Orthodontist for Adults in Sacramento: Your Guide to a Confident Smile
More adults in Sacramento are straightening their teeth than ever before. You’re not alone if you’ve been thinking about fixing that crowded smile or bite issue you’ve lived with for years. One in four orthodontic patients today is over 18.
At Sunrise Orthodontics in Rancho Cordova, we see adults every day who finally decided it’s their turn. Maybe you skipped braces as a teenager. Maybe your teeth shifted after treatment. Or perhaps you’re just ready for a change.
Modern orthodontic treatment fits your life. Clear aligners slip out for meetings. Ceramic braces blend with your teeth. Treatment times have shortened dramatically. Adults throughout Sacramento, Elk Grove, Roseville, and Folsom are discovering that getting the smile you want is easier than you imagined.
Dr. Matthew Sanders, DDS, MS brings specialized expertise in adult orthodontics to every treatment plan. Your smile goals matter, and the right approach exists for your unique situation.
What Is Adult Orthodontics?
Adult orthodontics refers to specialized teeth-straightening treatment designed for patients 18 and older. Unlike childhood orthodontics, adult treatment accounts for fully developed bone structure, existing dental work, and the unique lifestyle demands of working professionals. Treatment addresses crowding, spacing, bite misalignment, and relapse from previous orthodontic work.
Your bones stopped growing years ago. This changes how your teeth move and how long treatment takes. Adults often need slightly longer treatment times because mature bone is denser than a teenager’s developing jaw.
The good news? Teeth can move at any age. Your 30s, 40s, 50s, or beyond present no barriers to orthodontic treatment. Healthy teeth and gums are what matter most.
More adults seek orthodontic care now than at any point in history. Better technology, more discreet options, and increased awareness of oral health benefits drive this trend.
Benefits of Adult Orthodontic Treatment
- Better Oral Health
Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss. Crowded or overlapping teeth trap food and bacteria. Proper alignment reduces your risk of cavities and gum disease. - Increased Confidence
Sacramento professionals tell us their straighter smiles changed how they present in meetings, interviews, and social situations. First impressions matter in our competitive job market. - Improved Bite Function
Misaligned bites cause uneven wear on your teeth. They can trigger jaw pain, headaches, and TMJ problems. Correcting your bite protects your teeth for decades. - Prevention of Future Problems
Crooked teeth wear down faster. They chip more easily. Investing in orthodontics now prevents expensive dental work later. - Discreet Treatment Options
Clear aligners and ceramic braces let you straighten your teeth without announcing it to everyone. Most people won’t notice you’re in treatment. - Long-Term Savings
Patients who correct alignment issues spend less on dental repairs over their lifetime. Prevention costs less than restoration.
Adult Orthodontic Treatment Options in Sacramento
Sacramento adults have more choices than ever. The right option depends on your specific needs, lifestyle, and goals.
- Invisalign Clear Aligners
Removable, nearly invisible trays that gradually shift your teeth. Ideal for mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and bite issues. You can eat anything and maintain your normal oral hygiene routine. Most adults love the flexibility. - Ceramic Braces
Tooth-colored brackets that work like traditional braces but blend with your smile. Effective for complex cases that need precise control. Popular among adults who want results without the metal look. - Traditional Metal Braces
Still the most versatile option for complex orthodontic problems. Today’s brackets are smaller and more comfortable than older versions. Often the fastest path to results for severe misalignment. - Lingual Braces
Brackets placed behind your teeth, completely hidden from view. Excellent for professionals who need total discretion. Requires specialized expertise to place and adjust. - Accelerated Treatment Options
Technologies that speed up tooth movement. Ask about options that can reduce your treatment time significantly.
Sunrise Orthodontics offers Invisalign and various braces options at our Rancho Cordova location. During your consult, we’ll recommend the approach that matches your specific situation.
The Adult Orthodontic Treatment Process
- Initial Consult and Digital Imaging
Your first visit includes a thorough exam and digital scans using our iTero Digital Impression System. No messy molds. We capture precise 3D images of your teeth and bite in minutes. - Custom Treatment Plan Development
Dr. Sanders analyzes your scans and develops a personalized plan. You’ll see projected results before treatment begins. We discuss timeline, options, and answer every question. - Appliance Fitting
Whether you choose aligners or braces, your first fitting takes about an hour. We make sure everything feels comfortable and you understand care instructions. - Regular Progress Appointments
Brief check-ins every 4-8 weeks monitor your progress. These appointments typically last 15-30 minutes. We offer flexible scheduling for working professionals throughout Sacramento. - Treatment Completion and Retention
When your teeth reach their final positions, we remove your appliances and fit you with retainers. Retention keeps your results permanent.
Most adult treatment takes 12-24 months, depending on complexity. Some cases finish faster. We’ll give you a realistic timeline during your consult.
Cost of Adult Orthodontics in Sacramento
Average Cost Ranges in Sacramento:
- Invisalign: $4,000-$7,500
- Ceramic Braces: $4,500-$8,000
- Traditional Metal Braces: $3,500-$7,000
- Lingual Braces: $8,000-$13,000
Factors Affecting Your Cost:
Treatment complexity plays the biggest role. Severe crowding or bite issues require longer treatment. The appliance type you choose affects price. Your specific goals matter too.
Insurance Coverage
Many dental insurance plans cover adult orthodontics, often 50% up to a lifetime maximum. California employers increasingly include orthodontic benefits. We verify your coverage before treatment begins.
Flexible Payment Options
Sunrise Orthodontics offers monthly payment plans that fit your budget. Many patients pay $150-$300 monthly with no interest. FSA and HSA accounts can cover orthodontic treatment, providing tax advantages.
The Value Perspective
Consider what you’ll spend on dental repairs if alignment issues worsen. Restorative dental work like fillings, root canals, and extractions can add up quickly. Orthodontic treatment prevents these expenses while giving you a smile you love.
Am I a Good Candidate for Adult Orthodontics?
Age never disqualifies you from orthodontic treatment. We’ve treated patients in their 70s successfully. Your teeth can move at any stage of life.
The Primary Requirements:
- Healthy teeth (cavities treated, no active decay)
- Healthy gums (no untreated periodontal disease)
- Adequate bone support around your teeth
Conditions Requiring Preliminary Treatment:
Gum disease needs treatment before orthodontics. Active cavities require fillings first. These conditions don’t prevent treatment; they simply become steps in your overall timeline.
Special Considerations:
Missing teeth? We plan around them or coordinate with your dentist. Existing dental restorations? Treatment works with your current dental work. Previous orthodontics that relapsed? Retreatment is absolutely possible.
Why Professional Evaluation Matters:
Only an in-person exam reveals your full picture. X-rays show bone health. Scans reveal bite relationships. Dr. Matthew Sanders, DDS, MS can tell you exactly what’s possible for your smile.
Adult Braces vs. Clear Aligners: Which Is Right for You?
| Factor | Traditional/Ceramic Braces | Clear Aligners (Invisalign) |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Noticeable (metal) to subtle (ceramic) | Nearly invisible |
| Removability | Fixed throughout treatment | Removable for eating and cleaning |
| Treatment Scope | Handles all complexity levels | Best for mild to moderate cases |
| Maintenance | Special cleaning around brackets | Remove, brush normally, replace |
| Appointments | Every 4-6 weeks for adjustments | Every 6-8 weeks for monitoring |
| Compliance | Works automatically | Requires 20-22 hours daily wear |
| Cost | Often lower | Often higher |
| Average Duration | 18-24 months | 12-18 months for suitable cases |
Many adults qualify for either option. Your consult reveals which approach serves your goals best.
Why Choose a Sacramento Orthodontist for Your Adult Treatment
- Board-Certified Specialists
Orthodontists complete 2-3 years of specialized training beyond dental school. This focused education matters for adult cases, which often involve complex considerations. - Advanced Technology
Digital scanning, 3D treatment planning, and precision appliances deliver faster, more predictable results. Sunrise Orthodontics uses iTero digital impressions for maximum accuracy. - Adult-Focused Experience
Treating adults requires different skills than treating teenagers. Mature bone, existing dental work, and professional lifestyles demand specialized approaches. Our Rancho Cordova practice sees adult patients daily. - Convenient Sacramento-Area Location
Our office serves patients throughout the greater Sacramento region. Rancho Cordova sits central to Folsom, Elk Grove, and Sacramento proper. Easy access means you’ll actually make your appointments. - Flexible Scheduling
Early morning, lunch hour, and after-work appointments accommodate your career. Taking time off work adds stress, and we get that. - Personalized Approach
Your smile goals differ from everyone else’s. Cookie-cutter treatment plans don’t work for adults. We create individualized strategies that respect your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adult Orthodontics in Sacramento
How long does adult orthodontic treatment take?
Most adult treatment takes 12-24 months. Mild cases with clear aligners may finish in under a year. Complex bite corrections sometimes extend to 30 months. Your specific timeline depends on what we’re correcting and which appliance you choose.
Is orthodontic treatment painful for adults?
You’ll feel pressure when appliances first go on and after adjustments. Most patients describe it as discomfort rather than pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers handle it easily. Discomfort typically fades within 3-5 days of each adjustment.
Can I get braces if I have existing dental restorations?
Yes. We work with existing dental restorations regularly. Brackets bond differently to porcelain than to natural enamel, but experienced orthodontists handle this routinely. We’ll assess your specific situation during your exam.
Will I need to wear a retainer after treatment?
Absolutely. Retainers keep your results permanent. Most adults wear retainers nightly for life. This prevents the natural shifting that occurs as we age. Think of retention as protecting your investment.
How often will I need appointments?
Braces patients visit every 4-6 weeks. Clear aligner patients come in every 6-8 weeks. Appointments typically last 15-30 minutes. We offer scheduling flexibility for Sacramento professionals.
Does dental insurance cover adult braces in California?
Many California dental plans include orthodontic benefits for adults. Coverage typically pays 50% up to a lifetime maximum of $1,500-$2,500. We verify your specific benefits before you commit to treatment. FSA and HSA accounts also cover orthodontic expenses.
Schedule Your Adult Orthodontic Consult in Sacramento Today
Your straighter smile starts with a conversation. Sunrise Orthodontics offers complimentary consultations for adults considering treatment.
During your Free Consult, you’ll receive:
- Complete oral examination
- Digital scans of your teeth and bite
- Discussion of treatment options suited to your goals
- Personalized cost estimate with payment options
- Answers to all your questions
No obligation. No pressure. Just honest information about what’s possible for your smile.
Ready to take the next step?
Schedule a consultation
Call us: (916) 635-5717
Visit us: Our Rancho Cordova office serves Sacramento, Folsom, Elk Grove, Roseville, and surrounding communities.
Dr. Sanders and the Sunrise Orthodontics team look forward to meeting you. Adults deserve beautiful smiles too. Let’s create yours.