Orthodontics is not just for children. About one in four orthodontic patients today is an adult. At Berkeley Family Orthodontics, Dr. Robert Iezman treats adults of every age with braces, clear aligners, and retreatment for teeth that have shifted, helping them straighten their smile and protect their long-term dental health.
It is never too late to have the smile you want. Adults come to Berkeley Family Orthodontics for many reasons: teeth they never had the chance to straighten as a child, a bite that has worn unevenly over the years, or teeth that drifted after braces long ago. Whatever brought you here, Dr. Robert Iezman brings 38 years of experience and a calm, honest approach to adult treatment. In fact, he has straightened smiles for patients in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and even their 80s, which is proof that a healthier, more confident smile is possible at any age.
Why Adults Choose Orthodontic Treatment
Adults seek treatment for both looks and health, and often for both at once. Common reasons include:
- A more confident smile: Straighter teeth can change how you feel in photos, at work, and in everyday life.
- Easier cleaning and healthier gums: Crowded or overlapping teeth trap plaque. Straightening them makes brushing and flossing more effective and can lower your risk of decay and gum disease.
- A more comfortable, even bite: Correcting how your teeth meet can ease chewing and reduce uneven wear over time.
- Preparing for other dental work: Orthodontics can position teeth properly before a crown, bridge, or implant.
Discreet Options for Adult Treatment
Many adults worry about the look of braces at work. The good news is that you have subtle choices. Clear aligners are removable and nearly invisible, so most people will not notice you are in treatment, and you can take them out for meetings and meals. When a case is better suited to fixed braces, clear ceramic braces offer a discreet look while delivering the full control of braces. Dr. Iezman will walk you through which option fits your bite, your schedule, and your comfort.
Retreatment and Relapse Correction
If you had braces as a teenager and stopped wearing your retainer, you are far from alone. Teeth naturally drift over the years, and mild crowding or a reopened gap is one of the most common reasons adults return to an orthodontist. This second round is usually simpler and shorter than your first, because the movement needed is often minor. Dr. Iezman can correct the shift and then set you up with a retainer plan so your smile stays put this time. If your only concern is keeping your results stable, our retainers page explains your options.
What to Expect: Comfort During Treatment
Adults handle orthodontic treatment very well. After braces are placed or adjusted, you may feel mild soreness for 12 to 24 hours that usually settles within a few days. Today’s brackets and wires are smaller and gentler than in years past, applying light, steady pressure that moves teeth efficiently with less discomfort. An over-the-counter pain reliever and soft foods make the first few days easy.
Adult Orthodontics Cost and Financing in Berkeley
Cost depends on the same things for adults as for anyone: the severity of the issue, the appliances used, and how long treatment takes. In the Berkeley area, comprehensive adult treatment generally falls between about $3,000 and $8,000, and you will get a real number after Dr. Iezman examines your teeth.
We make it manageable with in-house, no-interest payment plans, monthly payments starting around $300, and a modest down payment (often around $1,500). We accept HSA and FSA funds and help you use any orthodontic insurance benefits you have. Details are on our financing page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adult Orthodontics
Is it too late to get braces as an adult?
No. Healthy teeth can be moved at almost any age, and Dr. Iezman has treated patients into their 80s. As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, age is not a barrier to a straighter, healthier smile.
My teeth shifted years after braces. Can that be fixed?
Yes, and it is very common. This is called relapse, and correcting it is usually simpler than your original treatment. Dr. Iezman will realign your teeth and recommend a retainer routine to keep them straight long term.
What does adult orthodontic treatment cost in Berkeley?
Comprehensive adult treatment in the area generally ranges from about $3,000 to $8,000, depending on your case. At Berkeley Family Orthodontics you get a firm quote after an exam and can pay over no-interest monthly plans starting around $300.
Will braces or aligners fit my work life?
Yes. Clear aligners are removable and nearly invisible, and clear ceramic braces are subtle. Many working professionals go through treatment with few people ever noticing.
Does straightening my teeth as an adult have health benefits?
It can. Straighter teeth are easier to clean, which supports healthier gums, and a corrected bite can reduce uneven wear on your teeth over time.
Schedule Your Adult Consultation in Berkeley
You are never too old for a smile you love. Call Berkeley Family Orthodontics at (510) 849-3613 or request an appointment online. Our office is at 2999 Regent Street, Suite 408, in Berkeley’s Elmwood neighborhood, serving South Berkeley, Rockridge, Oakland, Albany, and the East Bay.