Orthodontics for Adults in Long Beach CA

Highly Reviewed and Board Certified


Expert in adult orthodontic treatments, providing various types of clear aligners and other aesthetically pleasing discreet options that best fit adults' lives.

Dr. Heather Desh, Your Long Beach CA Orthodontist

If you’ve noticed that your smile has seemed to shift as you’ve gotten older, it’s never too late to get the smile you deserve.

While most people associate orthodontic treatment with adolescents, nearly one in five orthodontic patients today in the United States is an adult. At HD Orthodontics, 50% of our patients are over the age of 18, so you are not alone! Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, so even if you’ve never had orthodontic treatment, or you’re looking to fine-tune your bite or alignment, you still have an opportunity to correct your smile.

For many adult patients, smiles can be perfected as easily as they can be for younger patients. As long as you have healthy teeth and gums, we can work to create a treatment plan that will provide you with the smile you’ve always wanted. Because adults’ jaws have stopped growing and the bone tends to be denser, treatment may take a bit longer than it would for younger patients, and there are some limitations when it comes to correction of skeletal malocclusions.

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Cypress CA Orthodontist: Dr. Heather Desh
Dr. Desh Professional Associations, ABO, AAO, CDA

But don’t worry – that doesn’t mean we can’t help! At HD Orthodontics, Dr. Desh treats patients of all ages using a variety of treatment modalities. There are some things to keep in mind when seeking out treatment as an adult, however.

  • Your jaw has stopped growing, so we no longer have the benefit of being able to guide jaw growth. For some patients, this can mean jaw surgery may be part of their orthodontic treatment journey.
  • Adult patients often have dental issues that children do not, such as gum disease or dental restorations. Dr. Desh will work in conjunction with other dental specialists to ensure your smile is restored properly so that orthodontic treatment can be successful.

Why should I be worried about the alignment of my smile now?

A straighter smile and properly aligned bite isn’t just more aesthetically pleasing, it’s healthier, too. If you’re more prone to cavities and gum disease, it could be because your crowded teeth are harder to clean properly. Many people don’t even realize that the dental issues they have might be associated with their bite. If you’ve had dental issues, including chipped, cracked, or worn teeth, or suffered from jaw pain or headaches, it could be due to your misaligned bite.

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As an adult patient, what are my treatment options?

Today, there are more treatment options than ever before. We still use metal braces due to their effectiveness and cost efficiency, but we have many more discreet options, as well. Clear braces, lingual braces, and clear aligners can all provide better aesthetics during treatment. Dr. Desh will help you determine which option is the best to meet your needs based upon your lifestyle and treatment concerns.

Dr. Desh specializes in different treatment options for adults, allowing you to select a treatment that easily integrates with your busy lifestyle, and is both effective and discreet. Here are some of the braces options that we provide for adults:

  • Clear or low profile metal braces
  • Self-ligating clear Damon braces
  • Inbrace (lingual braces)
  • Invisalign treatments

How long will I have to be in treatment?

The average adult patient is in treatment between 18-30 months. The exact length of your treatment is dependent upon your issues and how well your mouth responds to treatment. Every person is different, and every treatment plan is tailored to meet their unique needs.

Is treatment for adults affordable?

Yes! Orthodontic treatment should never be out of reach for anyone. At HD Orthodontics, Dr. Desh and her team will work with you to create a payment plan that can comfortably fit into your budget. If you have dental insurance, we’ll make sure you receive all of the benefits you are due.

How do I get started?

Starting your orthodontic journey is only a phone call away. Schedule your complimentary consultation today, and we’ll get you on your path to a straighter, healthier smile.