What Is Adult Orthodontics?

Adult orthodontics refers to treatment designed specifically for anyone 18 and older. As your dedicated orthodontist for adults in Nashville, TN, Elevation Orthodontics, Nashville’s first adult-only orthodontic office, focuses exclusively on helping adults achieve the smiles they’ve always wanted.

More adults are starting a treatment plan than ever before. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, 1 in 3 orthodontic patients today is over 18. This shift reflects a growing understanding that straight teeth aren’t just about aesthetics. They’re about oral health, confidence, and quality of life.

If you’ve been putting off treatment because you thought braces were only for teenagers, think again. Adult teeth can move effectively at any age with proper care and the right treatment approach. Unlike younger patients, adults bring unique considerations to the table, from existing dental work like crowns and bridges to lifestyle factors that influence which treatment option makes the most sense. That’s exactly why a practice built around adults matters. We offer options designed for adult lifestyles at our East Nashville practice:

• Invisalign: Clear, removable aligners that fit right into your daily routine
• Braces: Modern options that are more comfortable and aesthetic than ever
• InSmile™: Lingual braces placed behind your teeth for completely hidden treatment, just life uninterrupted
• Accelerated orthodontics: Options to speed up your treatment timeline

We know adults, we are adults, and we know what you want when it comes to elevating your smile.

Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment for Adults in Nashville

A treatment plan for adults in Nashville offers benefits that go well beyond a straighter smile, from improved oral health to lasting confidence. Here’s what our adults tell us matters most.

• Confidence that shows in every room you walk into
• Easier daily hygiene and healthier gums
• Relief from bite issues, jaw pain, and headaches
• Discreet treatment options nobody has to know about
• Long-term savings on future dental work

Here’s a closer look at each.

Confidence That Shows

Your smile is often the first thing people notice. Whether you’re presenting in a meeting, networking at an event, or just enjoying Nashville’s social scene, a confident smile makes an impression. Many adults who come through our doors tell us their treatment plan changed how they carry themselves, both professionally and personally. One of our adults recently told us she smiled in a photo for the first time in years, just a few months into treatment. That kind of shift is hard to put a price on, and it’s something we see over and over again at our East Nashville practice.

Better Oral Health

Straighter teeth are easier to clean. Period. When teeth are crowded or overlapping, brushing and flossing become more difficult, and plaque builds up in hard-to-reach areas. This increases your risk of cavities and gum disease. Properly aligned teeth make daily oral hygiene more effective and less of a chore.

Relief from Bite Issues

Ever wonder why your jaw aches or why you get frequent headaches? Misaligned bites can cause more problems than you might realize. Jaw discomfort, chronic headaches, and uneven tooth wear often trace back to bite problems. Correcting these issues provides lasting relief and protects your teeth from unnecessary damage. According to the American Dental Association, malocclusion is one of the most common dental conditions in adults and can worsen over time without treatment.

Discreet Treatment Options

Today’s orthodontic options are designed with adult lifestyles in mind. Clear aligners like Invisalign are nearly invisible. InSmile™ braces sit behind your teeth where no one can see them. You get to straighten your teeth without broadcasting it to the world.

Long-Term Savings

Investing in a treatment plan now can prevent costly dental work later. Misaligned teeth and bite issues often lead to chips, cracks, excessive wear, and gum problems. Addressing the root cause saves money and hassle down the road.

How Adult Orthodontic Treatment Works at Elevation Orthodontics

Your treatment plan at Elevation Orthodontics in East Nashville follows five steps: a free exam, custom treatment planning with 3D imaging, treatment selection, active treatment with periodic check-ins, and a retention phase with custom retainers. Here’s what each step looks like.

Step 1: Free Exam

Everything starts with a complimentary exam at our East Nashville practice. Dr. Brice will assess your teeth, bite, and overall oral health. You’ll talk through your goals, ask every question on your mind, and leave with a clear picture of what’s possible. Virtual options are available too, if that works better for your schedule.

Step 2: Custom Treatment Plan

Using digital imaging and 3D scans, we create a detailed picture of your teeth and jaw. Our tech maps out your treatment plan with precision and shows you a preview of your expected results. You’ll see exactly where your teeth are headed, with a plan designed specifically for you.

Step 3: Pick Your Treatment

What works for your lifestyle? That’s the question here. Your options include Invisalign, braces, InSmile™ lingual braces, and accelerated orthodontic techniques. Here’s a quick comparison:

Treatment	Visibility	Comfort	Typical Timeline
Invisalign	Nearly invisible	Removable, smooth	6–18 months
Braces	Visible (ceramic or metal)	Fixed, low-profile	12–24 months
InSmile™	Completely hidden	Behind teeth	12–24 months

Dr. Brice will walk you through the pros and cons of each so you can make an informed decision.

Step 4: Active Treatment

Check-ins happen every 6 to 8 weeks at our Nashville practice. These visits are quick. We monitor your progress, make any necessary adjustments, and get you back to your day. Most adults tell us the visits are the easiest part of the whole process.

Step 5: Retention Phase

After your teeth reach their final positions, custom retainers help maintain your results. This phase is the key to long-term success. We’ll provide clear instructions on retainer wear to protect your investment, because the last thing you want is to go through all of this and lose ground later.

Average adult treatment timelines range from 6 to 24 months, depending on the complexity of your case. During your free exam, we’ll give you a realistic estimate based on your specific situation.

Are You a Candidate for Adult Orthodontics?

Most adults with healthy teeth and gums are good candidates for orthodontic treatment. Common qualifying conditions include crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. Adults who had braces as teens but experienced relapse are also strong candidates. Wondering if a treatment plan at Elevation Orthodontics in Nashville is right for you? Here are the most common issues we treat.

Common Issues We Treat

• Crowding: Teeth that overlap or twist due to limited space, making them tough to floss properly
• Spacing: Noticeable gaps between teeth that affect how your smile looks or how you bite
• Overbite: Upper teeth extending too far over lower teeth
• Underbite: Lower teeth sitting in front of upper teeth, which can affect your jaw alignment and profile over time
• Crossbite: Teeth that don’t line up when you bite down, which can wear enamel unevenly
• Open bite: Front teeth that don’t touch when your back teeth are closed

Previous Treatment

Did you have braces as a teenager but skipped the retainer phase? You’re not alone. Many adults experience orthodontic relapse, where teeth shift back over time. Retreatment can restore your smile, often in less time than the original process.

Special Considerations

If you have periodontal concerns like gum disease, we may coordinate with your dentist before starting. Healthy gums provide the foundation for successful tooth movement. Once any underlying issues are addressed, treatment can proceed safely.

The best way to know if you’re a candidate? Request a free exam. We’ll evaluate your specific situation and recommend the best path forward, with no obligation and no pressure.

Why Nashville Adults Choose Elevation Orthodontics

We built this practice specifically for adults. That focus shapes everything we do, from the environment in our practice to the way we plan treatment.

Built for Adults Only

Dr. Brice, a graduate of the University of Tennessee and Meharry Medical College with specialty training in Washington, DC focused on adult cases, brings over 10 years of experience treating adult orthodontic cases. He understands the unique considerations these cases require, and he’s the only orthodontist you’ll see here. Every treatment plan gets his personal attention.

Our Tech Works for You

At Elevation Orthodontics, we use digital imaging and treatment planning tools that help us map out treatment plans that work efficiently and deliver predictable results. Our tech means you spend less time in the chair and more time living your life.

No Surprises on Your Bill

Our payment calculator helps you understand costs upfront, and we offer low monthly payment options to make treatment accessible. We also work with your insurance to maximize any available benefits. What you see is what you get.

Flexibility for Busy Lives

You have a career, responsibilities, and a full schedule. We get it. That’s why we offer flexible exam times and virtual options. Your treatment plan shouldn’t disrupt your life. It should fit into it.

Real Results, Real Reviews

Our patients love us, and they’re happy to share their experiences. Check out our reviews to see what Nashville adults are saying about their time with us.

Frequently Asked Questions About Adult Orthodontics in Nashville

Is it too late to get braces as an adult?

Not at all. Healthy adults of any age can benefit from a treatment plan. Your teeth can move effectively whether you’re 25 or 65. The key factors are the health of your teeth and gums, not your age. Many of our adults are well into their 40s, 50s, and beyond.

How much does adult orthodontic treatment cost in Nashville?

Treatment plan costs in Nashville vary based on the complexity of your case and the type of treatment you choose. Adult orthodontic treatment plans typically range from $3,000 to $8,000 depending on complexity and treatment type. During your free exam, we’ll provide a detailed estimate. We offer flexible payment plans and work with insurance providers to help keep treatment affordable.

How long does a treatment plan take for adults?

Most adult cases take between 6 and 24 months to complete. Simpler cases like minor crowding or spacing may finish faster. More complex bite corrections take longer. Dr. Brice will give you a realistic timeline during your free exam.

Can I get Invisalign instead of braces?

Most adult cases qualify for Invisalign. Clear aligners work well for crowding, spacing, and many bite issues. During your free exam, we’ll determine if Invisalign is right for your situation or if another option might deliver better results.

Does insurance cover adult orthodontics?

Many dental insurance plans offer partial coverage for adult treatment plans. Coverage amounts and limitations vary by plan. Our team helps you understand your benefits and maximize any available coverage. During your free exam, we’ll review your plan details and explain exactly what’s covered before you commit to anything.

What makes Elevation Orthodontics different from other Nashville orthodontists?

We’re Nashville’s first adult-only orthodontic office. That means no waiting rooms filled with teenagers, no treatment approaches designed for growing mouths, and no cookie-cutter plans. Everything here is built for adults. Dr. Brice, a board-trained orthodontist with over a decade of experience in adult cases, personally oversees every treatment plan at our East Nashville practice.

Schedule Your Free Adult Orthodontics Exam in Nashville

Want to see what a straighter smile looks like on you? Request your free exam at Elevation Orthodontics in East Nashville today.

During your no-obligation visit, Dr. Brice will evaluate your teeth and bite, discuss your goals, and outline your treatment options. You’ll get honest answers and a clear picture of next steps, zero pressure.

Elevation Orthodontics
Nashville, TN

Call us: (615) 437-8620

Book online: Request Your Free Exam

Virtual exams are available for those who prefer to start from home. Adulting sucks. Straight teeth don’t. Let’s get started.