What Are Adult Braces and Why Are More Nashville Adults Choosing Them?
Braces for adults in Nashville, TN are treatment plans designed specifically for adults 18 and older who want to correct alignment issues, bite problems, or spacing concerns. If you’ve been putting off straightening your teeth because you thought braces were just for teenagers, you’re not alone. But here’s the reality: according to the American Association of Orthodontists, roughly 1 in 3 orthodontic adults today is over 18. Nashville adults are choosing to invest in their smiles now more than ever.
The braces you remember from middle school? They’ve changed dramatically. Modern bracket systems are smaller, sleeker, and far more comfortable than the bulky metal hardware of decades past. At Elevation Orthodontics, Nashville’s first adult-only orthodontic office, we understand that adults have different priorities, schedules, and aesthetic concerns than younger people. That’s exactly why Dr. Brice and our team offer multiple braces options tailored to adult lifestyles, including traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, and our discreet InSmile™ lingual braces that sit behind your teeth where no one can see them.
The misconception that braces are only for teens couldn’t be further from the truth. Your teeth can be moved at any age as long as they’re healthy. Whether you never had a treatment plan as a teen, or your teeth have shifted over the years after previous treatment, adult braces can deliver the smile you’ve always wanted. We know adults, we are adults, and we know what you want when it comes to getting the smile you deserve.
Many Nashville professionals, parents, and retirees are discovering that getting a beautiful smile as an adult has never been easier. The tech is better, there are more options than ever, and the experience at Elevation Orthodontics is designed specifically for you.
What makes braces for adults different from teen treatment? For starters, adult bone density is higher, which means tooth movement requires a more precise approach. Adults also tend to have existing dental work, from crowns and bridges to previous restorations, that must be factored into any treatment plan. Dr. Brice accounts for all of these variables when designing your custom plan, so you get results that work with your mouth as it is today, not how it looked at 14.
Benefits of Getting Braces as an Adult in Nashville
Adult braces at Elevation Orthodontics offer benefits that go well beyond a straighter smile. They improve oral health, boost confidence, correct bite issues that cause daily discomfort, and fit into modern adult life more easily than most people expect. Here’s a closer look at what Nashville adults gain when they choose braces.
Improved Oral Health
Crooked or crowded teeth create tight spaces where bacteria thrive. These hard-to-clean areas increase your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and uneven enamel wear. Straighter teeth are easier to brush and floss effectively, which means fewer dental problems down the road. For Nashville adults who’ve been dealing with recurring dental issues, alignment correction can be a game-changer for long-term oral health.
A Real Confidence Boost in Professional and Social Settings
Your smile is often the first thing people notice. Ever hold back a laugh or cover your mouth in photos? In Nashville’s competitive job market and vibrant social scene, a confident smile can make a real difference. Many adult patients at Elevation Orthodontics tell us they smile more freely in photos, speak up more in meetings, and feel more comfortable on dates after treatment.
Bite Correction That Relieves Discomfort
If you’ve been dealing with jaw soreness, frequent headaches, or TMJ discomfort, a misaligned bite could be the culprit. Braces can correct overbites, underbites, and crossbites that put strain on your jaw joints and muscles. Fixing the underlying alignment issue often provides lasting relief that no amount of over-the-counter medication can match.
Faster and More Comfortable Than You Think
Today’s braces tech has made treatment more efficient. Visits are quicker, adjustments are gentler, and many cases that once took three years now finish in 12 to 18 months. You won’t believe how much has changed since the old days.
Flexible Scheduling for Busy Lives
At Elevation Orthodontics in Nashville, we get that you have a career, a family, and a full calendar. Our practice offers times that work around your schedule, plus virtual check-in options so you don’t always have to come into the practice.
Affordable Payment Plans That Fit Your Budget
A beautiful smile shouldn’t be out of reach because of cost. Our payment calculator helps you see exactly what your monthly investment will be, and we offer low monthly payment options to make adult braces accessible to everyone.
The Adult Braces Process at Elevation Orthodontics: What to Expect
Wondering what happens when you decide to get braces as an adult in Nashville? Here’s a step-by-step look at the process at Elevation Orthodontics in East Nashville:
Step 1: Your Free Exam
Everything starts with a free exam. During this visit, Dr. Brice will take digital scans and X-rays of your teeth and jaw. No goopy impressions. Just quick, comfortable digital imaging that creates a precise 3D model of your mouth. You’ll discuss your goals, ask questions, and receive a personally tailored treatment plan designed around your specific needs.
Prefer to start from home? Virtual consultations are available for busy Nashville adults who want to explore their options before coming in.
Step 2: Same-Day Starts Available
Here’s something most practices don’t offer: if you’re ready to begin and your case qualifies, you can get your braces placed on your very first visit. No waiting weeks for a second appointment. No dragging out the process. Just life uninterrupted.
Step 3: Customized Bracket Placement
When it’s time to place your braces, Dr. Brice uses comfort-focused techniques to position each bracket precisely. The placement visit takes about one to two hours, and you’ll leave with your new braces and full instructions for care. Our team walks you through everything, from what to eat that first week to how to keep your brackets clean, so there are no surprises.
Step 4: Regular Progress Visits
You’ll return every four to eight weeks for adjustments. These visits are quick, usually under 30 minutes. At Elevation Orthodontics, Dr. Brice checks your progress, makes any necessary adjustments to your wires, and answers your questions. We track your treatment digitally so you can actually see your teeth moving toward your goal.
Step 5: Braces Removal and Retainer Transition
When your teeth reach their final positions, we’ll remove your braces at Elevation Orthodontics and fit you with custom retainers. Retainers are essential for maintaining your results. Your teeth want to drift back to their original positions, especially in the first year after treatment. Wearing your retainers as directed keeps your new smile exactly where you want it.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
Most adult braces cases at Elevation Orthodontics take between 12 and 24 months. Complex cases may take longer, while minor corrections can sometimes be completed in less than a year. During your free exam, Dr. Brice will give you a realistic timeline based on your specific situation.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Adult Braces in Nashville?
Most adults with healthy teeth and gums are candidates for braces in Nashville, TN. Common issues treated include crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. During a free exam, Dr. Brice evaluates each adult to confirm eligibility and recommend the best approach.
You may be a good candidate if you have:
- Crowding: Teeth that overlap or are pushed out of alignment because there isn’t enough room in your jaw
- Spacing: Gaps between teeth that trap food or affect how your smile looks
- Overbite: Upper front teeth that extend too far over the lower teeth
- Underbite: When your lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth as you bite down
- Crossbite: Upper and lower teeth that don’t line up properly when your mouth is closed
- Open bite: Front teeth that don’t touch when your back teeth are together
The main prerequisite for adult braces is healthy teeth and gums. If you have untreated cavities, gum disease, or other dental issues, those should be addressed before starting your treatment plan. Dr. Brice works closely with your general dentist to coordinate care. There is no age limit for a treatment plan, so whether you’re 25 or 65, healthy teeth can be moved.
Previous Treatment? You’re Not Alone.
Many of our Nashville adults had braces as teenagers but didn’t wear their retainers consistently. Over time, their teeth shifted back. This is called orthodontic relapse, and it’s extremely common. The good news? Adults who’ve had previous treatment are often excellent candidates for braces because their teeth have already been moved once.
There’s No Age Limit
Whether you’re 28 or 68, you can benefit from a treatment plan. We regularly treat adults in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond. As long as your teeth and supporting bone are healthy, age isn’t a barrier to a straighter smile.
During your free exam at Elevation Orthodontics, Dr. Brice will evaluate your teeth, bite, and jaw to recommend the best treatment approach. For some adults, traditional braces are ideal. Others may be better suited for Invisalign or InSmile lingual braces. You’ll get a personally tailored treatment plan that works for your lifestyle.
Why Nashville Adults Trust Elevation Orthodontics for Braces
Choosing where to get braces is a big decision. Here’s why adults across Nashville choose Elevation Orthodontics:
Specialized Training and Experience
Dr. Brice graduated from the University of Tennessee and Meharry Medical College before completing specialty training focused specifically on adult patients. This specialized background means he understands the unique considerations of adult treatment plans, from working around existing dental work to addressing long-standing bite issues. With over a decade of focused experience treating adults, Dr. Brice brings a level of adult-specific expertise that you won’t find at a practice splitting time between teens and grown-ups. He’s built his entire career around helping adults get the smiles they deserve.
Real Results from Real Adults
Our patients love us, and they’re not shy about sharing their experiences. Check out our patient reviews to see stories from Nashville adults just like you. These aren’t stock photos or made-up testimonials. They’re real people who trusted us with their smiles and were happy enough to tell the world about it.
Personally Tailored Plans, Not Cookie-Cutter Treatment
Every adult receives a treatment plan designed specifically for their teeth, their goals, and their lifestyle. Whether you need the precision of traditional braces, the flexibility of Invisalign, or the invisibility of InSmile, we’ll find the right fit for you. Because there’s only one orthodontist at Elevation Orthodontics, Dr. Brice personally oversees every single case. You’re never handed off to a rotating cast of providers. That one-on-one relationship is something our Nashville adults value, and it’s a big part of what sets us apart.
Advanced Tech for Better Results
Elevation Orthodontics in Nashville uses digital scanning to eliminate uncomfortable impressions, 3D treatment planning to show you your projected results before you start, and modern bracket systems designed for comfort and efficiency. This isn’t your parents’ orthodontist. Our tech makes the whole process smoother and more predictable, which means fewer surprises and better outcomes for you.
Transparent Pricing and Flexible Financing
You should know exactly what your treatment will cost before you commit. Our payment calculator lets you see your monthly investment upfront. We coordinate with insurance plans and offer flexible financing options so your budget doesn’t stand between you and the smile you deserve. No hidden fees, no bait-and-switch pricing. What we quote is what you pay.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adult Braces in Nashville
How much do adult braces cost in Nashville, TN?
Adult braces in Nashville generally range from $3,000 to $8,000, depending on case complexity and the type of braces chosen. During your free exam at Elevation Orthodontics, you’ll receive a detailed cost estimate tailored to your specific treatment plan. We offer flexible payment plans and work with most insurance providers. Our payment calculator helps you understand your monthly investment before you commit.
How long does adult braces treatment take?
Most adult braces cases take between 12 and 24 months to complete. Simpler cases involving minor crowding or spacing may finish faster, while more complex bite corrections can take longer. Dr. Brice will provide a realistic timeline during your free exam.
Are braces uncomfortable for adults?
You’ll likely experience some mild discomfort for a few days after your braces are placed and after each adjustment visit. Most adults describe it as pressure rather than anything sharp. Over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods help during these brief adjustment periods.
Can I get braces if I have existing dental work?
Absolutely. Dr. Brice evaluates your existing dental work during your free exam and designs a plan that accounts for restorations, fillings, and other prior work. Special brackets can be bonded to restored teeth. This is one reason seeing an orthodontist who specializes in adult treatment plans matters, because adults almost always have more complex dental histories than teens.
What is the difference between braces and Invisalign for adults?
Traditional braces use brackets and wires attached to your teeth to move them into position. They’re highly effective for complex cases and require no patient compliance beyond keeping them clean.
Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners that you change every one to two weeks. Aligners are nearly invisible and can be removed for eating and brushing, but Invisalign recommends wearing them 20 to 22 hours per day. Dr. Brice will help you determine which is best for your case.
Does Elevation Orthodontics offer same-day braces starts?
If you’re ready to begin treatment and your case qualifies, you can get your braces placed on your very first visit. This option is perfect for busy Nashville adults who don’t want to wait. Ask about same-day starts when you request your free exam.
Is there a lingual braces option that no one can see?
InSmile lingual braces are placed behind your teeth, making them completely invisible from the front. They deliver the results of traditional braces without anyone knowing you’re in treatment. InSmile is custom-designed for comfort and requires fewer adjustments than traditional braces. It’s a popular choice for Nashville professionals who want discreet treatment.
Get the Smile You Deserve, Request Your Free Exam
Adulting sucks. Straight teeth don’t.
You’ve thought about fixing your smile for years. Maybe decades. Now is the time to stop thinking and start doing. We make it easy for Nashville adults to get the smile they’ve always wanted.
Request your free exam today. You’ll meet Dr. Brice, get digital scans of your teeth, and receive a personally tailored treatment plan with a clear cost estimate. No pressure. No obligation. Just honest answers about your options.
Ready to get started right away? Ask about our same-day starts. Eligible adults can begin treatment at their very first visit.
Contact Elevation Orthodontics:
- Phone: (615) 437-8620
- Address: 9 South 9th Street, Suite 5, Nashville, TN 37206
- Online: Request Your Free Exam
Virtual consultations are available for busy adults who want to explore their options from home.
Sit Back, Relax & Get Started! Your new smile is waiting.