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Adult Braces & Clear Aligners in Gilbert, AZ

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Crooked, crowded, or shifting teeth affect more than your appearance. They make brushing and flossing harder, create uneven wear on enamel, and can contribute to jaw pain and headaches. If you have been putting off orthodontic treatment because you assumed braces were only for kids, that is no longer the case. I offer clear aligners, ceramic braces, traditional braces, and coordinated orthodontic-implant treatment designed specifically for adult patients with busy schedules. After 28 years of dentistry in Gilbert, I have seen firsthand how straightening teeth changes the way adults eat, speak, sleep, and smile. Whether your teeth have always been crooked or they have shifted over time, there is a treatment that fits your life and your goals.
Pediatric Dentistry patient at Arizona Smiles

Adult Orthodontic Treatment Options

Clear
Aligners

Clear aligners are removable, nearly invisible trays that gradually shift your teeth into alignment. You wear each set for about two weeks, remove them to eat and brush, and progress through a custom series until treatment is complete. Most adults finish in 6 to 18 months. Clear aligners work well for mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and certain bite issues. I use 3D digital scanning to map your treatment from start to finish so you can see projected results before you begin.

Ceramic
Braces

Ceramic braces use tooth-colored or clear brackets and work the same way as traditional metal braces. The difference is visibility. They blend with your teeth so they are far less noticeable, which makes them a popular choice for adults who need the precision of fixed braces without the metallic look. Ceramic braces handle moderate to complex cases effectively and are a strong option when clear aligners alone may not achieve the result you need.

Traditional Metal Braces

Metal braces remain the most effective option for complex orthodontic issues: severe crowding, significant bite discrepancies, and rotated teeth. Modern metal brackets are smaller, more comfortable, and more efficient than the braces you remember from decades ago. They are also the most affordable orthodontic option. I tailor every treatment plan to your specific alignment needs, so metal braces at Arizona Smiles are never a one-size-fits-all approach.

Orthodontics + Implants

If you have missing teeth alongside alignment issues, combining orthodontic treatment with dental implants gives you a comprehensive result. I move your existing teeth into proper position first, which often creates the ideal spacing for implant placement. Coordinating both treatments under one roof means fewer appointments, better outcomes, and no bouncing between an orthodontist and a separate implant specialist.

Straighter Teeth Improve More Than Your Smile

Most adults think of orthodontics as purely cosmetic. Straighter teeth do look better, but the health benefits go much further than that.

Crowded or overlapping teeth create tight spaces where plaque and bacteria accumulate. No matter how carefully you brush and floss, those areas stay difficult to clean, increasing your risk of cavities and gum disease over time. Straightening your teeth eliminates those hard-to-reach spots and makes daily hygiene significantly more effective.

Bite alignment matters just as much. When your upper and lower teeth do not meet properly, your jaw compensates. That compensation can lead to TMJ discomfort, chronic headaches, uneven enamel wear, and even cracked or chipped teeth. Orthodontic treatment distributes chewing forces evenly across your teeth, which protects both the teeth themselves and the jaw joint.

There is also the digestive benefit most people overlook. Properly aligned teeth chew food more thoroughly, which supports better digestion and nutrient absorption. And because healthier gums reduce the migration of harmful bacteria into the rest of your body, straightening your teeth has a positive effect on your overall health, not just your oral health.

I use 3D digital imaging and treatment planning to visualize tooth movement before we start. That precision means fewer adjustments, shorter treatment timelines, and results that are predictable from day one.
Invisalign trays | Arizona Smiles — Dentist in Gilbert, AZ

Why Choose Arizona Smiles for Adult Orthodontics?

28+ Years of Trusted Care

I have been practicing cosmetic and family dentistry in Gilbert since 1997. Patients throughout the East Valley, including Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, and Tempe, trust Arizona Smiles with their smiles. That experience means I have treated a wide range of adult alignment cases, from simple spacing to complex bite correction.

Personalized Care

Most orthodontic patients still need general dental care during treatment: cleanings, cavity checks, and sometimes restorative work. At Arizona Smiles, you get orthodontic treatment and comprehensive dentistry in the same office. No referrals, no separate specialists, no coordinating between providers. If your treatment plan includes implants, veneers, or whitening after braces, I handle all of it.

One-Visit Solutions

I use digital 3D scanning to create a precise map of your teeth and plan every stage of movement before treatment begins. You can see a simulation of your projected results at your consultation. This technology also means fewer in-office adjustments and more efficient treatment overall.

Honest, No-Pressure Guidance

Not every adult needs the same type of orthodontic treatment, and not every case requires the most expensive option. During your consultation, I will explain what is actually happening with your teeth and bite, which treatment options make sense for your specific situation, and what kind of timeline and results you can realistically expect. You will never be pushed toward a treatment you do not need.

Adult Orthodontics Questions

Gilbert, AZ

Am I too old for braces?
No. There is no age limit for orthodontic treatment as long as your teeth and gums are healthy. Adults of all ages achieve excellent results with braces and clear aligners. About one in three orthodontic patients today is an adult. The biology of tooth movement works the same way whether you are 25 or 65.
What is the most discreet option?
Clear aligners are the least visible option. They are transparent, removable trays that most people will not notice unless they look closely. Ceramic braces are the next most discreet choice: they use tooth-colored brackets that blend with your enamel. Both deliver effective results with minimal impact on your professional appearance.
How long does treatment take?
It depends on the complexity of your case. Clear aligners for mild to moderate issues typically take 6 to 18 months. Ceramic or metal braces for more complex alignment may take 12 to 24 months. I’ll give you a realistic timeline at your consultation based on your specific needs.
Will braces or aligners hurt?
You may feel some pressure or mild soreness for a few days after each adjustment or new aligner tray. This is normal and subsides quickly. Modern orthodontic materials use lighter, more consistent forces than older systems, so treatment is significantly more comfortable than it was even 10 years ago.
Can I eat normally during treatment?
With clear aligners, yes. You remove them to eat and drink, so there are no food restrictions at all. With braces (ceramic or metal), you’ll want to avoid very hard or sticky foods that could damage brackets. I’ll give you a clear list of what to watch out for, but most patients find the adjustments easy to manage.
Do I need a retainer after treatment?
Yes. Retainers prevent your teeth from gradually shifting back toward their original positions. I’ll provide a retainer at the end of your treatment and explain exactly how long and how often to wear it. Consistent retainer use is the key to keeping your results long-term.
Can orthodontics help with jaw pain or TMJ?
In many cases, yes. Misaligned teeth and an uneven bite place extra stress on the jaw joint, which can contribute to TMJ discomfort, headaches, and facial tension. Correcting the alignment distributes chewing forces more evenly and often reduces or eliminates those symptoms.
Can orthodontics be combined with other dental work?
Absolutely. Many adult patients combine orthodontics with dental implants to restore missing teeth, or follow treatment with veneers or teeth whitening for a complete smile transformation. I coordinate all of these services in-house so your treatment plan works as a unified whole.
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About the Author

Dr. Sam Bollwinkel, DDS

Dr. Sam Bollwinkel has been practicing cosmetic and family dentistry in Gilbert, Arizona since 1997. With experience in clear aligners, ceramic braces, traditional orthodontics, and coordinated implant-orthodontic treatment, he provides comprehensive adult orthodontic care under one roof. He is known for his honest, patient-first approach and his commitment to helping every patient feel confident about their smile.

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