Adult Orthodontics

Medically reviewed by Dr. David Dung, DDS, MS, Board-Certified Orthodontist.

Adult Orthodontics in Honolulu & ʻAiea, HI

You are never too old for a straighter, healthier smile. Today about one in four orthodontic patients is an adult, and modern treatment is more discreet and comfortable than ever. At Dung Orthodontics, three board-certified orthodontists treat adults across our Honolulu and ʻAiea offices with options like Invisalign® and clear braces, designed to fit a busy professional life.

Orthodontics is not just for children and teens. Some adults had crooked teeth or a bad bite as children and were never able to fix them. Others were treated years ago and have seen their teeth shift back over time. Whatever brought you here, it is not too late, and the right treatment does more than improve your smile, it protects your long-term oral health. Here is what adult treatment at Dung Orthodontics looks like and why so many Oʻahu adults are finally doing it for themselves.

Why More Adults Are Choosing Orthodontics

Adults seek treatment for the same reasons children do, and a few of their own:

• Confidence. A smile you are proud of changes how you show up at work and in photos.
• Lasting oral health. Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss, which lowers your risk of decay and gum disease.
• A healthier bite. Correcting an overbite, underbite, or crossbite reduces uneven wear, jaw strain, and broken teeth over a lifetime.
• A second chance. If your teeth shifted after childhood braces, treatment can restore the result you once had.

We treat adults of every age, including patients in their 50s, 60s, and 70s. Age is rarely a barrier, healthy teeth and gums are what matter.

How Adult Orthodontics Is Different

Treating adults takes specialized planning, which is exactly why care from a board-certified orthodontist matters. Unlike children, adult jawbones have stopped growing, so some bite corrections take a more strategic approach, and in select cases involving significant jaw discrepancies, we coordinate with an oral surgeon. Adults are also more likely to have existing dental work, gum disease, or bone loss that must be managed carefully during treatment.

If you have missing teeth, worn teeth, or periodontal concerns, we work alongside your family dentist or periodontist so your smile moves safely and your overall health comes first. Dr. David Dung’s additional training in jaw alignment, occlusion, and implant coordination means complex adult cases are planned with the full picture in mind.

Your Treatment Options as an Adult

Today’s options are far more discreet than the braces you may remember:

• Invisalign clear aligners - nearly invisible, removable, and ideal for working professionals.
• Clear and ceramic braces - tooth-colored brackets that blend in while delivering precise results.
• Traditional metal braces - smaller and more comfortable than ever, and highly effective for complex cases.

At your consultation, we will show you which options fit your smile goals, your lifestyle, and your budget.

Invisalign for Adults

For many working adults, Invisalign is the perfect fit. The aligners are clear and removable, so you can present in a meeting, eat what you like, and brush normally, all without metal showing. As a Blue Diamond Plus Provider, Dung Orthodontics has deep experience treating adult cases with Invisalign. You can even preview your projected results on screen at your first visit. Learn more on our Invisalign page, or see real pricing on our Cost of Invisalign page.

What to Expect: Timeline and Visits

Most adult treatment takes about 15 to 18 months, though simple cases finish sooner and complex ones take a bit longer. You will visit us roughly every 8 to 10 weeks so we can check progress and make adjustments, appointments that fit easily around a full schedule. Thanks to modern appliances and techniques, treatment today is more comfortable than most adults expect. When you finish, custom retainers keep your new smile in place for the long term.

Cost and Financing

Adult orthodontic treatment in Honolulu generally runs in the same range as Invisalign, with the exact cost based on your case. Dung Orthodontics offers in-house no-interest payment plans from $200 a month, files with all insurance plans, and accepts HSA and FSA dollars. See our Cost of Invisalign and financing pages for details.