Adult Braces in Dallas—Why It’s Never Too Late to Improve Your Smile

Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for teens anymore. At Ohlenforst Carney Orthodontics, we’re seeing more and more adults choosing to improve their smiles later in life — and the results can be life-changing. Whether you’re in your 30s, 50s, or even 70s, it’s never too late to start orthodontic treatment.

Dr. Lauren Carney and her team specialize in adult braces in Dallas, helping patients transform their smiles with treatment options that are discreet, efficient, and designed around busy lifestyles. From confidence in your career to long-term oral health, it’s a decision that pays off for years to come.

Why More Adults in Dallas Are Choosing Braces

For many adults, the motivation to start orthodontic treatment goes far beyond looks. Straight teeth are easier to clean, more comfortable, and help maintain long-term oral health. If you didn’t have braces earlier in life or your teeth have shifted over time, you’re in good company — many adults across Dallas are now investing in orthodontic care.

Here are the top reasons adults choose braces:

Improved Oral Health

Aligned teeth are easier to brush and floss, reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and uneven wear. Correcting your bite can also relieve jaw strain and TMJ discomfort.

Increased Self-Confidence

A confident smile makes a difference in every setting — from professional presentations to photos with family. Adult orthodontic treatment can restore both confidence and comfort.

Better Function and Comfort

Braces and aligners can improve chewing, speech, and jaw alignment, making everyday activities feel more natural.

Long-Term Savings

Correcting misalignment now can help prevent costly restorative treatments later, such as crowns, bridges, or implants.

A Personal Investment

Many of our adult patients view orthodontic treatment as a form of self-care — a way to feel their best and invest in lifelong wellness.

Orthodontic Options for Adults

Today’s orthodontic technology gives adults more flexibility and comfort than ever. Dr. Carney helps each patient choose the option that best fits their goals, appearance, and lifestyle.

Traditional Metal Braces

Still one of the most efficient ways to correct complex cases. Modern brackets are smaller, smoother, and more comfortable than ever before.

Clear Ceramic Braces

A popular choice for professionals and adults who want subtle treatment. Ceramic braces blend with your natural teeth while offering the same reliability as metal braces.

3M™ Clarity™ Aligners

Virtually invisible and removable, these aligners straighten teeth without wires or brackets. They’re ideal for adults who prefer flexibility for work or social events.

Whichever you choose, your personalized treatment plan will be designed to meet your goals — efficiently, comfortably, and with complete transparency about costs and timelines.

What to Expect During Treatment

Starting adult braces in Dallas is easier than you might think. Our process is designed to be simple, supportive, and stress-free.

Step 1: Complimentary Consultation

Your first visit includes a digital exam, photos, and a one-on-one discussion with Dr. Carney. Together, you’ll review your goals and explore the best treatment options.

Step 2: Appliance Placement

Whether you choose braces or aligners, our team will guide you through the fitting process carefully, ensuring you’re comfortable and confident before you leave.

Step 3: Regular Check-Ins

Braces adjustments typically occur every 6–8 weeks, while aligner patients change trays every 1–2 weeks with occasional in-office or virtual visits.

Step 4: Celebrate Your New Smile

When your treatment is complete, we’ll fit you with a custom retainer to preserve your results. Many adult patients say they wish they’d done it sooner!

Common Questions About Adult Braces

Will braces affect my daily life?

Only slightly at first. Most adults adjust quickly and can continue normal routines — including speaking, eating, and working comfortably.

What about eating or special events?

Clear options like ceramic braces or aligners make it easy to maintain your appearance. Aligners can be removed for meals, meetings, or photos.

Am I too old for braces?

Absolutely not. As long as your gums and teeth are healthy, age is never a barrier to treatment.

Will treatment hurt?

You might feel mild pressure during adjustments or when switching aligners, but it’s temporary and typically resolves in a few days.

How long does treatment take?

Most adult orthodontic treatments take 12–24 months, depending on complexity. You’ll receive a clear timeline during your consultation.

Why Adults Choose Ohlenforst Carney Orthodontics

Choosing the right orthodontist in Dallas makes all the difference. Dr. Carney and her experienced team have helped hundreds of adults achieve confident, healthy smiles with personalized treatment plans and modern technology.

When you visit our North Dallas office, you can expect:

• Clear, respectful communication

• A supportive, judgment-free environment

• Flexible scheduling and digital reminders

• Affordable financing options

• Advanced technology for efficient, precise care

• A team that genuinely enjoys helping you smile

Whether you’re seeking a subtle enhancement or a complete transformation, we’re here to make the process rewarding from start to finish.

Ready to Start? Schedule Your Free Consultation

If you’ve been considering adult braces in Dallas, now is the perfect time to take the first step. At Ohlenforst Carney Orthodontics, we make it simple, supportive, and completely personalized.

Call (972) 503-0400 or schedule your free new-patient exam today. Let’s create a smile that reflects your confidence, health, and personality — no matter your age!

Kids Braces in Dallas: What Parents Should Know

Timing matters when it comes to orthodontic care. As a parent, knowing when to bring your child to the orthodontist can make all the difference — helping to prevent more serious dental problems down the road and guiding your child’s smile toward healthy development.

At Ohlenforst Carney Orthodontics, we specialize in early orthodontic care for kids and teens, offering a comfortable, personalized approach that helps every child feel confident about their smile.

🦷 When Should Children First See an Orthodontist in Dallas?

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that all children have an orthodontic screening by age 7.

This early visit doesn’t always lead to immediate treatment — but it allows Dr. Lauren Carney to evaluate your child’s jaw growth, bite alignment, and tooth development to identify potential issues before they become more complex.

Early exams are especially valuable if your child shows crowding, bite problems, or habits like thumb-sucking that may affect dental alignment.

Learn more about early treatment on our Early Orthodontic Treatment page.

🧒 When Are Most Kids Braces Typically Started?

Most kids begin treatment between ages 10 and 14, when most permanent teeth have erupted and the jaw is still developing.

During this phase, Dr. Carney can guide teeth into their ideal positions more efficiently, which often leads to shorter treatment times and more stable results.

If your child is younger but already showing signs of misalignment, we may recommend a two-phase treatment plan that starts with early interceptive care and finishes once all permanent teeth are in.

👀 Signs That Your Child Might Need Braces

Not sure if your child is ready for orthodontic care? Schedule an exam if you notice any of the following:

• Teeth that are crowded or crooked

• Difficulty biting or chewing

• Thumb-sucking beyond age 5

• Early or late loss of baby teeth

• Jaws that shift or make noises

• Protruding teeth or visible gaps

Even if you’re not sure, an early evaluation can help catch small issues before they turn into bigger ones.

😁 Treatment Options for Kids and Teens

At Ohlenforst Carney Orthodontics, we offer a full range of treatment options designed for comfort, effectiveness, and confidence:

• Metal Braces: Durable and efficient for all types of bite and alignment issues.

• Ceramic Braces: A discreet option with clear brackets that blend in with your child’s smile.

• 3M™ Clarity™ Aligners: A clear aligner system that offers flexibility and an almost invisible appearance.

Dr. Carney will help you and your child choose the best treatment based on age, goals, and lifestyle.

🌟 Advantages of Early Evaluation

Early orthodontic screening and treatment can:

• Reduce the complexity of care later

• Monitor jaw and tooth development as your child grows

• Prevent more serious bite issues before they worsen

• Avoid or minimize extractions or surgery later on

Sometimes, no immediate treatment is needed — just careful observation and growth monitoring. Our team will guide you every step of the way.

💙 Your Partner in Pediatric Orthodontics

At Ohlenforst Carney Orthodontics, Dr. Lauren Carney takes a thoughtful, conservative approach to early orthodontic care. We focus on making treatment gentle, fun, and effective — helping kids build great habits and confidence that last a lifetime.

If your child is ready for their first orthodontic visit, schedule a free new patient exam today to discuss whether early evaluation or treatment might be right for them.

👉 Schedule Your Free Consultation

External Resource:
Learn more about early orthodontic screening from the American Association of Orthodontists.

The Best and Worst Halloween Candy for Braces

Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year for kids (and plenty of adults too!). Between costumes, trick-or-treating, and the endless parade of candy, it’s a night full of fun — but for anyone with braces, it can also be a bit tricky.

At Ohlenforst Carney Orthodontics in North Dallas, we love celebrating Halloween, but we also know how easily certain candies can damage brackets, bend wires, or delay treatment. Don’t worry — you don’t have to skip the fun entirely! With a little guidance, your family can enjoy Halloween safely and keep those smiles on track.

🍬 Why candy matters with braces

When you’re wearing braces, sticky, chewy, and hard candies can cause real problems. Foods that pull or press on the brackets can break them loose, while overly hard treats can bend wires or even crack enamel.

Even small cracks or loosened brackets can set your orthodontic treatment back by weeks — not to mention the discomfort they can cause. If you’re unsure what foods are safe, our Caring for Braces page has practical tips and an “emergencies” section you can use at home.

✅ Best Halloween candy picks for braces

Good news — there are still plenty of braces-friendly treats. Look for soft, melt-in-your-mouth options that don’t stick or require heavy chewing.

• Chocolate (no caramel or nuts): Plain bars, Kisses, Reese’s Cups, or Kit Kats melt easily and don’t cling to brackets.

• Soft cookies or brownies: Just avoid hard mix-ins like nuts or toffee bits.

• Soft peanut-butter treats: Creamy peanut-butter candies are fine in moderation (skip taffy-like versions).

• Regular M&M’s (not peanut/crispy): Chew gently and you’re good.

• Soft meltaways/truffles: Choose fillings that dissolve rather than stretch.

If you’re comparing treatment choices for your family, see our pages on types of braces and clear aligners and Invisalign.

🚫 Candy to skip with braces

Some candies are off-limits for a reason: they break brackets, pull wires loose, or wedge into tight spaces.

• Caramel & taffy: Stretchy, sticky, bracket-popping trouble.

• Hard candy: Jawbreakers, Jolly Ranchers, lollipops — biting can crack brackets or bend wires. The AAO has a helpful rundown of what to avoid. American Association of Orthodontists

• Chewy gummies & licorice: They pack into places your toothbrush can’t reach.

• Nuts & nut-filled chocolate: Extra force = higher breakage risk.

• Popcorn balls & crunchy corn: Kernels are notorious for bracket breaks and gum irritation.

🎃 Braces-safe Halloween tips

• Sort the stash together: Make a “yes” and “no” pile so kids don’t have to guess.

• Rinse and brush: Sip water after sweets and brush thoroughly that night (the ADA’s MouthHealthy has more Halloween hygiene tips). MouthHealthy

• Smaller portions win: A few bites of braces-friendly candy beat a handful of sticky taffy.

• Swap in non-candy treats: Stickers, glow sticks, small toys — still festive, no dental drama.

🦷 If a bracket breaks

Don’t panic. Cover anything sharp with orthodontic wax, avoid chewy foods, and call us for a quick fix. Our Caring for Braces page walks through simple at-home steps until you’re seen.

👻 Easy, braces-friendly party ideas

• Pumpkin-shaped soft sugar cookies

• Chocolate pudding cups with “dirt” cookie crumbs (no hard mix-ins)

• Mini cupcakes or brownies

• Hot cocoa with marshmallows

• Soft caramel-flavor dip with sliced pears or seedless apple wedges (no sticky candy apples)

🏙 Why Dallas families trust us

At Ohlenforst Carney Orthodontics, Dr. Lauren Carney and our team make orthodontic care comfortable and flexible for kids, teens, and adults — whether you choose braces or clear aligners.

👩‍⚕️ Have a braces-safe Halloween!

Candy can still be part of the fun when you know what to avoid. If you have questions or need quick help, call (972) 503-0400 or schedule your free new patient exam!

Should I Choose an Orthodontist or Dentist to do my Braces?

When it’s time to straighten your child’s teeth or finally address your own smile concerns, many families wonder: “Should I see my regular dentist or find an orthodontist in Dallas?” It’s a common question at the start of the orthodontic journey.

Both dentists and orthodontists care deeply about your oral health, but their training and focus are different. Knowing those differences can help you make the best choice for your family’s smile.

Dentists: Your Everyday Oral Health Partners

General dentists are the primary providers for routine dental care. After completing dental school, they’re trained to:

• Perform cleanings and exams

• Fill cavities and treat decay

• Provide crowns, bridges, and root canals

• Extract teeth

• Treat gum disease

• Educate patients about prevention

Think of your dentist as your family’s doctor for oral health. They’re essential for keeping teeth and gums healthy and catching problems early.

Orthodontists: Specialists in Alignment

Orthodontists also attend dental school but go on to complete 2–3 years of additional residency focused entirely on tooth movement, bite correction, and facial development. Their advanced training covers:

• Diagnosing misaligned teeth and jaw issues

• Designing treatment plans for bite correction

• Understanding facial growth and airway health

• Moving teeth with braces, aligners, and appliances

• Managing complex cases, sometimes alongside oral surgeons

• Treating TMJ (jaw joint) concerns

According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), only about 6% of dentists go on to become orthodontists. That specialization makes a big difference in complex cases.

The Extra Step: Board Certification

Not all orthodontists are board certified. This credential comes from the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) and requires additional testing and case review.

A board-certified orthodontist like Dr. Lauren Carney has demonstrated advanced clinical skills, presented real patient results, and committed to ongoing education. Only about half of practicing orthodontists achieve this distinction, which is why families often seek it out when choosing a provider.

Why Specialized Training Matters

Seeing the Bigger Picture

Orthodontics isn’t just about straight teeth. An orthodontist looks at bite function, jaw health, facial growth, and airway concerns. For example, they can determine:

• How your child’s jaw growth may affect future treatment

• Whether early intervention can prevent surgery

• How alignment impacts breathing or TMJ health

• The best timing for braces or aligners

Managing Complex Cases

Some orthodontic cases are simple, but many involve challenges such as:

• Severe crowding or spacing

• Crossbites and open bites

• Impacted or missing teeth

• Jaw discrepancies needing surgical coordination

• TMJ disorders

• Orthodontic relapse from past treatment

While general dentists may manage simple alignment, orthodontists are trained to handle these complicated scenarios from start to finish.

Using Advanced Techniques

Orthodontics evolves quickly with new appliances, clear aligner technology, and digital treatment planning. Specialists stay up to date on the latest approaches. At Ohlenforst Carney Orthodontics, patients benefit from:

• 3M™ Clarity™ Aligners

• Digital scans and specialized treatment planning

• Temporary anchorage devices (TADs) for precise movement

• Myofunctional therapy support when needed

This focus leads to more efficient treatment, often with shorter timelines and better results.

Prevention and Early Care

One of the biggest advantages of seeing an orthodontist is prevention. The AAO recommends children be evaluated by age 7. Early exams can reveal growth or bite problems before they become severe.

Early evaluation may identify:

• Jaw growth concerns easier to correct in childhood

• Thumb-sucking or habits that affect bite

• Airway or breathing issues

• Crowding that may worsen without treatment

Sometimes early treatment begins right away (interceptive orthodontics). In other cases, Dr. Carney simply monitors growth and advises the best timing for braces later.

Learn more about Orthodontics for Children.

What to Expect from a Specialist’s Office

An orthodontic practice is designed around braces and aligners. That means:

• Teams trained exclusively in orthodontics

• Specialized technology for imaging and treatment planning

• Appointment schedules built for frequent adjustments

• Emergency visits available for broken brackets or aligner issues

At our Dallas office, families also appreciate the comfortable environment, flexible scheduling, and the way we make treatment fun for kids and teens.

Choosing the Right Dallas Orthodontist

If you’ve decided to see a specialist, here’s what to look for:

Essential Qualifications

• Completion of an orthodontic residency

• AAO membership

• Board certification

• Ongoing continuing education

Other Considerations

• Experience with kids, teens, and adult treatment

• Range of options: braces, aligners, and clear appliances

• Positive reviews and trusted referrals

• Flexible payment and insurance support

Red Flags

• Providers offering orthodontics without residency training

• Pressure to start treatment same-day without records

• Unrealistic promises of very short treatment times

The Value of Orthodontic Care

Families sometimes hesitate because of cost. While orthodontic treatment is an investment, specialized care can actually save money long-term by preventing complications, avoiding retreatment, and achieving lasting results.

At Ohlenforst Carney Orthodontics, we help by offering:

• Free initial consultations

• Clear, upfront cost estimates

• Flexible payment options

• Insurance coordination

Orthodontics for All Ages

• Children: Orthodontists guide growth and development, making sure permanent teeth have the best chance to erupt properly.

• Teens: Braces or aligners help build confidence during a crucial stage of life.

• Adults: It’s never too late to improve your smile, even if you’ve had braces before.

Explore more about treatment options on our For Children and Types of Braces pages.

Take the Next Step with Dr. Carney

Choosing between a dentist and an orthodontist isn’t about one being better than the other—it’s about choosing the right specialist for alignment and bite care.

At Ohlenforst Carney Orthodontics, Dr. Carney combines board-certified expertise with a friendly, patient-first approach. From your first free consultation through your final smile reveal, our team is here to make orthodontics straightforward, comfortable, and effective.

Schedule your visit today or call (972) 503-0400.