Yes, Adults Get Braces - Orthodontics for Adults in Everett, WA

Around one in four orthodontic patients is an adult. Teeth move at any age, so the question isn’t whether treatment works, it’s whether it’s worth it for you. Planned by a board-certified orthodontist. Trusted by Everett families with 330+ reviews, 4.9 stars on Google.

4.9 Stars on Google

Family-Friendly Office

New Patients Welcome

Modern & Comfortable Facility

We respond quickly during business hours – call or message us today!

Now accepting new patients. Call ahead and we’ll find a time that works for you.

The dental team at Icon Dental Center in Everett

The Honest Answer

Is It Worth Getting Braces as an Adult?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no, and it depends what’s bothering you.

Worth doing if:

The Other Side

Probably Not Worth It If

  • The issue is minor and doesn’t affect function
  • You’re weighing it against treatment you actually need first
  • You know you wouldn’t wear aligners consistently and don’t want fixed braces

We’ll give you a straight answer at the consultation. If we think the result wouldn’t justify the time and cost, we’ll say so.

Your Orthodontist

Planned by a Specialist

Dr. Keyvan Sohrabi is board certified, trained at the University of Washington with advanced degrees from Harvard and McGill. He plans and delivers the treatment, in the same practice as your general dentist.

braces for adults
Facts about braces

What to Expect

The Downsides Nobody Mentions

Treatment takes longer in adults. Bone has finished growing, so teeth move more slowly than in a teenager. Expect 18 to 30 months for a typical case rather than 12 to 18.

The first week of each stage is uncomfortable. Not painful, but there’s pressure and tenderness.

Existing dental work complicates things. Crowns, implants and bridges don’t move like natural teeth, and implants don’t move at all. That has to be planned around.

Gum health has to be good first. Moving teeth through unhealthy gum tissue makes things worse. If there’s gum disease, that gets treated before orthodontics starts.

Retainers are permanent. Adult teeth drift back more readily. You’ll wear a retainer at night indefinitely.

None of that is a reason not to do it. It’s a reason to go in knowing what you’re agreeing to.

Your Options

Aligners, Ceramic or Metal

Clear aligners. Removable, barely visible. Suits mild to moderate cases and adults who want treatment to be discreet. Requires wearing them 20 to 22 hours a day.

Ceramic braces. Fixed, but tooth-colored rather than metal, so much less noticeable than traditional braces. Handles cases aligners can’t.

Metal braces. The most economical and most effective for complex movement. Less discreet, but nothing depends on remembering to wear them.

braces vs aligners

Cost & Payment

What Do Adult Braces Cost?

Adult treatment often costs more than a teenager’s because it takes longer and cases are more complex. You’ll get a written estimate at your consultation.

What affects the price:

  • How much movement is needed and how long treatment runs
  • Aligners, ceramic, or metal
  • Whether existing dental work needs planning around
  • Whether gum treatment is needed first

Will Insurance Cover It?

Many adult dental plans include orthodontic coverage, though some restrict it to under-19s. Where it’s covered, it’s usually a lifetime maximum rather than annual. We’ll check yours before you commit.

Please note: We do not accept DSHS, Apple Care, Apple Health, or Provider One dental insurance plans.

Paying the Balance

We offer in-house financing for orthodontic cases, alongside CareCredit.

Not sure whether it’s worth it?

Come in and Dr. Sohrabi will look at your teeth and tell you honestly whether treatment would be worth the time and cost.

Your Orthodontist

Who Plans Your Treatment

All orthodontic treatment here is planned and delivered by our board-certified orthodontist, in the same practice as your general dentist.

Orthodontist

Orthodontic training at the University of Washington, with advanced degrees from Harvard and McGill. Board certified, and published in the American Journal of Orthodontics.

Want to meet the team in person?

Visit our Everett dental office – we love meeting new patients and
families. You can also meet our support team, the people who will greet you at the door and help with scheduling and insurance.

testimonials

What Patients Say About Icon Dental Center

Our patients say it best. With over 330 five-star reviews on Google, Icon Dental Center is one of Everett’s most trusted dental providers. Here’s what your neighbors are saying:

New Patient Forms

Save Time at Your First Visit

Download and complete your new patient forms before your visit, so there’s less to fill in when you arrive. Bring them with you, or email them ahead.

Location

Visit Our Everett Dental Office

Ready to Book Your Appointment? Whether you’re due for a routine checkup or considering cosmetic treatment, our friendly team in Everett is here to help.

Icon Dental Center – Everett

Address:

1820 100th Pl SE Suite B, Everett, WA 98208, United States

Phone:

(425) 337-2400

Hours:

Mon, Tues, Thu: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sat, Sun & Fri: Closed

Faq's

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Teeth move at any age, and around a quarter of orthodontic patients are adults. What changes with age is speed, not whether it works.

Usually 18 to 30 months, longer than for a teenager because bone has stopped growing. Simple cases can be quicker.

Clear aligners are barely visible. Ceramic braces are tooth-colored and much less obvious than metal. Metal braces are noticeable, and cost less.

Usually, with planning. Crowns move like natural teeth. Implants don’t move at all, so treatment is designed around them. Dr. Sohrabi will assess what’s possible.

Some adult plans include orthodontics, others limit it to under-19s. Where covered, it’s usually a lifetime maximum. We’ll check your specific plan.

Yes, at night. Adult teeth drift back more readily than a teenager’s, and a retainer is what holds the result.

Last updated: September 2026

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