It’s Never Too Late for a Healthier, More Confident Smile
Let’s address the most common thing adult patients say when they walk through our door: “I know I should have done this years ago.”
Our response is always the same: you’re here now, and that’s what matters. Because adult orthodontics isn’t about what you didn’t do in your teens — it’s about what you can do today, at any age, to invest in your smile, your health, and your confidence.
At Solana Orthodontics, more adults than ever are choosing to pursue orthodontic treatment — and it makes sense. Today’s options are more discreet, more efficient, and more comprehensive than anything available even a decade ago. Clear aligners are virtually invisible. Ceramic braces are barely noticeable. And with a board-certified orthodontist who takes a whole-health approach, adult treatment at Solana goes well beyond aesthetics.
Dr. Sandra Nairooz — a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics with a Master of Science in Dentistry — brings over a decade of clinical expertise specifically to the unique needs of adult orthodontic patients. Whether you’re 25 or 65, she will build a treatment plan that fits your life, your goals, and your long-term health.
Why Adults Choose Orthodontic Treatment
Adults seek orthodontic treatment for a wide range of reasons — and all of them are valid:
Aesthetic goals. Straight, well-aligned teeth affect how you feel about your smile in photos, in professional settings, and in everyday interactions. A confident smile is something every adult deserves.
Health and function. Crowded or misaligned teeth are harder to clean, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease over time. A poorly aligned bite creates uneven wear on tooth enamel and can lead to chipping, cracking, and sensitivity. Correcting alignment now protects your teeth for decades to come.
Orthodontic relapse. Many adults had braces as teens but stopped wearing their retainers — and their teeth have shifted back. It happens more often than you’d think, and it’s entirely fixable.
Jaw pain and TMD. Bite misalignment is one of the most common structural contributors to TMJ disorder, jaw pain, grinding, and chronic headaches. For adult patients experiencing these issues, orthodontic correction can be part of a lasting solution.
Airway and sleep concerns. Structural jaw problems, narrow arches, and bite misalignment can restrict the airway and contribute to snoring, sleep-disordered breathing, and fatigue. Adult orthodontic treatment can address these root-cause structural factors.
Life transitions. Many adults pursue orthodontic treatment during periods of positive change — a new career, a new relationship, an important milestone. Investing in your smile is investing in yourself.
Why Adult Orthodontics Is Different — and Why It Requires an Expert
Orthodontic treatment in adults is not simply teen treatment delivered to an older patient. There are important clinical distinctions that require specialized knowledge and judgment:
Bone density and tooth movement. Adult bone is fully matured and denser than adolescent bone, which means teeth move more slowly and treatment plans must be designed with greater precision. Dr. Nairooz accounts for this in every adult treatment plan.
Gum and periodontal health. Adults are more likely to have a history of gum disease, bone loss, or dental work that must be carefully considered when planning orthodontic treatment. Dr. Nairooz evaluates periodontal health and coordinates with your general dentist or periodontist when needed.
Dental history and restorations. Crowns, bridges, implants, veneers, and missing teeth all affect how orthodontic treatment is planned and executed. Dr. Nairooz takes a comprehensive look at your full dental history before developing your plan.
Skeletal limitations. In adults, certain jaw discrepancies that could be guided during growth in adolescence may require a combined orthodontic and surgical approach. Dr. Nairooz evaluates all options — including orthognathic surgery coordination — and discusses every path clearly so you can make an informed decision.
The whole-health picture. Adult patients often present with airway concerns, TMJ issues, or systemic health factors that are intertwined with their orthodontic needs. Dr. Nairooz’s comprehensive, holistic approach is particularly well-suited to adult care.
Treatment Options for Adults at Solana Orthodontics
Invisalign for Adults
The most popular choice among adult patients at Solana Orthodontics — and for good reason.
Invisalign clear aligners are virtually invisible, removable, and designed to fit seamlessly into adult professional and social life. You can smile in meetings, take photos at events, and share meals with friends without anyone knowing you’re in treatment. Aligners are removed for eating, drinking, and your oral hygiene routine — no dietary restrictions, no special cleaning tools for hardware.
Invisalign is effective for a wide range of cases, from mild tooth movement and relapse correction to moderate crowding, spacing, and many bite issues. Dr. Nairooz will give you an honest, clinical assessment of whether Invisalign can achieve the results you’re looking for — or whether another approach would serve you better.
Ceramic (Clear) Braces for Adults
For cases that require more precise control than aligners can provide, ceramic braces offer the full clinical power of traditional braces with a tooth-colored or clear aesthetic that’s far less noticeable than metal.
Ceramic braces are a strong choice for adults who need comprehensive treatment for complex bite issues but want to minimize the visual impact of hardware. They’re fixed — so there’s no question of compliance — and they’re remarkably effective.
Targeted Orthodontic Treatment (Limited Treatment)
Not every adult needs comprehensive orthodontic treatment. Some patients have one or two specific concerns — minor crowding, a single misaligned tooth, or closing a small gap — that can be addressed with a shorter, more focused course of treatment.
Dr. Nairooz offers limited orthodontic treatment for adults with targeted goals, often using clear aligners for efficiency and discretion. This can frequently be completed in a matter of months.
Orthodontics as Part of TMJ and Whole-Health Care
For adult patients whose orthodontic concerns are intertwined with jaw pain, TMD, airway issues, or sleep problems, Dr. Nairooz designs integrated treatment plans that address the full picture. This might include a combination of orthodontic correction, Botox for jaw muscle tension, appliance therapy, or collaborative care with other specialists.
This comprehensive approach — rooted in Dr. Nairooz’s expertise in jaw function, bite mechanics, and airway health — is one of the most distinctive aspects of adult care at Solana Orthodontics.
What Adult Orthodontic Treatment Looks Like at Solana Orthodontics
Your consultation. Dr. Nairooz takes time to understand your goals, your health history, any previous orthodontic treatment, and your lifestyle. She evaluates your teeth, bite, jaw, gum health, and — when relevant — your airway and jaw joint function. You leave with a clear picture of your options and a recommended treatment plan, with no pressure to commit on the spot.
Digital records and planning. We use digital impressions and low-dose 3D imaging to plan your treatment with precision. No messy molds, and a clear visual picture of what we’re working toward.
Fitting your schedule. We offer after-work appointments, same-day starts, and — for Invisalign patients — AI-assisted remote monitoring options that can reduce the number of in-office visits required.
Coordinated care. If your treatment requires coordination with a general dentist, periodontist, or other specialist, Dr. Nairooz communicates directly with your care team to ensure everything moves smoothly.
Retainers for life. Adult teeth are especially prone to relapse without consistent retainer wear. Dr. Nairooz provides high-quality retainers and clear, simple instructions for maintaining your results long-term.
A Word About Timing — Why Now Is a Good Time
We hear it often: “I’ve been thinking about this for years.” The honest truth is that the best time to start is whenever you’re ready — because orthodontic treatment is available and effective at any adult age, and the benefits — a healthier bite, easier oral hygiene, reduced wear, and a smile you feel great about — are just as real at 45 as they are at 25.
The one thing we’d encourage you not to do is continue waiting. Misaligned teeth and bite problems don’t improve on their own over time. Worn enamel, shifting teeth, and stressed jaw joints tend to compound gradually. The sooner you get a clear picture of where things stand, the sooner you can make an informed decision — whether that means starting treatment now or simply having a plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adult Orthodontics in San Antonio
Is orthodontic treatment effective for adults?
Absolutely. Adults can achieve outstanding orthodontic results at any age. Tooth movement is biologically possible throughout life — it may be somewhat slower in adults due to bone density, but the outcomes are fully comparable. Dr. Nairooz treats adult patients from their 20s through their 60s and beyond.
Will Invisalign work for my case?
Invisalign is effective for a wide range of adult cases — from minor relapse and cosmetic correction to moderate crowding, spacing, and many bite issues. More complex skeletal or bite cases may be better suited to braces or a combined approach. Dr. Nairooz will give you a straight answer at your consultation.
I had braces as a teenager and my teeth shifted. Can that be fixed?
Yes, absolutely — and this is one of the most common reasons adults seek orthodontic care. Orthodontic relapse is very common and very treatable. Depending on the degree of shifting, treatment can range from a relatively short course of limited clear aligner therapy to a more comprehensive approach. Dr. Nairooz will assess the current state of your bite and recommend the most efficient path to correction.
How long does adult orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment length depends on the complexity of your case. Limited treatment for minor concerns can be completed in as few as 3 to 6 months. Comprehensive adult treatment typically ranges from 12 to 24 months. Dr. Nairooz will give you a realistic estimate at your consultation.
Does orthodontic treatment hurt adults more than teens?
Adults and teens experience similar levels of discomfort during orthodontic treatment — mild pressure after adjustments or when advancing to new aligners, which typically resolves within a day or two. There is no evidence that adults experience significantly more pain than younger patients.
Will I need to take time off work for appointments?
Not typically. Most adjustment appointments are brief — 20 to 45 minutes — and we offer after-work scheduling. Invisalign patients may be able to take advantage of remote monitoring options that further reduce in-office visits.
What about my dental work — crowns, implants, veneers?
Existing dental restorations require specific considerations in treatment planning, but they don’t prevent orthodontic treatment. Dr. Nairooz will evaluate your full dental history and coordinate with your restorative dentist to ensure your treatment plan works around your existing dental work safely and effectively.
Is adult orthodontic treatment covered by insurance?
Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic coverage for adults, though benefits vary significantly by plan. Our team will help you verify your coverage and maximize your benefits. We also offer flexible monthly payment plans to make treatment accessible regardless of insurance status.
Schedule Your Adult Orthodontic Consultation in San Antonio
Your smile tells the world who you are. At Solana Orthodontics, Dr. Nairooz will work with you — not on you — to build a treatment plan that fits your life, your goals, and your health. No judgment, no pressure, and no one-size-fits-all approach.
We’re located at 2907 N Loop 1604 E, Suite 101, San Antonio, TX 78232. Call us at (210) 905-9000 or request your consultation online.
You deserve a smile you love. Let’s make it happen.
Serving adults throughout San Antonio, Stone Oak, Shavano Park, Alamo Heights, Helotes, North Central San Antonio, and surrounding communities.