Adult Braces in Barrie and North York: It Is Never Too Late
Adult Braces in Barrie & North York: It's Never Too Late
If you have spent years wishing your teeth were straighter, or if you had orthodontic treatment as a teenager and your teeth have since shifted, you are far from alone — and you are far from out of options. Adult orthodontic treatment is one of the fastest-growing areas of orthodontic care in Canada, and at The Wireworks, adults make up a significant and growing portion of our patient base at both our Barrie and North York offices.
There is a persistent myth that braces are only for teenagers. It is time to put that to rest. Here is everything you need to know about adult braces in Barrie and North York in 2026.
The Adult Orthodontics Trend
According to the Canadian Association of Orthodontists, adults now account for approximately one in three orthodontic patients. This trend has accelerated over the past decade for several reasons:
- Improved aesthetics: Ceramic braces, aesthetic bracket systems, and clear aligner therapy have made treatment far less visible than the metal-mouth orthodontics of the past.
- Career and social motivation: Adults increasingly recognize that a confident smile has real professional and social value.
- Post-COVID priorities: Many adults who put off personal health investments during the pandemic are now following through on longstanding intentions.
- Relapse cases: Adults who had braces as teenagers and did not wear their retainers consistently often find their teeth have shifted and want correction.
- Access and awareness: Free consultations and flexible financing have lowered the barrier to entry.
At The Wireworks, we have treated adults ranging from their early 20s through their 60s and beyond. Teeth can be moved at any age in a healthy mouth. There is genuinely no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment.
Orthodontic Options for Adults
Adult patients at The Wireworks have access to the full range of orthodontic options offered at both our Barrie and North York locations. The right choice depends on the complexity of your case, your lifestyle, your aesthetic preferences, and your budget.
Traditional Metal Braces
Do not underestimate traditional metal braces for adult treatment. They remain the most versatile and precise option for complex cases, and today's metal braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more aesthetically refined than what you may remember from childhood. For patients with significant crowding, bite issues, or cases that require precise three-dimensional tooth control, metal braces often deliver the best outcome at the most competitive cost.
Ceramic (Clear) Braces
Ceramic braces are the most popular choice among adult patients who want the effectiveness of fixed braces with a lower visual profile. The brackets are tooth-coloured or clear, making them significantly less noticeable than metal. From a distance, most people cannot tell you are wearing braces at all. Ceramic braces are equally effective as metal for most case types.
Aesthetic Braces
For adult patients with the highest aesthetic concerns — professionals in client-facing roles, for example — The Wireworks offers premium aesthetic bracket systems that offer exceptional discretion combined with advanced orthodontic mechanics.
Active Aligner Therapy (Clear Aligners)
Clear aligners have become the treatment of choice for many adults because of their removability and near-invisibility. Our Active Aligner Therapy program uses custom-fabricated, clear plastic trays produced in our Kinetica 3D Onsite Digital Lab, designed and supervised personally by Dr. Eggert Boehlau. Aligners can be removed for eating, drinking, and oral hygiene — which many adults find significant for work lunches, travel, and day-to-day comfort.
Active Aligner Therapy is suitable for mild to moderate cases. Dr. Eggert will assess whether aligners are clinically appropriate for your specific situation.
Treatment Considerations Specific to Adults
Adult orthodontic treatment is highly effective, but there are some clinical considerations that differ from treating adolescents:
Bone Density and Tissue Response
In adolescents, the jaws and bones are still developing, which can make certain tooth movements somewhat faster. In adults, bone density is higher and tissue response is slightly slower. This generally means adult treatment takes somewhat longer — typically 15 to 30 percent more time than equivalent treatment in a teenager. However, adults also tend to be more compliant with instructions (wearing retainers, wearing aligners consistently), which often offsets this difference.
Pre-Existing Dental Work
Many adults have crowns, bridges, implants, or missing teeth that require special consideration in treatment planning. Dr. Eggert coordinates with your dentist and other dental specialists as needed to ensure your orthodontic treatment integrates properly with existing restorations and any planned dental work.
Gum Health
Active gum disease must be treated before orthodontic treatment begins. Moving teeth in the presence of uncontrolled periodontal disease can accelerate bone loss and compromise your long-term results. We always review gum health at the consultation stage and will recommend appropriate periodontal care if needed before starting treatment.
Retention After Treatment
Adults typically need to wear retainers for longer than teenagers — in many cases, indefinitely (nightly wearing is common). This is because without ongoing retention, teeth in adults have a strong tendency to shift back toward their original positions. Dr. Eggert is transparent about retention expectations from the start.
How Much Do Adult Braces Cost in Ontario?
Adult orthodontic treatment costs are similar to treatment costs for younger patients. At The Wireworks:
- Traditional metal braces: $3,000 to $7,000
- Ceramic braces: $4,000 to $8,000
- Clear aligners (Active Aligner Therapy): $3,500 to $8,000
Many employer extended health insurance plans include orthodontic coverage that applies to adults, though some plans restrict coverage to patients under 18 or 21. Check your plan details, and our team can help you understand your benefits.
We also offer flexible payment arrangements. Orthodontic treatment is an investment, and we want to make it accessible.
The Wireworks Adult Patient Experience
We want to be honest about something: starting orthodontic treatment as an adult can feel vulnerable. You may worry about how you will look, whether colleagues will notice, whether it will be worth it, or whether you are "too old." These are normal feelings, and our team works hard to address them with empathy and straightforward information.
Dr. Eggert has treated adults for his entire career. He understands the priorities that are different for adult patients — professional appearance, time efficiency, clear communication, and realistic expectations about the process. He will tell you exactly what your treatment will involve, how long it will take, and what your result should look like before you commit to anything.
Our patients come to us from across Barrie — Painswick, Innishore, Holly, Allandale, Letitia Heights — and from throughout North York and Toronto, including Yorkdale, Lawrence Heights, Armour Heights, and Bedford Park. Many of our adult patients say they only wish they had come in sooner.
It Really Is Never Too Late
Whether you are 25 or 55, whether this is your first time considering orthodontics or you are looking to correct a relapse from treatment done decades ago, Dr. Eggert and The Wireworks team are here to help. A free consultation takes about an hour, requires no referral, and gives you everything you need to make an informed decision.
Barrie: 4 Checkley St, Suite 301 — (705) 737-0343
North York (near Yorkdale): 2994 Dufferin St — (416) 781-4200