No. There is no age limit for orthodontic treatment. Adults of all ages can achieve excellent results with braces or clear aligners. At Saracino Orthodontics in St. Louis Hills, MO, a significant portion of our patients are adults seeking straighter teeth, improved bite function, or relief from jaw discomfort. Dr. Catherine Saracino (ABO board-certified) evaluates each adult patient individually and recommends the most effective and discreet treatment option for their specific case.

For adults who prefer minimal visibility, Saracino Orthodontics offers three discreet options: (1) Invisalign clear aligners - nearly invisible and removable; (2) Angel Aligners - 3D-printed clear trays resistant to staining and tearing; and (3) LightForce ceramic braces - 3D-printed ivory brackets that blend with tooth colour. The most discreet fixed option is LightForce; the most discreet removable option is Invisalign or Angel Aligners. Dr. Saracino recommends the best fit based on your case.

Adult orthodontic treatment at Saracino Orthodontics typically takes between 12 and 24 months, depending on the complexity of the case and the treatment type selected. Adults may experience slightly longer treatment times than teenagers because adult bone is denser and less responsive to movement. However, with LightForce custom brackets and Grin remote monitoring, many adults achieve results at or ahead of their initial estimate.

Many dental insurance plans include a lifetime orthodontic benefit that covers both children and adults, though adult coverage varies significantly by plan. At Saracino Orthodontics, our team verifies your insurance benefits before treatment begins and explains exactly what is covered. We accept most major orthodontic insurance plans. We also offer zero-interest financing, pay-in-full discounts, and multi-family savings to make treatment affordable regardless of insurance status.

Surgical orthodontics, also called orthognathic surgery, is a combined treatment approach for severe jaw misalignments that cannot be corrected with braces or aligners alone. It is recommended in fewer than 5% of adult orthodontic cases. Treatment involves a period of pre-surgical orthodontics (typically 12 to 18 months), followed by jaw surgery performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and then a period of post-surgical orthodontic refinement. Dr. Saracino coordinates care with surgical specialists.

Both Invisalign and Angel Aligners are clear, removable aligner systems. Invisalign, made by Align Technology, is the most widely used system globally (15 million+ patients treated). Angel Aligners are 3D-printed and designed for superior durability, they are more resistant to tearing and staining than standard aligner materials. Both options are available at Saracino Orthodontics. Dr. Saracino recommends between the two based on your case complexity and lifestyle.

​Grin, developed by Grinscope Health, is a teleorthodontics app that lets adult patients submit smartphone scans of their teeth to Dr. Saracino from home or work. Dr. Saracino reviews each scan through the app and provides next steps without an in-person visit. This reduces the frequency of required appointments during active treatment, a significant advantage for working adults. Grin is compatible with iPhone and Android and is used across all treatment types at Saracino Orthodontics.

Your free adult consultation at Saracino Orthodontics includes an iTero digital scan, X-rays, and photographs of your teeth and bite. Dr. Saracino then reviews the results with you and presents your personalised treatment options, including estimated duration and cost for each, during the same appointment. There is no obligation and no charge. To book, call 314-649-8999 or visit saracinoortho.com. The appointment takes approximately one hour.