Orthodontic treatment is not just for children and teenagers. Adult orthodontics at our Upper East Side, NYC practice is a daily reality — we treat adult patients regularly, and we have found that adults are, in many ways, ideal orthodontic patients.
Adults understand why they want treatment and are committed to achieving it. They wear their aligners as directed, attend their appointments consistently, and maintain the retention protocols that protect their results. The outcomes we achieve with adult patients are consistently excellent.
Many of our adult patients are parents who began bringing their children to us for orthodontic care. Sitting in the waiting room while their child was treated, they decided it was time to address the alignment issues they had been meaning to take care of for years. Some of them have never had orthodontic treatment. Others had treatment as teenagers but did not wear their retainers, and their teeth have shifted over time.
Whatever brought you here, we are glad you came. It is never too late.
Adult orthodontic treatment is highly effective, but there are a few key differences from treating children and teenagers that are worth understanding — the reason an experienced orthodontist for adults in NYC plans differently than one who mostly treats kids.
Adult bone is denser and less responsive to remodeling than growing bone. Tooth movement is still fully achievable, but treatment may move at a slightly different pace.
Skeletal discrepancies that could be addressed through growth modification in children cannot be corrected with orthodontics alone in adults. Significant jaw discrepancies in adults may require orthognathic surgery in conjunction with orthodontic treatment.
Adults often have crowns, bridges, implants, or other restorations that need to be considered in treatment planning. We work around existing dental work and coordinate with your general dentist when needed.
Healthy gums are a prerequisite for orthodontic treatment. If there are any signs of gum disease or significant bone loss, these need to be addressed before orthodontic treatment begins. We coordinate with periodontists when needed.
Invisalign is the most commonly chosen treatment option among our adult patients — Invisalign for adults on the Upper East Side has essentially become the default professional’s choice. The benefits for an adult lifestyle are clear: the aligners are virtually invisible when worn, there are no food restrictions, oral hygiene is maintained the same way as without braces, and most people in professional or social settings cannot tell that orthodontic treatment is underway.
Invisalign works by using a series of custom-fabricated clear aligners, each of which moves the teeth a small, precise amount. Patients change to a new aligner approximately every week and attend check-in appointments every 6 to 8 weeks. Most adult cases are completed within 12 to 24 months.
Adults tend to have excellent compliance with Invisalign — the most important factor in treatment success. The combination of high motivation and clear lifestyle benefits makes Invisalign a strong choice for the majority of adult patients we see.
For more complex alignment or bite issues, or for patients who prefer the predictability of a fixed appliance, traditional braces remain an excellent option. At Bright Healthy Smiles, we offer both metal braces and tooth-colored ceramic braces.
Ceramic braces use brackets made from clear or tooth-colored ceramic material that blends with the natural tooth color. They are less visible than metal braces while providing the same level of control. For adult patients concerned about the appearance of metal braces, ceramic is often the preferred fixed-appliance option — and for maximum discretion, C5 hidden braces place the wires entirely behind the teeth.
Adult braces at our Manhattan office use smaller, lower-profile brackets than the appliances most adults remember from their own adolescence — more comfortable, less visible, and more efficient.
Retention is critical for adults — arguably more so than for younger patients. Adult teeth that have shifted back once will shift again without consistent retainer wear.
We typically recommend a combination of a fixed (bonded) retainer on the back of the lower front teeth and a clear removable retainer for nighttime wear. This dual approach provides the highest level of retention and protects against the shifting that is very common in adults who rely on removable retainers alone. Full details on our Retainers page.
Invisalign and clear aligners offer benefits that extend beyond appearance alone.
Clear aligners allow many patients to improve their smiles without the appearance of traditional braces.
Custom-made aligners are designed for comfort and eliminate the irritation often associated with brackets and wires.
Aligners can be removed for meals, brushing, sports, and important events — clear aligners fit adult Manhattan schedules built around client dinners and travel.
Because aligners are removable, patients can maintain their normal oral hygiene routine throughout treatment.
Families throughout the Upper East Side trust Bright Healthy Smiles because we take an individualized approach to orthodontic care. We carefully evaluate each patient’s needs and recommend treatment options based on what will be best long-term.
Our team combines modern orthodontic solutions with thoughtful communication and personalized care. Whether Invisalign is the right fit or another treatment option would provide better results, our recommendations are always guided by what is best for the patient — the reason adults searching for an adult orthodontist on the Upper East Side of New York keep landing in our chairs on a parent’s recommendation.
Dr. Nika Grigaitis and Dr. Charlotte Guerrera, our two board-certified orthodontists, are dedicated to helping children and teens feel comfortable, confident, and supported throughout every stage of orthodontic care. From braces for kids to NYC’s newest clear aligner and hidden-braces systems, they combine experience, compassion, and personalized attention to create positive experiences for both patients and parents.
Our team can help you understand whether Invisalign or another orthodontic treatment option is the best fit for your smile, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
Answers to common questions adults ask about orthodontic treatment.
We believe adults deserve clear, transparent information when considering orthodontic treatment. Our team takes time to explain treatment recommendations, anticipated timelines, and fees so you can make informed decisions.
Bright Healthy Smiles is a fee-for-service practice focused on individualized care. We are happy to discuss insurance reimbursement opportunities and answer financial questions before treatment begins.
Our team can help families understand available orthodontic benefits and assist with claim submission when applicable.
Treatment recommendations are based on your needs, goals, and long-term outcomes rather than insurance limitations.
Before treatment begins, we review fees, timelines, and expectations in detail so families know exactly what to expect.
