orthodontist Leesburg VA

Braces for Adults in Ashburn, Woodbridge & Alexandria, VA

It is never too late to straighten your teeth and achieve the smile you have always wanted. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) reports that 1 in 5 orthodontic patients is over the age of 21 — and that number continues to grow. At ABSC, Dr. Hessamfar provides discreet, effective orthodontic treatment for adults of all ages across Northern Virginia. Your first consultation is completely free.

Can Adults Get Braces?

Yes — adults of any age can receive orthodontic treatment, including patients in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond. Orthodontic treatment works by applying controlled pressure to gradually move teeth through the surrounding bone. While adult bone is denser and less responsive than growing teenage bone — which may slightly extend treatment time — the end results are exactly the same: straighter teeth, a corrected bite, and a healthier, more confident smile. The most important requirements for adult orthodontics are not age but healthy gums and sufficient bone density to support tooth movement. As long as your periodontal health is in good shape, age is not a barrier to orthodontic treatment.

Why More Adults Are Choosing Orthodontic Treatment

Adults today understand that orthodontic treatment is an investment in both their health and their quality of life — not just their appearance. The motivations are as varied as the patients themselves:

  • Completing treatment they started as teens — many adults received partial orthodontic treatment as children but never finished. This is one of the most common reasons adults seek treatment at ABSC
  • Teeth that have shifted over time — teeth naturally migrate throughout adulthood, especially without consistent retainer use. Crowding, gaps, and bite changes can all develop or worsen with age
  • Addressing bite problems that cause jaw pain, uneven tooth wear, or difficulty chewing
  • Improving confidence before major life events — a new job, a wedding, or simply wanting to feel good about their smile every day
  • Better oral health — straight, properly aligned teeth are easier to clean and are less susceptible to decay, gum disease, and premature wear
Dr. Ron Hessamfar DMD MS orthodontist at American Braces and Smile Center Northern Virginia

Benefits of Getting Braces as an Adult

  • Straight teeth are healthier teeth: Properly aligned teeth are significantly easier to brush and floss effectively, reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bone loss over time.
  • A better bite protects your teeth: Untreated misalignment causes uneven pressure across the teeth, leading to accelerated wear, chipping, and jaw discomfort. Correcting your bite now prevents more costly dental work later.
  • Confidence that changes everything: Smiling freely and without self-consciousness has a measurable impact on social confidence, professional presence, and overall quality of life.
  • Untreated problems worsen with age: Crowding, bite issues, and gum disease risk all tend to increase over time without correction. Addressing these problems now is almost always less complex and less costly than waiting.
  • Adults are ideal patients: Adult patients are typically highly motivated, consistent with appliance wear, and diligent about oral hygiene — which means excellent compliance and outstanding results.

How Adult Orthodontics Differs from Teen Treatment

Adult orthodontic treatment follows the same clinical principles as teen treatment, but there are important differences that Dr. Hessamfar accounts for when planning adult cases:

Bone maturity: Adult jawbones have finished growing. While this means teeth can still move effectively, it does mean some severe skeletal discrepancies that can be corrected with growth guidance in children may require a different approach in adults — in rare complex cases, orthognathic (jaw) surgery may be considered alongside orthodontic treatment.

Periodontal health: Adults are more likely than teens to have experienced gum recession, bone loss, or periodontal disease. Dr. Hessamfar works with your dentist or periodontist to ensure gum and bone health is stable before and during treatment. Patients with active gum disease must have it treated before braces can begin — but this does not mean braces are off the table permanently.

Worn or missing teeth: Years of use can cause teeth to wear down, chip, or shift — particularly if previous teeth have been lost. Missing teeth cause adjacent teeth to drift and tilt, creating bite problems that orthodontics can correct, often in coordination with restorative dental treatment.

Treatment time: Adult treatment typically takes 18 months to 3 years depending on complexity — slightly longer than teen treatment on average, but with the same quality of results. As a general guide: mild alignment issues often resolve in 6–12 months, moderate cases in 12–20 months, and complex bite corrections in 18–30 months. Dr. Hessamfar will give you a personalized estimate based on your specific case at your consultation.

Can You Get Braces Again If Your Teeth Shifted After Treatment?

Yes. Adults whose teeth shifted after earlier braces or Invisalign can be retreated. Dr. Hessamfar sees these patients regularly, and the first step is a free consultation to find out why your teeth moved and what it will take to correct them.

Teeth are never fully fixed in place. Over the years they can drift back toward their old positions, especially if retainer wear stopped or became inconsistent. Many adults notice it as crowding in the lower front teeth, new gaps, or a bite that no longer feels the way it did when their braces came off.

What Retreatment Looks Like

Retreatment is not always a repeat of your first treatment. Your teeth are already close to where they belong, so the plan depends on how far they have moved and what is causing it. At your consultation, Dr. Hessamfar will:

  • Compare your teeth to where they should be using a digital scan with iTero, so you can see exactly what has changed
  • Check your gums and bone health, because active gum disease or bone loss has to be addressed before any tooth movement starts
  • Look at your bite, not just how the front teeth look, since a bite that has changed can affect how your teeth wear
  • Recommend an option that fits the correction, whether that is Invisalign, clear ceramic braces, or another appliance

Keeping Your Teeth Straight This Time

Once your teeth are back in position, a retainer protects the result. Dr. Hessamfar will explain how and when to wear it, and our retainer care guide covers daily handling. If you had braces as a teen and your smile has changed since, there is no need to wait until the shifting gets worse.

Book a free, no-obligation consultation at our Ashburn, Woodbridge, or Alexandria office to see what retreatment would involve for you.

When Should You Wait Before Getting Braces?

There is only one significant reason to delay orthodontic treatment as an adult: active gum disease. If you have untreated gingivitis or periodontal disease, the inflammation and bone loss associated with those conditions can be aggravated by the forces of orthodontic treatment. In these cases, Dr. Hessamfar will coordinate with your dentist or periodontist to stabilize your gum health first — after which braces can proceed safely.

Outside of active periodontal disease, age itself is never a reason to wait. As long as your bones and gums are healthy enough to support tooth movement, you are a candidate for orthodontic treatment at any age.

Braces Options for Adults at ABSC

Most adults at ABSC choose a discreet treatment option. Dr. Hessamfar will recommend the most appropriate choice for your clinical needs — and all options are available at every ABSC location.

Clear Ceramic Braces for Adults

Ceramic braces use tooth-colored brackets that blend naturally with your teeth, making them far less noticeable than metal braces. They are fixed appliances — bonded directly to the teeth — and are just as effective as metal braces for treating a full range of misalignment and bite issues. Clear ceramic braces are the most popular fixed brace option among adult patients at ABSC.

Lingual Braces for Adults

Lingual braces are bonded to the back surface of the teeth, making them completely invisible when you smile. They are the most discreet fixed orthodontic option available and are particularly popular among professionals and adults who cannot have any visible hardware during treatment. They are equally effective as front-facing braces for most cases.

Self-Ligating Braces for Adults

Self-ligating braces eliminate elastic bands and use a built-in clip system to reduce friction, require fewer adjustment visits, and can shorten treatment time by up to 6 months. They are available in both metal and clear ceramic versions — a practical, efficient choice for busy adults.

Invisalign for Adults

Invisalign uses a series of custom-fitted, removable clear aligners — changed every 1 to 2 weeks — to gradually shift teeth without any brackets or wires. Virtually invisible and fully removable for eating and brushing, Invisalign is an excellent option for adults with mild to moderate correction needs who want the most convenient and discreet treatment experience available.

Metal Braces for Adults

Traditional metal braces remain a highly effective option for adults, particularly for complex cases that require precise, controlled tooth movement. Modern metal brackets are smaller and more comfortable than previous generations. While less discreet than other options, they are the most affordable choice and deliver excellent results across all complexity levels.

Adult Braces vs. Invisalign: Which Is Right for You?

Most adults at ABSC choose between fixed braces (ceramic, lingual, or self-ligating) and Invisalign. Here’s how they compare:

FactorFixed Braces (Ceramic/Lingual)Invisalign
VisibilityCeramic: subtle but visible. Lingual: fully hidden behind the teeth.Virtually invisible clear aligners
Removable?No — fixed to the teeth for the full treatmentYes — removed for eating, brushing, and flossing
Diet restrictionsAvoid hard, sticky, and chewy foodsNone — aligners come out to eat
Daily maintenanceBrushing and flossing around brackets and wiresMust be worn 20–22 hours a day to stay on schedule
Best suited forMore complex bite corrections; patients who don’t want to manage removable alignersMild to moderate corrections; patients who want a removable, low-visibility option

Dr. Hessamfar will recommend the option that fits your specific bite, lifestyle, and goals at your free consultation — many adults are candidates for more than one option.

What to Expect as an Adult Wearing Braces

Adult patients consistently report that braces are far more manageable in daily life than they expected. Here is what treatment involves:

  • Adjustment appointments every 4 to 8 weeks — brief visits to monitor progress and update wires or aligners. Most patients schedule appointments during a lunch break or before/after work
  • Mild soreness for 3 to 5 days after getting braces and following adjustments — normal, temporary, and manageable with over-the-counter acetaminophen
  • Food awareness: Avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods that can damage brackets or wires. Most everyday foods — including restaurant meals — are perfectly compatible with braces
  • Enhanced oral hygiene: Brushing after meals and flossing daily is more important than ever. A water flosser is a worthwhile investment for adults in braces
  • Retainer after treatment: Once braces are removed, you will wear a retainer to keep your teeth in their new positions. This is a lifelong commitment — the most common cause of teeth shifting back is inconsistent retainer use
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Why Adults Across Northern Virginia Choose ABSC

At ABSC, adult patients are treated with the same level of clinical precision and personal attention as every other patient. Dr. Ron Hessamfar understands the unique concerns adults bring to orthodontic treatment — discretion, efficiency, scheduling flexibility, and achieving results that justify the investment. His 25+ years of experience and broad expertise across all modern treatment systems mean adults at ABSC receive the right treatment, not a generic plan.

  • Board-eligible orthodontist with 25+ years of experience treating adults
  • Full range of adult-appropriate options — ceramic braces, lingual braces, self-ligating braces, Invisalign
  • Recognized as Top Orthodontist by Northern Virginia Magazine and Washingtonian Magazine
  • Voted Best Orthodontist in Prince William and Loudoun County
  • Three conveniently located offices — easy to schedule around work and family commitments
  • Flexible financing plans with low monthly payments — most insurance accepted
  • Free initial consultation — no referral needed, no cost, no obligation

Three Convenient Locations for Adult Braces in Northern Virginia

ABSC has three offices across Northern Virginia, with appointment availability designed to fit around busy adult schedules — including early morning and evening slots.

Call us at 703-726-6561 or book your free consultation online today.

Insurance and Financing for Adult Orthodontics

Insurance and Financing for Adult Orthodontics

Adult orthodontic coverage often works differently than it does for children. Many dental insurance plans that cover orthodontics limit that coverage to dependents under a certain age — typically 18 or 19 — which means adult treatment isn’t always covered the same way a child’s treatment would be. This doesn’t mean adults have no options:

  • Some PPO plans do cover adult orthodontics, often at a lower percentage or with a separate lifetime maximum — our team verifies your specific plan’s adult orthodontic benefit before treatment begins
  • HSA and FSA funds can typically be used toward adult orthodontic treatment, the same as any other qualifying medical expense
  • Flexible in-house payment plans are available regardless of what your insurance covers, with low monthly payments

Because adult coverage varies so much from plan to plan, the most reliable way to know your actual out-of-pocket cost is a benefits check at your free consultation — our team reviews your specific plan and gives you a clear number before you commit to anything.

What Adult Patients Are Saying About ABSC

“Dr. Ron Hessamfar is the BEST orthodontist! …he decided to give me an Invisalign treatment to align my teeth, as well as a device to help treat my jaw’s overbite… my teeth look aesthetically pleasing, but his holistic approach ensured that my jaw alignment and overbite were in a healthy spot.” — Lily Guzman, Google Review (Alexandria)

Dr. Ron Hessamfar is a board-eligible orthodontist with over 25 years of clinical experience treating adults, teens, and children across Northern Virginia. Read more adult patient reviews here.

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Happy patient with straight teeth after braces treatment at ABSC Orthodontics in Ashburn Virginia

Ready to Start? Book Your Free Adult Orthodontic Consultation

There is no better time than now. Schedule your free consultation with Dr. Hessamfar at any of our three Northern Virginia offices — no referral needed, no cost, no pressure. He will evaluate your teeth and bite, walk you through every option available for adult patients, and give you a clear, honest recommendation tailored to your needs and lifestyle.

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Frequently Asked Questions — Braces for Adults

No. Adults of any age — including patients in their 40s, 50s, and beyond — can receive orthodontic treatment. The only clinical requirements are healthy gums and adequate bone density. Age itself is not a barrier. Dr. Hessamfar has successfully treated many adult patients well into their later years.

Adult treatment typically lasts 18 months to 3 years, depending on the complexity of the case. As a general guide, mild alignment issues often resolve in 6 to 12 months, moderate cases in 12 to 20 months, and complex bite corrections in 18 to 30 months. Dr. Hessamfar will give you a personalized estimate at your consultation.

Lingual braces are the most discreet fixed option — completely invisible as they sit behind the teeth. Invisalign clear aligners are also virtually invisible and fully removable. Clear ceramic braces are tooth-colored and far less noticeable than metal for patients who want a fixed appliance with improved aesthetics.

Active gum disease must be treated and stabilized before orthodontic treatment can begin. Once your periodontal health is under control — confirmed by your dentist or periodontist — braces can proceed safely. Having had gum disease in the past does not permanently disqualify you from orthodontic treatment.

Yes. Dr. Hessamfar retreats adults whose teeth have moved since earlier orthodontic treatment. After a free consultation and digital scan, he will explain what has changed, which option fits, and how to keep the result in place with a retainer.

Yes. Adults achieve the same high-quality orthodontic results as teenagers — straight teeth, corrected bite, and improved oral health. Treatment may take slightly longer due to denser bone, but the end results are clinically equivalent.

Yes — and this applies to all orthodontic patients regardless of age. After treatment, you will wear a retainer to maintain your results long-term. Teeth have a natural tendency to shift back toward their original positions over time, and consistent retainer wear is the most important step in protecting your investment.

Cost depends on the treatment type and case complexity. ABSC offers flexible payment plans with low monthly installments. Our team will review your coverage and financing options in full at your free consultation.

In many cases, yes. Implants cannot be moved orthodontically — they are fixed in the bone — but the surrounding natural teeth can still be aligned around them. Crowns and bridgework require careful planning. Dr. Hessamfar will assess your full dental history at your consultation and coordinate with your restorative dentist as needed.