If you’ve been thinking about straightening your teeth as an adult, you’re not alone — and you’re definitely not too late. In 2026, nearly one in three orthodontic patients in the United States is an adult, and the options available today are far more effective, discreet, and affordable than they were even a decade ago. At West Valley Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we work hand-in-hand with orthodontists and general dentists throughout West Valley City, UT, West Jordan, South Jordan, Riverton, Herriman, Taylorsville, and Murray to help adult patients understand every option — including how oral surgery may play a critical role in achieving the results they want.

This updated 2026 guide covers the full landscape: treatment types, costs, what insurance actually covers, when surgery is needed, and how West Valley OMS coordinates care so your path to a straighter smile is as efficient and comfortable as possible.

Why More Adults Are Choosing Orthodontic Treatment in 2026

The stigma around adult braces has essentially disappeared. Advances in clear aligner technology, ceramic braces, and lingual (behind-the-tooth) systems have made it possible for adults to undergo orthodontic treatment without it being visible to colleagues or friends. More importantly, adults now better understand the long-term health consequences of untreated bite problems, crowding, and jaw misalignment — issues that can accelerate tooth wear, cause jaw pain, and complicate restorative dental work down the road.

For patients in West Valley City and surrounding Salt Lake Valley communities, the decision to pursue adult braces is often tied to more than cosmetics. Many patients come to us after being told by their dentist or orthodontist that their bite or jaw structure requires an evaluation with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon before orthodontic treatment can begin or be completed successfully.

Adult Braces Options: What’s Available in 2026

Your orthodontist will recommend the right system based on your specific case, but here’s an overview of the most common treatment types adults pursue in the West Valley area:

Traditional Metal Braces

Modern metal braces are far more streamlined than older systems. They’re the most affordable option and remain the most effective for complex cases involving severe crowding, large spacing, or significant bite correction. Cost in Utah typically ranges from $3,000–$6,000 depending on treatment length and complexity.

Ceramic (Clear) Braces

Ceramic brackets blend with tooth color, making them far less visible than metal. They work the same way as traditional braces but are a popular compromise for adults who want effectiveness without the obvious metal look. Typical cost range: $4,000–$7,500.

Clear Aligners (Invisalign and Similar Systems)

Clear aligner therapy — led by Invisalign but also offered through other systems — uses a series of custom-fitted removable trays to progressively shift teeth. They’re virtually invisible and can be removed for eating and cleaning. They work best for mild-to-moderate cases. Adults in West Valley City, Murray, and Taylorsville frequently choose clear aligners for their convenience. Cost range: $4,500–$8,000.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces attach to the back (tongue-side) of your teeth, making them completely invisible from the front. They’re a premium option suited to adults with moderate-to-complex needs who want maximum discretion. Cost range: $8,000–$13,000.

When Surgery Is Part of the Plan

For some adults, no orthodontic appliance alone — regardless of how advanced — can fully correct the underlying problem. This is where oral surgery becomes part of the treatment plan. See the section below for a full breakdown.

The Role of Oral Surgery in Adult Orthodontic Treatment

Not every adult pursuing braces needs surgery. But a meaningful percentage do — particularly those with cases that were never treated in adolescence, or where the jaw structure itself is the underlying issue. The most common reasons an oral and maxillofacial surgeon gets involved in an adult orthodontic case include:

• Impacted or retained teeth: Canines and other teeth that never erupted properly may need to be surgically exposed — or, in some cases, removed — before effective orthodontic movement can occur. See our full guide to tooth extractions at West Valley OMS.
• Jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery): For adults with skeletal discrepancies — underbite, overbite, open bite, or facial asymmetry — braces alone cannot reposition the jaw bones. Orthognathic surgery in West Valley combined with orthodontic treatment delivers permanent, functional correction that no aligner system can replicate.
• Wisdom teeth removal: Wisdom teeth can exert pressure on your existing teeth during orthodontic treatment, undermining the alignment your orthodontist is working to achieve. Many adults in West Jordan and surrounding areas are referred to us for wisdom teeth removal either before treatment starts or during active orthodontics. Learn more about wisdom teeth removal in West Jordan.
• Dental implants to fill gaps: After orthodontic treatment closes or positions spaces correctly, dental implants are often the best long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. West Valley OMS places implants as part of a coordinated treatment plan. Read our complete dental implants guide for West Valley City patients.
• Bone grafting: Long-term tooth loss or gum disease can cause bone recession that makes orthodontic movement or implant placement difficult without first rebuilding the bone foundation.

Our team coordinates directly with referring orthodontists throughout West Valley City, West Jordan, South Jordan, Riverton, Herriman, Taylorsville, and Murray to ensure your surgical and orthodontic timelines align seamlessly.

Jaw Surgery and Adult Braces: A Powerful Combination

Orthognathic (corrective jaw) surgery is one of the most transformative options available to adults who have significant skeletal misalignment. If you’ve been told your bite or jaw position can’t be fully corrected with braces alone, this is worth understanding in depth.

The procedure repositions the upper jaw (maxilla), the lower jaw (mandible), or both to achieve proper skeletal alignment. It’s performed under general anesthesia, typically on an outpatient basis. Orthodontic treatment with braces or aligners runs both before surgery (to align the teeth within their respective arches) and after surgery (to finalize the bite).

Patients across West Valley City, Taylorsville, and the broader Salt Lake Valley choose jaw surgery at West Valley OMS because:

• Results are permanent — not just cosmetic improvements but genuine functional correction
• It can resolve chronic jaw pain, TMJ symptoms, and difficulty chewing that patients have tolerated for years
• Medical insurance often covers a significant portion when a functional impairment is documented
• Our surgeons use advanced 3D imaging and surgical planning to achieve precise, predictable outcomes

For a detailed breakdown of what to expect, read our guide to orthognathic surgery in West Valley, UT.

How Much Does Adult Orthodontic Treatment Cost in 2026?

Costs vary considerably based on the type of treatment, complexity of your case, and whether surgical procedures are required. Here’s a realistic overview for patients in the West Valley City area:

• Traditional metal braces: $3,000–$6,000
• Ceramic braces: $4,000–$7,500
• Clear aligners (Invisalign): $4,500–$8,000
• Lingual braces: $8,000–$13,000
• Orthognathic jaw surgery: $20,000–$40,000 before insurance; medical insurance often covers a significant portion when functional need is documented
• Dental implants (per tooth): $3,500–$6,000 in the West Valley City area — see our full dental implants cost guide for West Valley City
• Wisdom teeth removal: $300–$600 per tooth depending on impaction level

These are estimates. Your actual costs depend on your specific case, insurance coverage, and the providers involved. West Valley OMS works with most major dental and medical insurance plans, and we offer financing through Proceed Finance for out-of-pocket portions.

Insurance and Financing: What Adults Need to Know

Adult orthodontics and related oral surgery have more coverage pathways than most patients realize:

• Dental insurance often covers a portion of orthodontic treatment for adults, particularly if you have orthodontic riders. Most plans have a lifetime orthodontic maximum (commonly $1,000–$3,000).
• Medical insurance may cover jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) and related procedures when there is a documented functional impairment — difficulty chewing, sleep apnea, TMJ dysfunction, or documented skeletal discrepancy.
• FSA/HSA funds can typically be applied to orthodontic and oral surgery costs.
• Proceed Finance: West Valley OMS offers financing plans to help spread costs over time with manageable monthly payments.

Our team will help you understand your specific benefits and build a clear financial picture before any treatment begins. Visit our insurance and financing page for more information.

What to Expect at Your Adult Orthodontic Surgery Consultation at West Valley OMS

If your orthodontist in West Valley City, West Jordan, or a surrounding community has referred you to our office, here’s what a typical consultation looks like:

1. Comprehensive evaluation: We review your dental and medical history, existing X-rays, and any records from your referring orthodontist.
2. Advanced 3D imaging: We use cone-beam CT (CBCT) scanning technology to capture a complete three-dimensional picture of your jaw structure, bone density, and teeth — far more detailed than a standard 2D X-ray.
3. Surgical treatment planning: We’ll explain precisely what surgical procedure is needed, why, and how it integrates with your broader orthodontic plan.
4. Coordinated communication: We communicate directly with your orthodontist before, during, and after any surgical procedure so your care timeline stays on track.
5. Sedation options: We offer IV sedation and general anesthesia for all surgical procedures, ensuring maximum comfort whether you’re having wisdom teeth removed or undergoing jaw repositioning.

We understand that being referred to an oral surgeon can feel unexpected when you started out just wanting straighter teeth. Our surgeons take time with every patient to make sure you leave your consultation feeling fully informed, not overwhelmed.

Serving West Valley Adults Across the Salt Lake Valley

West Valley Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is centrally located to serve patients from across the region. We regularly see adult orthodontic patients from:

• West Valley City, UT — our home community
• West Jordan — a short drive south on Bangerter Highway or I-215
• South Jordan — convenient via Mountain View Corridor
• Riverton — easily accessible via Bangerter Highway
• Herriman — a growing community we’re proud to serve
• Taylorsville — minutes north of our office
• Murray — quick access from I-215 eastbound

To learn more about how oral surgery fits into your adult orthodontic treatment, or to schedule a consultation, contact our office online or call us directly. We’ll review your situation, coordinate with your orthodontist, and give you a clear, confident path forward.

Frequently Asked Questions: Adult Braces & Oral Surgery in West Valley City

Do I need to see an oral surgeon if I just want adult braces?

Not necessarily. Most adults who want braces or clear aligners work directly with an orthodontist and never need a surgical consultation. However, if your orthodontist identifies impacted teeth, jaw misalignment, or missing teeth that need implants, they may refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. West Valley OMS works closely with local orthodontists to make that coordination seamless.

Is jaw surgery required for adult braces?

Jaw surgery is only recommended when orthodontics alone cannot fully correct a skeletal misalignment — such as a severe underbite, overbite, open bite, or crossbite. Many adults complete orthodontic treatment without any surgery. A consultation with both your orthodontist and our oral surgery team is the best way to determine what your specific case requires.

Does insurance cover oral surgery related to braces for adults?

Coverage varies by plan. Procedures with a documented functional component — such as jaw surgery for bite correction or chewing impairment — may be covered under medical insurance. Tooth extractions and wisdom teeth removal may be covered under dental insurance. Our team will help you navigate your benefits and explore financing options during your consultation. See our insurance page for details.

How long does recovery take after jaw surgery for adults?

Most patients take one to two weeks off work after orthognathic jaw surgery, with a full recovery typically occurring over six to eight weeks. Swelling resolves gradually over several months. Your orthodontist will resume or continue treatment after you’ve healed sufficiently. West Valley OMS provides detailed post-operative instructions and our team is reachable throughout your recovery.

Can I still get braces as an adult in my 30s, 40s, or 50s?

Absolutely. There is no age limit for orthodontic treatment. Adults of all ages in West Valley City and surrounding communities like South Jordan, Herriman, and Murray successfully complete orthodontic treatment every year. The primary health considerations are gum stability and bone density — both of which our team can evaluate as part of a comprehensive consultation.

What makes West Valley OMS different from other oral surgery practices?

West Valley OMS is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgery practice serving the West Valley City area. Our surgeons use advanced 3D CBCT imaging for precise surgical planning, offer IV sedation and general anesthesia on-site, and coordinate directly with referring orthodontists and dentists throughout the Salt Lake Valley. We are in-network with most major insurance plans and offer Proceed Finance for flexible payment options.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or dental advice. Every patient’s situation is unique. Please consult with a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon and your orthodontist to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your individual needs.