Statistics on Adult Orthodontics: Who is Getting Braces and Why?

Orthodontic treatments are experiencing unprecedented growth

No matter how old we are, we all want the confidence and the health benefits that come with a photo-ready smile. Recently, orthodontics have experienced significant growth, a trend that is expected to continue. As of 2023, the global orthodontics market was estimated to be $5.95 billion, and is projected to grow to $14.38 billion by 2030. A wide range of new technologies, cosmetic advances, and a growing awareness of the importance of oral health are all contributing factors.

Who is straightening their teeth and why?

How many adults are getting braces?

Most orthodontic patients are 18 or under, but as many as one in three adults have recently straightened their teeth or are currently using braces, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. This trend has steadily grown over the past few decades. Between 1989 and 2012, there was a 40% increase in the number of adults aged 18 or older who underwent orthodontic treatments. By 2022, an estimated one million Americans over 18 wore braces.

Demographics: Who is getting braces?

Braces, once considered a teenage rite of passage, are increasingly sought after by adults. Women, single adults, and those from high-income families are mostly likely to seek orthodontic treatment, but they’re not the only ones. This trend is fueled not just by aesthetic reasons but also by an awareness of overall oral health benefits and how innovative new treatments can adapt to a range of lifestyles

Adult Braces: A Complete Guide to Straightening Your Teeth

By age group

There are still more children than adults with braces, and most adult braces wearers are in the 18 - 30 age group. However, older adults are also looking to straighten their teeth, according to a 2023 study published in the National LIbrary of Medicine. The study summarizes findings of the 2019 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), which collects data and insights on healthcare use and costs across various populations in the U.S.

Orthodontics patients, by age group:

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• Under 18 years old 67.6%
• 18 - 24 years old 16.8%
• 25 - 44 years old 9.5%
• 45 - 64 years old 4.9%
• 65 or older 1.2%

Between 2016 and 2018, approximately 60,000 adults started orthodontic procedures. Reasons for this trend include fixing functional issues such as improving jaw alignment as well as a growing understanding that dental treatments provide enduring benefits.

Men vs. women

According to several studies, women use orthodontics more than men. This trend begins in adolescence, when girls are more likely to want braces than boys. This pattern continues into adulthood, with more women seeking treatment, such as aligners, for cosmetic as well as health reasons.

Percentage of orthodontic usage by gender:

• Men - 38.9%
• Women - 61.1%

By income level

Not surprisingly, those with a higher family income were more likely to get braces for themselves or for their children. Over half (52.7%) of all braces patients have an annual family income of $100,000 or more. Patients with incomes between $50,000 - $99,999 make up nearly one-third (28.6%) of the market, while those making between $25,000 and $49,999 comprise the remaining 10.6%.

Private insurance and dental plans put the cost of orthodontia within reach for many; only 3.4% of those sampled had no health insurance coverage at all. A majority (58.8%) had a separate dental insurance plan.

Braces: Traditional and lingual

Traditional braces are a common way to fix crowding, spacing, and bite issues. They are affixed to the front of the teeth and include brackets, wires, and bands.

Lingual braces, aka "hidden" or "invisible" braces, are placed on the back on the teeth, using the same type of hardware.

By location (USA)

In the United States, the study found that the percentage of orthodontics users (braces, aligners and retainers) varied across different parts of the country:

Percent of Americans using orthodontia, braces or retainers, by region

• Northeast - 19.8%
• Midwest - 18.3%
• South - 37.5%
• West - 24.4%

Teeth straightening options for adults

Advances in orthodontic technology have produced a wide range of ways to straighten teeth today. Traditional metal braces, which connect in the front of teeth, are lighter than ever and often the most economical.

So-called “invisible” orthodontic hardware appear to be driving the orthodontics trend in general, especially among adults.This includes lingual braces (which attach behind the teeth), ceramic braces (similar to traditional braces but with tooth-colored or clear brackets) and removable, clear aligners.

A report on the Invisible Orthodontics Market 2021-2025 by Technavio, based on an analysis of 25 orthodontic vendors and data from primary and secondary sources, reveals some interesting statistics:

• The global market for invisible orthodontics grew from $334.5 million in 2019 to $416.23 million in 2024, with accelerating growth momentum
• As of 2019, North America held 24.12% of the market share, as of 2019
• Top countries by market share (as of 2020) include the United States (10.5% - 11.25%), Canada (5.2% - 5.56%), Germany (4.21% - 4.79%) and the United Kingdom (3.1% - 3.5%).

Are braces right for you?

Taking control of your oral care is more than just a trend, it’s a lifestyle upgrade. With more innovations in dental care arriving every day, you may wonder which treatment is right for you. Schedule a free ortho consultation today.