Orthodontics for Adults:
It Is Never Too Late to Smile

Medically reviewed by

Dr Izzedin Abuhashem

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Updated June 2026

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8 min read

There is a common misconception that braces are only for teenagers. In reality, more than 30% of all orthodontic patients today are over the age of 21. Whether you are dealing with teeth that have slowly shifted out of place over the years, or you are finally ready to fix the crooked smile that has bothered you since childhood, adult orthodontics offers sleek, discreet solutions perfectly suited for a professional lifestyle.

Why more adults are seeking orthodontic treatment

Beyond the obvious cosmetic desire for a straight, beautiful smile, correcting dental alignment in adulthood carries massive health benefits:

  • Easier Cleaning: Crooked, overlapping teeth create tight spaces where plaque and tartar build up, leading to severe gum disease and bone loss. Straight teeth are significantly easier to brush and floss.

  • Preventing Jaw Pain (TMJ): A misaligned bite forces your jaw muscles to work overtime when chewing, which often leads to chronic headaches, neck pain, and clicking jaw joints (TMJ disorders).

  • Stopping Tooth Wear: When teeth don’t meet properly, specific teeth bear too much biting force, causing the enamel to prematurely wear down, chip, or crack.

The best discreet options for professionals

We understand that as an adult working in the UAE, you likely don’t want to attend business meetings with a mouth full of metal. We offer premium, virtually invisible solutions:

  1. Clear Aligners (Invisalign): The ultimate adult choice. These transparent plastic trays fit snugly over your teeth and are practically invisible. You can remove them for important presentations, dates, and meals.

  2. Ceramic Braces: If your case is too complex for clear aligners, ceramic braces are the next best thing. They function exactly like metal braces but use tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend seamlessly into your natural enamel.

Pro Tip from Dr Izzedin

Because adults are no longer growing, jawbones are denser than those of teenagers. While this means we cannot use growth to our advantage, adult teeth still move predictably and safely. The process may just require a slightly more gradual approach to ensure the roots and gums remain perfectly healthy during the transition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does orthodontic treatment take longer for adults?

Sometimes it takes slightly longer because adult bone is denser, meaning teeth move a bit slower. However, minor cosmetic corrections using clear aligners can still be achieved in as little as 4 to 6 months.

You may have a very slight lisp for the first 48 hours as your tongue gets used to the aligners. After this brief adjustment period, your speech will return to completely normal, and colleagues likely won’t even notice you are wearing them.

The level of discomfort is the same for adults as it is for teenagers. You will feel pressure and mild soreness for a day or two after an adjustment or when switching to a new tray, but it is easily managed and temporary.

About the Expert

Dr Izzedin Abuhashem

Cosmetic Dentist · UAE

UAE’s leading cosmetic dentist since 2013, with thousands of veneer cases performed across Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Specialist in nano and ceramic smile design.

Ready to discuss your

smile options?

Send us a quick photo of your smile on WhatsApp and our team will reply with a personalised assessment and pricing — free of charge.

Manchester Medical Centre LLC, established in 2004, is a professionally organized Medical Centre located in the Heart of Sharjah near “Al Khan Cornish”.

contact info

United Arab Emirates:
center dental & Medical Manchester Sharjah مركز مانشستر الطبي لطب وتجميل األسنان الشارقه
almamzar street, albaker 5 tower 302 – Al Khan – Sharjah

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