It's Never Too Late to Straighten Your Smile

Orthodontic treatment is no longer just for kids and teens. More adults than ever are choosing to correct crooked teeth, close gaps, and fix bite problems that have bothered them for years. At Fanning Orthodontics, we help adults throughout Albuquerque achieve straighter, healthier smiles with treatment options designed to fit busy, professional lifestyles. Whether you wore braces as a teenager and saw your teeth shift back, or you've simply never had the chance to address your smile, adult orthodontics can get you where you want to be.

Is It Too Late to Get Braces or Aligners as an Adult?

No. Healthy teeth can be moved at virtually any age, and there is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment. The biological process that shifts teeth into place works the same whether you're 15 or 55. What matters most is the health of your teeth, gums, and bone rather than the number on your birth certificate. Many of our adult patients are surprised by how comfortable and discreet modern treatment has become compared to what they remember from years ago.

What Orthodontic Options Do Adults Have?

Adults today have more treatment choices than previous generations, and the right option depends on your goals, your bite, and how visible you want treatment to be. The two most popular paths for adults are:

Clear aligners — a series of nearly invisible, removable trays that gradually move your teeth. They're easy to take out for eating, brushing, and special occasions, which makes them a favorite among working adults. Learn more about how they compare in our post on alternatives to Invisalign.
Traditional braces — a time-tested, highly effective option for correcting even complex alignment and bite issues. Today's braces are smaller and more comfortable than ever. Our adult's guide to traditional braces walks through what to expect.

During your first visit, we'll review both options with you and recommend the approach that best matches your smile goals and daily routine.

What Can Adult Orthodontics Correct?

Adult treatment can address nearly all of the same concerns treated in younger patients, including:

Crowded or overlapping teeth
Gaps and spacing between teeth
Overbite, underbite, and crossbite
Open bite
Teeth that have shifted after previous orthodontic treatment (relapse)
Alignment issues that make brushing and flossing difficult

Beyond a more confident smile, correcting these issues can make your teeth easier to clean and reduce uneven wear over time. You can read more about the results adults see in our article on how effective orthodontics are in adults.

What Does Adult Treatment Look Like at Our Albuquerque Office?

Your journey begins with a consultation, where we listen to your goals and examine your teeth and bite. To plan your treatment precisely, we use a digital iTero scanner to create a detailed 3D model of your mouth without messy impressions, along with digital X-rays for a complete picture of your oral health. Board-trained orthodontist Dr. Michael Fanning then designs a personalized plan and reviews your options with you, so you'll know your estimated timeline and what to expect before anything begins.

New to our practice? Our patient info page has everything you need to prepare for your first appointment.

Why Pursue Orthodontic Treatment as an Adult?

Straightening your teeth as an adult offers benefits that go well beyond appearance:

Easier oral hygiene. Straight, properly spaced teeth are simpler to brush and floss, which supports long-term gum and tooth health.
A more balanced bite. Correcting how your teeth come together can reduce uneven wear and strain.
Renewed confidence. Many adults feel more comfortable smiling, speaking, and showing up in professional and social settings.
An investment that lasts. With proper retention, the results of adult orthodontic treatment can last for decades.

How Long Does Adult Orthodontic Treatment Take?

Treatment length varies from person to person. Minor corrections may take only several months, while more comprehensive cases can run one to two years or longer. Factors that influence your timeline include how much your teeth need to move, the treatment option you choose, and how consistently you wear your aligners or follow care instructions. At your consultation, we'll give you a realistic estimate based on your specific smile.

It's Never Too Late to Straighten Your Smile

Serving Adults Across the Albuquerque Area

We're proud to provide adult orthodontic care to patients throughout Albuquerque and the surrounding communities, including North Albuquerque Acres, the North Valley, Academy Acres North, Eldorado Heights, Chelwood Vista, Uptown, Highland, Nob Hill, Arroyo del Oso, and the University of New Mexico area. No matter which neighborhood you call home, a straighter smile is within reach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I too old for braces or clear aligners?

There's no age limit for orthodontic treatment. As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, your teeth can be moved into better alignment at any age. Many of our patients begin treatment in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond.

Will clear aligners work for complex cases?

Clear aligners handle many alignment and spacing concerns beautifully, but some complex bite issues are better corrected with traditional braces. During your consultation, we'll evaluate your bite and recommend the option most likely to give you the results you want.

Is adult orthodontic treatment noticeable?

It can be very discreet. Clear aligners are nearly invisible and removable, and modern braces are smaller and more comfortable than older versions. We'll help you choose the option that fits how visible you'd like treatment to be.

Do I need a referral to get started?

No referral is needed. You can schedule a consultation directly with our office to discuss your goals and learn which treatment is right for you.

What happens after my treatment is finished?

Once your teeth are in their ideal position, you'll wear a retainer to keep them there. Retainers are essential for protecting your results and preventing teeth from gradually shifting back over time.

Schedule Your Adult Orthodontics Consultation in Albuquerque

You're never too old to love your smile. If you're ready to explore clear aligners or braces as an adult, the team at Fanning Orthodontics is here to help. Contact us or call (505) 200-0945 today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a straighter, healthier smile.

Adult Orthodontics in Albuquerque