Orthodontics for adults

Braces and clear aligners for adults

You’re not too old. If your gums and bone are healthy, your teeth can move at 25, 45 or 65. A big share of Dr. Salins’s patients are adults, and he’s happy to add you to the list.

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Start with a free consult. You get an exam and a treatment plan, with no obligation and no lecture about why you didn’t do this in high school.

Prefer to talk? Call Union City (510) 475-4153 or South SF (650) 952-1010.

Is it too late to straighten my teeth as an adult?

No. Adult teeth move the same way kids’ teeth do. The main difference is that adult jaws have stopped growing, so some bite problems are handled differently. Dr. Salins will check the health of your gums and bone first. If you’re overdue for a dental cleaning, you may want to get that done too.

Good reasons

Why do adults get orthodontic treatment?

For all kinds of reasons:

You never had braces as a kid, and it’s been bugging you for years
You had braces, stopped wearing your retainer, and your teeth drifted back
Crowded teeth are hard to clean, and your dentist keeps mentioning it
Your bite is wearing your teeth unevenly
Your dentist wants teeth moved before a crown, bridge or implant
You just want to like your smile in photos. That’s a perfectly good reason.

Your options

What are my options as an adult?

Most discreet

Clear aligners

A lot of adults go this way. Aligners are nearly invisible and removable, so you can take them out for a client lunch or a wedding toast. You have to wear them most of the day for them to work. Our preferred brand is Angel Aligners. Clear aligners

Ceramic

Clear braces

Ceramic brackets that blend in with your teeth. They’re always working, so you don’t have to remember anything, and they’re much less noticeable than metal. Braces

Most durable

Metal braces

Metal braces are the most durable option, and they’re great for complex bites. They’re also smaller than the ones you remember from middle school.

Will anyone notice?

With clear aligners, most people won’t unless you point at them. Clear braces are subtle too, especially from across a table. And if someone does notice, you have a good story.

How long does adult treatment take?

Our typical case is about 24 months, but it varies a lot. A small touch-up can be much quicker, and a complicated bite takes longer. Dr. Salins will give you a realistic estimate at your consult.

How do I fit appointments into a busy week?

Most visits after the first one are check-ins. We have two offices, one in Union City and one in South San Francisco, so you can choose the one that’s easier to reach from home or work.

Does insurance cover adult braces?

Some plans do and some only cover kids. We take every PPO plan with orthodontic coverage and will help you find out what yours pays. If your plan doesn’t cover adults, or you don’t have coverage, we have monthly payment plans. Insurance and payment plans

Your orthodontist

Why choose Dr. Salins?

Dr. Salins is board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, with a dental doctorate from Harvard and orthodontic training and a master’s from UCLA. He plans every smile face first, looking at your lips, chin and profile, so the result suits the face you have now. He sees you at every appointment.

He’ll also make you smile, which is more than most of your appointments this year can say.