Can adults get braces or Invisalign with crowns, implants, or bridges?

Yes. Orthodontic treatment can often be planned around existing dental work. Each case is unique, and Dr. Woolaver will evaluate how to safely and effectively move your teeth while protecting existing restorations.

How do I choose the best orthodontic treatment as an adult?

The best option depends on your goals, lifestyle, and the complexity of your case. A consultation will help determine whether Invisalign, clear braces, or metal braces is the most effective choice.

Will braces or Invisalign affect my daily routine or work?

There may be a short adjustment period, but most adults quickly adapt. Invisalign offers more flexibility since it is removable, while braces require minor adjustments to eating and oral hygiene habits.

How long does adult orthodontic treatment take

Most adult orthodontic treatment takes 12 to 24 months, depending on your specific case and treatment plan.

Can orthodontic treatment help with jaw pain or tension?

In some cases, correcting bite alignment can help reduce uneven pressure on the jaw and improve overall comfort. Dr. Woolaver will evaluate whether orthodontic treatment may help address these concerns.

Am I a good candidate for Invisalign?

Invisalign is a highly versatile and effective treatment for a wide range of orthodontic issues, including mild to moderate crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Most adults and teenagers are excellent candidates. During your initial consultation at Woolaver Orthodontics, Dr. Chris Woolaver will perform a thorough examination, including digital scans, to determine if Invisalign is the right solution to achieve your ideal smile.

Is Invisalign treatment painful?

While Invisalign treatment is generally very comfortable, you may experience some temporary discomfort or pressure when you switch to a new set of aligners. This sensation, often described as a feeling of tightness or mild soreness, indicates that your teeth are actively moving into their new positions. This discomfort is usually mild and subsides within a few days.

Do I need to wear a retainer after Invisalign treatment?

Yes! Your teeth have a natural tendency to shift back to their original positions over time. Retainers help stabilize your teeth in their corrected alignment while the bone and ligaments around them fully adapt.

How often do I need to wear my Invisalign aligners?

For optimal results and to stay on track with your treatment plan, we recommend wearing your Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day. This means you should only remove them for eating, drinking anything other than plain water, and for your daily oral hygiene routine (brushing and flossing).

Can I eat and drink with my Invisalign Aligners in?

No, you should always remove your Invisalign aligners before eating or drinking anything other than plain water. Eating with your aligners can damage them, trap food particles against your teeth leading to potential cavities, and stain the aligners.

Will Invisalign affect my speech?

When you first start wearing Invisalign, you may experience a slight lisp or notice minor changes in your speech. This is completely normal and occurs because your tongue needs to adjust to the presence of the aligners in your mouth. Practicing speaking aloud can help speed up this adjustment period.

How often will I need appointments during Invisalign treatment?

At Woolaver Orthodontics, we strive to make your treatment as convenient as possible. During your Invisalign journey, you'll need to visit our office for brief check-ups every 6 to 10 weeks. These appointments allow Dr. Woolaver to monitor your progress, ensure your treatment is on track, and provide you with your next sets of aligners.

How long does Invisalign treatment typically take?

On average, Invisalign treatment can range from 6 to 18 months. Minor adjustments may take as little as 6 months, while more complex cases could require up to 24 months. Woolaver Orthodontics will give you a personalized estimate during your consultation.

Why choose Woolaver Orthodontics for my Invisalign treatment?

Dr. Chris Woolaver is recognized as a Top 1% Invisalign Doctor in US, One in 3 in AZ, a testament to his extensive experience and successful outcomes with Invisalign treatment. From our state-of-the-art digital scanning technology for precise treatment planning to our dedicated and friendly team, we are committed to making your journey to a confident smile enjoyable and efficient. Our many satisfied patients in Ahwatukee, Phoenix speak to the quality of our care and results.

How do I get started with an Invisalign consultation at Woolaver Orthodontics?

You can call our office directly at (928) 593-4033 or schedule an appointment online. During your consultation, we'll perform a comprehensive examination, including a comfortable 3D digital scan of your teeth, discuss your smile goals, explain the Invisalign process, and outline your personalized treatment and financial options – all with no pressure.

Adult Braces & Invisalign in Ahwatukee, Phoenix

A man in Suit standing and smiling after Invisalign treatment in Phoenix

It's never too late. Roughly one in four patients at Woolaver Orthodontics is an adult — many in their 40s, 50s, and beyond. Some are correcting issues their parents couldn't afford to treat. Some are addressing relapse from teenage braces that drifted out of position over the years. Some are choosing Invisalign because they want straighter teeth without anyone at work noticing. Whatever the reason, modern adult orthodontics is more comfortable, more discreet, and faster than what existed even a decade ago. Dr. Chris Woolaver, a board-trained specialist and a Top 1% Diamond+ Invisalign Provider, has been treating adult cases in the Ahwatukee Foothills since 2008.

Why Adults Choose Orthodontic Treatment

Adults pursue orthodontic care for both functional and cosmetic reasons. Some patients never had treatment earlier in life, while others experience shifting after previous orthodontic care.

Common reasons include:

Cosmetic confidence: wanting to smile fully in photos, video calls, and professional settings
Long-term oral health: straight teeth are easier to brush, floss, and maintain; reduce gum disease and uneven wear
Bite correction: addressing pain, jaw stress, TMJ symptoms, or chewing difficulty
Pre-restorative work: preparing for veneers, implants, or crowns by getting tooth positions right first
Post-braces relapse: re-aligning teeth that have drifted years after teenage treatment

Whatever brings you in, you'll get a straightforward evaluation: what's possible, what it would cost, and how long it would take.

What Treatment Options Are Available for Adults?

Many adults prefer treatment options that fit seamlessly into their daily lives. We offer several solutions designed with both effectiveness and appearance in mind.

Invisalign Clear Aligners
For most adults considering treatment in Ahwatukee, Invisalign is the right fit. Clear aligners are virtually invisible at conversational distance, removable for eating and brushing, and require fewer office visits than braces. Dr. Woolaver is a Diamond+ Provider, Align Technology's highest tier, with 4,000+ completed cases. He has treated complex adult bites that other providers refer out, including deep bites, crossbites, and significant relapse cases.

Invisalign Express (Minor Cases)
If your concern is minor crowding, small spacing, or post-braces relapse, Invisalign Express can finish in under six months for a fraction of the cost of comprehensive treatment. Starting as low as $64/month. Common candidates: adults whose teenage braces have drifted slightly, or adults with a single problem area they want fixed before a wedding, milestone event, or professional milestone.

Clear Ceramic Braces
For complex cases where Invisalign isn't the right tool, modern clear ceramic braces offer a discreet alternative to traditional metal. Ceramic brackets blend into the natural tooth color and are far less visible than the metal braces of previous generations.

Modern Self-Ligating Braces
For the most complex adult bites, major skeletal correction, severe crowding, multiple restorative-coordination cases, modern self-ligating braces with NASA-developed wire alloys handle what aligners cannot. Treatment is typically faster and more comfortable than the braces you may remember from your teens.

Dr. Woolaver will recommend the best treatment based on your goals, alignment needs, and lifestyle.

How Adult Cases Are Different

Adult orthodontics is not just "kids' orthodontics for adults." Three things matter more for adult patients:

Bone density and tooth movement speed. Adult bone is denser than a child's, so teeth move slightly slower. A Diamond+ provider's experience with case planning makes the difference between a 14-month adult treatment and a 22-month one.
Restorative coordination. Many adults have crowns, veneers, implants, or bridges. Treatment must be planned around them — sometimes including coordinated work with your general dentist or prosthodontist.
Lifestyle integration. Adults need treatment that works around professional schedules, public-facing roles, and travel. Invisalign aligners that come out for important meetings (and go right back in) are usually the answer.

Dr. Woolaver discusses all three at your free consultation.

How Much Does Adult Orthodontic Treatment Cost?

Treatment	Typical Cost (AZ)	Treatment Time
Invisalign Express (minor cases)	$1,000 – $3,000	Under 6 months
Comprehensive Invisalign	$3,000 – $6,000	6–18 months
Clear Ceramic Braces	$4,000 – $7,500	12–24 months
Comprehensive Self-Ligating Braces	$3,000 – $7,000	12–24 months

Most major PPO insurance plans cover adult orthodontic treatment — typically $1,000–$3,000 in lifetime orthodontic benefits. Yes, even adult coverage. Contact us with your insurance information, and we'll verify benefits before your visit.

In-house monthly payment plans make adult treatment manageable: starting at $64/month for Invisalign Express, $200/month for comprehensive Invisalign, and $150–$250/month for braces. See our Financing & Insurance details here.

H2: Schedule Around Your Professional Life

We design our scheduling specifically for working professionals:

Early-morning slots before work (starting at 8:00 AM)
Late-afternoon slots for end-of-day appointments
Friday morning appointments for those with flexible Friday schedules
Quick check-ins for Invisalign — typically under 15 minutes every 6–10 weeks
Text us at (480) 240-9393 for between-visit questions; live chat 24/7

Frequently Asked Questions

Adults often have specific concerns when starting orthodontic treatment. Here are helpful answers to guide you.