Face 
Dentistry 
Short answer: Yes. Many adults choose orthodontic treatment every year, and in most cases, healthy teeth can be moved successfully regardless of age.
The important question isn’t whether adults can have braces.
It’s whether orthodontic treatment is the right solution for your smile, your oral health and your goals.
This guide explains how adult orthodontics works, who it’s suitable for and what to expect if you’re considering treatment.
For years, braces were something many people associated with school photographs and teenage years.
Today, that’s changed dramatically.
Adults of all ages are choosing orthodontic treatment for many different reasons.
Some have always wanted straighter teeth but never had the opportunity.
Some had braces when they were younger but have noticed their teeth gradually moving.
Others are preparing for a significant life event or simply feel ready to invest in themselves.
There isn’t one typical adult orthodontic patient.
There are thousands of different stories.
Every smile has its own story.
During consultations, we hear many different reasons for considering treatment.
Some patients would like to:
For many people, it’s not about chasing perfection.
It’s about feeling comfortable with their smile.
One of the biggest misconceptions about adult orthodontics is that everyone wants the same thing.
They don’t.
Some people would love a dramatic transformation.
Others simply want one tooth straightened.
Some prioritise discretion.
Others want the quickest route to a healthy, functional smile.
There isn’t one “right” outcome.
There is only the outcome that’s right for you.
That’s why every conversation begins with your goals—not with the type of brace.
The science of moving teeth is the same, but planning treatment for adults often involves different considerations.
Adults are more likely to have:
This means your treatment plan should be tailored specifically to your circumstances rather than following a standard approach.
Modern orthodontics offers several treatment options.
These may include:
Removable, almost invisible aligners that gradually move your teeth.
Suitable for many adult cases.
Brackets attached to your teeth that work continuously throughout treatment.
Often an excellent choice for more complex tooth movements.
Fixed braces with tooth-coloured brackets designed to be less noticeable.
The best option depends on your smile, your bite and your lifestyle—not simply on which system is newest or most popular.
This is often one of the biggest concerns.
Fortunately, most adults continue with everyday life much as they always have.
You’ll still:
There is usually a short period of adjustment while you get used to your appliance, but most patients tell us it becomes part of everyday life surprisingly quickly.
There isn’t one answer.
Treatment length depends on:
We’ll always provide a personalised estimate after assessing your smile.
Often, yes.
Many adults considering orthodontics already have:
These don’t automatically prevent treatment, although they may influence how it’s planned.
A thorough assessment allows us to explain what’s possible in your individual circumstances.
Sometimes.
Depending on what you’d like to achieve, alternatives might include:
The right answer depends entirely on your goals.
That’s why understanding why you’d like treatment is every bit as important as understanding how your teeth move.
Adults don’t have braces.
Adult orthodontics is becoming increasingly common.
Braces are only about appearance.
For some patients, treatment may also improve oral health and make teeth easier to clean.
Every adult needs clear aligners.
The most suitable treatment depends on your individual smile and goals.
Often, yes. Existing dental work doesn’t necessarily prevent orthodontic treatment, but it does need to be considered during planning.
Healthy gums are essential before moving teeth. If gum disease is present, it usually needs to be treated first.
In some situations, yes. Orthodontics may even be used as part of a wider treatment plan before replacing missing teeth.
Yes.
Retainers are an important part of protecting the result achieved through treatment.
If you’re still exploring your options, our comprehensive guide takes you through every stage of treatment—from deciding whether braces are right for you to looking after your smile once treatment is complete.
Download The Evolve Guide to Adult Braces
Whether you’ve considered braces before or are only just exploring the idea, orthodontic treatment isn’t limited to teenagers.
At Evolve Dentistry in Portishead, we offer teeth-straightening options for adults. We’ll assess your teeth, discuss your goals and explain which treatments may be suitable for you.
Find out more about adult braces at Evolve Dentistry
If you’re considering straightening your teeth, our complete guide to adult braces explains the different treatment options, costs, treatment times and what to expect before making a decision.
Read our complete guide to adult braces.
Whether you’ve considered braces before or are only just exploring the idea, orthodontic treatment isn’t limited to teenagers.
At Evolve Dentistry in Portishead, we offer teeth-straightening options for adults. We’ll assess your teeth, discuss your goals and explain which treatments may be suitable for you.
Find out more about adult braces at Evolve Dentistry
Read our CQC Report
💚 WE’RE HIRING! Join our award-winning team! 💚
Patient Care Advisor | Evolve Dentistry, Portishead
We’re not just looking for someone to answer the phone and book appointments.
We’re looking for someone who LOVES people, takes pride in making others feel welcome and believes that exceptional customer service is all about the little things. ✨
At Evolve Dentistry, our Patient Care Advisors are at the heart of everything we do. From the first friendly hello to helping patients feel comfortable and cared for, you’ll play a huge part in creating the experience we’re so proud of.
And the best bit? You don’t need dental experience!
If you’ve worked in hospitality, customer service, reception or another people-focused role, we’d love to hear from you.
💚 What we’re offering:
✨ £14.50–£17.50 per hour, depending on experience
✨ A supportive, award-winning team
✨ A beautiful, modern working environment
✨ Training and development opportunities
✨ Staff dental discounts
✨ Team socials and celebrations
✨ A workplace where you’re genuinely valued
📅 Working hours:
Tuesday afternoons, Wednesdays, Thursdays and one Saturday per month.
We’re looking for someone who’s warm, organised, confident, positive and passionate about making a difference to people’s day.
Sound like you? We’d love to meet you!
📩 Email hello@evolve-dentistry.co.uk to request an application pack.
⏰ Applications close Friday 30 October 2026.
💚 Know someone who’d be perfect for our team? Tag them below or share this post with them!
#EvolveDentistry #WereHiring #PortisheadJobs #NorthSomersetJobs #DentalCareers #PatientCare #JoinOurTeam
If you’re considering replacing an amalgam filling, you may have come across the term SMART.
SMART stands for Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique. It is a protocol designed to reduce exposure to mercury vapour and particles while an amalgam filling is being removed.
At Evolve, SMART amalgam removal is available for adults who have made an informed decision to replace their amalgam fillings.
Importantly, we don’t suggest that everyone should have their amalgam fillings removed, and we don’t make claims that removing them will improve your general health.
Swipe through for a simple explanation of what the SMART approach involves.
#SMARTAmalgamRemoval #AmalgamFillings #DentalCare #EvolveDentistry
If you’ve never visited Evolve before, here’s a little look around.
We know that walking into a new dental practice can feel daunting, particularly if it’s been a while since your last appointment.
We’ve designed Evolve to feel calm, welcoming and a little different from what you might expect from a dental practice.
But the most important part isn’t the building. It’s how you’re made to feel when you’re here.
Come in, make yourself comfortable in our patient lounge and let us look after you.
#EvolveDentistry #Portishead #PortisheadDentist #DentalCare
Gum disease can be surprisingly easy to overlook.
Bleeding when you brush, red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath or gums that seem to be receding are all things worth paying attention to.
The important thing is not to wait until something hurts. Gum disease can develop without causing pain, which is one reason regular dental and hygiene appointments matter.
In this short video, Yasmin explains some of the signs to look out for.
If you’ve noticed a change in your gums, mention it at your next appointment or get in touch with the team.
#GumHealth #DentalHealth #PreventiveDentistry #EvolveDentistry
🦷 Day one, first clinic!
Carol has sent us the first photos from her trip — and what a first day it’s been!
Working alongside five other dentists, the team saw an incredible 197 patients in just one day. ❤️
In Carol’s words:
“I’ve taken out more teeth today than I have in the past year!”
A very different day in dentistry from the ones Carol is used to back home at Evolve, and a reminder of just how much need there is for the care the team is providing.
We’re so proud of her — and we’ll be sharing more updates and photos from Carol’s trip as they come in. 🌍🦷
#EvolveDentistry #DentalOutreach #Dentistry #MakingADifference
Ever run your tongue over your teeth and wonder why they suddenly feel rough?
There are a few possible reasons, from plaque build-up to changes in the surface of a tooth.
In this short video, Yasmin explains some of the common causes and when it’s worth mentioning it to your dentist.
Noticing small changes in your mouth is useful. You don’t need to diagnose them yourself, but do tell us if something feels different.
#DentalHealth #OralHealth #Portishead #EvolveDentistry
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