT covers the full spectrum of orthodontic choices available at practices serving the West Valley community.

When Oral Surgery Is Needed Before or During Braces

This is where West Valley OMS plays a critical role in adult orthodontic treatment. Many adults who start braces treatment discover that certain oral health issues need to be resolved first — or that surgery can significantly improve the final outcome. Common pre-orthodontic procedures include:

Tooth Extractions

Overcrowding is one of the most frequent reasons adults delay braces — there simply isn’t enough room for all the teeth to shift into alignment. In many cases, strategic extraction of one or more teeth creates the space necessary for effective orthodontic movement. Our surgeons perform extractions with precision and care, ensuring the healing process doesn’t delay the start of your orthodontic treatment longer than necessary.

Impacted Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth or other impacted teeth can interfere directly with braces treatment. If a wisdom tooth is pressing against adjacent molars, it can undo the tooth movement your orthodontist has worked hard to achieve. Removing impacted wisdom teeth before or early in braces treatment protects your investment and your results.

Dental Implants After Orthodontics

Some adults use orthodontic treatment to create the ideal spacing for a dental implant in West Valley, Utah. For example, if a tooth was lost years ago and surrounding teeth have drifted into the gap, braces can reopen that space so a dental implant can be placed in the correct position. This collaborative approach between orthodontist and oral surgeon produces far superior long-term results compared to placing an implant in a compromised space.

Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)

For adults with significant bite problems — underbites, overbites, open bites, or facial asymmetry — braces alone may not be enough to correct the underlying skeletal discrepancy. In these cases, orthognathic (jaw) surgery combined with orthodontics is the most effective path to a functional, healthy bite and improved facial balance. West Valley OMS specializes in this type of surgical correction and works in close coordination with your orthodontist throughout the process.

If you’re unsure whether you need any preliminary procedures, our guide on how to find the right oral surgeon near you can help you understand what to look for in a surgical partner during orthodontic care.

What to Expect as an Adult Going Through Braces

Adults often have questions that teenagers simply don’t think about. Here’s an honest overview of what the experience looks like:

• Treatment time: Adult treatment typically runs 18 to 36 months, depending on case complexity. Because adult bone is fully developed and less responsive to movement than growing bone, treatment may take slightly longer than comparable cases in teenagers.
• Discomfort: Soreness after adjustments is normal and typically peaks in the first 24 to 72 hours after each appointment. Over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods help manage this phase.
• Diet adjustments: With traditional braces, you’ll avoid hard, crunchy, sticky, or chewy foods that can damage brackets and wires. Clear aligner wearers can remove trays to eat normally, which many adults find more manageable.
• Oral hygiene: Keeping braces clean requires more attention than usual brushing. Adults with braces are at slightly elevated risk for white spot lesions (early tooth decay) if hygiene lapses, so diligent brushing and flossing are critical.
• Retention: After braces are removed, you’ll wear a retainer — often for life — to hold your teeth in their new positions. This is not optional; teeth naturally shift back without ongoing retention.

Why West Valley Adults Choose West Valley OMS for Surgical Support

West Valley OMS serves patients from West Jordan, South Jordan, Riverton, Herriman, Taylorsville, Murray, and across the greater Salt Lake Valley. Our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons bring advanced training and technology to every patient — from straightforward extractions that prepare you for braces, to complex jaw surgery that makes orthodontic treatment possible.

We understand that adults have demanding schedules, careers, and family responsibilities. Our team in West Jordan, UT is experienced at coordinating care with your orthodontist efficiently, minimizing disruption to your treatment timeline. We also work with most major dental insurance plans and offer financing options to make care accessible.

Explore what to expect when you visit us by reading our overview of what sets West Valley OMS apart from other oral surgery practices in the Salt Lake Valley.

How to Get Started

If you’re an adult in West Valley, West Jordan, or the surrounding communities considering braces, the first step is a consultation with an orthodontist. If your orthodontist recommends any surgical procedures — extractions, implants, or jaw surgery — they’ll refer you to an oral surgeon. West Valley OMS accepts referrals from orthodontists throughout the Salt Lake Valley and welcomes self-referrals for surgical consultations.

To learn more about our surgical services that support orthodontic treatment, visit our oral surgeon West Jordan, UT page or contact our office directly to schedule a consultation.

Disclaimer: The information in this post is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or dental advice. Every patient’s oral health situation is unique. Please consult with a qualified oral surgeon or orthodontist to determine the treatment plan that is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Adult Braces in West Valley, UT

Can adults get braces at any age?

Yes. There is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment. Adults in their 40s, 50s, and beyond successfully complete braces treatment every day. The main considerations are overall oral health — gum disease, bone loss, or untreated decay should be addressed before starting orthodontics — and individual treatment goals.

Does insurance cover adult braces?

Coverage varies significantly by plan. Many dental insurance plans include an orthodontic benefit that applies to both adults and children, though the lifetime maximum may be the same regardless of age. For surgical procedures like extractions or jaw surgery that support orthodontic treatment, your medical insurance may also contribute. Our team can help you understand your coverage options.

How do I know if I need oral surgery before getting braces?

Your orthodontist will evaluate your teeth, jaw, and bite during your initial consultation. They will refer you to an oral surgeon if they identify issues such as impacted teeth, significant overcrowding requiring extractions, or a skeletal bite discrepancy requiring jaw surgery. Many adults in West Jordan, UT are surprised to learn that a brief surgical step significantly improves their orthodontic outcome.

Is jaw surgery required for adult braces?

No — jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) is only recommended when the bite problem is skeletal in nature and cannot be corrected with tooth movement alone. The majority of adult braces patients do not need jaw surgery. However, for those who do, the combined orthodontic-surgical approach produces results that neither treatment could achieve alone.

How long does recovery take after tooth extraction before braces can start?

Most patients heal sufficiently from routine extractions within four to six weeks before braces can be placed. In some cases, your orthodontist may begin placing brackets on unaffected teeth while extraction sites heal. Your oral surgeon and orthodontist will coordinate your care to minimize wait time and keep your treatment on track.