A confident smile at any age, with board-certified orthodontic care in North Austin.
Straighten your teeth, correct your bite, and improve your long-term oral health with personalized adult orthodontic care from Dr. Pan, a board-certified orthodontist serving Austin and the surrounding North Austin area.
Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for teenagers anymore, and the reasons go beyond appearance. At Thousand Smiles Orthodontics in North Austin, we help adults of all ages straighten their teeth and improve their oral health. Whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, 40s, or beyond, modern orthodontics is more comfortable, more discreet, and more flexible than it used to be.
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The right time to straighten your teeth is when you’re ready. We’ll help you understand your options and choose treatment that fits your goals and your life.
Honest Answers
Short answer: no. Here are the questions we hear most often from adults considering orthodontic treatment for the first time, or for the second time.
You aren’t. Teeth respond to orthodontic forces at any age, because the underlying biology of tooth movement is the same at 25, 45, or 65. The American Association of Orthodontists reports that adults now make up a significant portion of orthodontic patients nationwide, and that share keeps growing. There is no age limit on a healthier, straighter smile.
Slightly, in some cases. Adult bone tissue is fully developed, which can mean teeth move a bit more slowly than they would in a growing teenager. Most adult treatments still fall within the 12 to 24 month range, and modern orthodontic technology has shortened treatment times across the board.
Only if you want them to. Today’s options include nearly invisible clear aligners and tooth-colored ceramic brackets that are far more discreet than the metal braces you may remember. Many adult patients tell us that within a few weeks, their colleagues don’t even notice they’re in treatment.
Yes, and this is one of the most common reasons adults come in. Teeth naturally shift over the years, especially without consistent retainer wear. A second round of orthodontic treatment is usually shorter and simpler than the first, and we’ll explain exactly what’s involved at your consultation.
Not sure which treatment is right for you? Browse our other options or bring your child along — we treat the whole family.
For children and teens ages 10 and up who are ready for full orthodontic treatment. Metal, ceramic, and clear aligner options.
A specialist-fitted clear aligner system — discreet and comparable to Invisalign.
Not sure which bracket type suits you? Compare metal and ceramic braces side by side.
Clear aligners designed for teenagers, with compliance indicators included.
Interceptive orthodontic care for younger children before all adult teeth come in.
Custom clear retainers made the same day at our North Austin office.
Treatment Paths
Each option has tradeoffs in visibility, scope, and lifestyle fit. Here’s how they compare.
| Â | Metal Braces | Ceramic Braces | Angel Aligner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Most visible | Subtle, tooth-colored | Nearly invisible |
| Best For | All cases, including complex | Mild to moderate cases | Mild to moderate cases |
| Removable | No | No | Yes |
| Eating | Some foods to avoid | Some foods to avoid | None, remove to eat |
| Comfort | Standard | Standard | High |
| Maintenance | Brush around brackets | Brush around brackets | Remove to brush normally |
Step by Step
Starting orthodontic treatment as an adult is simpler than most people expect. Here’s what happens at each stage.
You’ll meet Dr. Pan for an evaluation. We examine your teeth and bite, take 3D digital scans (no goopy molds), and talk through your goals. You’ll leave knowing your options and what’s possible.
We walk you through your recommended plan, expected timeline, and exact pricing, including financing options. No pressure and no surprises.
Your first treatment appointment is when we place your braces or deliver your first aligners. The visit is comfortable and usually takes 60 to 90 minutes.
You’ll visit us regularly for quick adjustments and progress checks, usually 15 to 30 minutes. We work to accommodate working adults, including Saturday appointments.
When treatment is complete, we remove your braces or finish your final aligner and fit you with retainers to keep your new smile in place.
The Difference
Choosing the right orthodontist matters. Here’s what sets Thousand Smiles apart for adult patients in Austin.
Yes! Teeth can move at any age. While treatment for adults may take slightly longer than for children or teens, the results are just as effective and long-lasting.
You might feel some pressure or mild discomfort after adjustments, but it’s temporary. Most adults are pleasantly surprised at how quickly they adapt to wearing braces.
In most cases, yes! You’ll just need to avoid very sticky, hard, or crunchy foods that could damage the braces or brackets.
Absolutely. Many adults prefer clear braces or Invisalign® aligners for a more subtle, low-profile treatment option.
Treatment times vary depending on your individual needs, but most adult orthodontic treatments last between 12 and 24 months. Your orthodontist will create a plan tailored specifically to your smile goals.
Ready when you are
Schedule your free consultation with Dr. Pan and find out what’s possible. We’ll examine your teeth and bite, walk you through your treatment options, and give you an exact quote, all in one visit, with no pressure.
11220 N Lamar Blvd, C300, Austin, TX 78753