Orthodontics

Adult orthodontics in Lincoln, NE

It is never too late. Board-certified orthodontists, discreet treatment options, and scheduling that works around your job and your family. Free consultation with a digital smile simulation.

Modern brick and wood office building entrance with glass door under a clear blue sky.
Options

Treatment options for adults

Adults are one of the main groups we treat. Whether you wore braces as a teenager and watched your teeth drift, or you are starting for the first time, our doctors will walk you through every option using this technology so you can see the result before you commit.

Stainless Steel Metal

Invisalign clear aligners

Nearly invisible and removable for meals, meetings, and photos.

We are the first and only Blue Diamond+ Invisalign provider in Nebraska, the top one percent nationwide.

A set of clear aligners in an orthodontist office.
Discreet

Clear ceramic braces

Tooth-colored brackets that blend with your natural enamel. Clear upper braces come at no extra charge.

Dental model showing both clear and metal braces on teeth.
Our technology

LightForce digital braces

Wires bent to your exact prescription. Precise, efficient, and often faster than conventional braces.

Orthodontist explaining 3D teeth scan on monitor to female patient at dental office.
Why now

Why adults start treatment now

Most of our adult patients waited years before calling. The reasons they finally start are remarkably consistent.

Smiling man wearing black jacket and woman holding tote bag with Shine Bright printed in blue.
Prevention

Teeth shift after earlier treatment

If you had braces as a teenager and stopped wearing your retainer, some drift is normal. Correcting relapse is usually far simpler and shorter than the original treatment was.

Adults most often come to us for:

  • Guide jaw growth
  • Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
  • Correct harmful oral habits
  • Improve appearance and self-esteem
  • Guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position
  • Improve the way lips meet
Comfort

No more gooey impressions

Being an iTero digital practice means we scan your teeth in about five minutes for an accurate digital model. No trays, no gagging, and you see a simulation of your finished smile at the same visit.

  • No radiation, iTero uses light to take the scan
  • Only takes about five minutes
  • So precise that it allows us to monitor wear on your teeth
  • We can show you a free outcome simulator, which is a depiction of how your actual teeth could look after our doctors prescribe your treatment plan
Bright orthodontic office with dental chairs, computer stations, and a dentist treating a patient.
The Next Wave

Planning a restoration or implant

Before implants, crowns, or bridges, orthodontics creates the right spacing and bite position. We coordinate directly with your dentist so your restorative work has a stable foundation and lasts longer.

Your schedule

Treatment that fits your schedule

Adult treatment has to work around meetings, travel, and family. We plan for that from the first appointment.

Choices

Discreet enough for the office

Invisalign is nearly invisible, and ceramic brackets blend with your natural tooth color. Most colleagues never notice.

A set of invisalign trays modeled on teeth.
Timeline

Most adults finish in 12 to 24 months

Timelines depend on your bite, but adult cases are often shorter than people expect. Digital planning keeps treatment efficient.

Orthodontist showing dental 3D scans of teeth to patient in dental office.
Support

Visits every 6 to 10 weeks

You are not here every month. Longer intervals between appointments mean fewer days off and less disruption to your week.

Schoettger Orthodontics staff team at Lincoln NE office
Health benefits

More than a cosmetic change

Straightening teeth as an adult improves how your bite functions, not just how it looks. Many patients find that the health reasons matter more to them by the end than the cosmetic ones did at the start.

Dental model showing teeth with colorful braces on upper and lower rows.
Convenience

Easier to clean, easier to keep

Crowded and overlapping teeth trap food and plaque where a brush cannot reach. Aligned teeth are simpler to clean and less prone to decay and gum problems over time.

Patient scheduling a free consultation at Schoettger Orthodontics Lincoln NE
Appearance

Less uneven wear and jaw strain

A bite that does not meet evenly puts extra stress on certain teeth. Correcting it can reduce chipping, flattening, and strain on the jaw joint.

Adult patient orthodontic transformation at Schoettger Orthodontics Lincoln NE
Health

Airway and breathing assessment

We evaluate airway health as part of treatment planning. For some adults, bite position contributes to breathing and sleep quality in ways they had not connected to their teeth.

Invesment

What you need to know

Timelines, insurance and financing, and why our in-house lab matters to you.

Timeline

12 to 24 months typically

Digital planning with LightForce and iTero often shortens adult treatment considerably.

iTero Element dental scanner on a mobile stand displaying a digital 3D model of teeth with occlusal clearance map.
Financing

Same fee either way

Braces or Invisalign, your treatment fee is identical. No-interest plans and all insurance accepted.

Rainbow tooth icon
Lab

In-house advantage

Our own lab means faster adjustments, quicker retainer turnarounds, and tighter quality control.

Smiley face icon
Reviews

Adult patient results! #shine

See the transformations our adult patients have achieved with braces, Invisalign, and specialized treatment.

Adult orthodontics FAQ

Common questions from adults considering braces or Invisalign in Lincoln.

How much does adult treatment cost?

Treatment costs vary based on complexity and duration, typically ranging from $3,000 to $7,000. We offer no-interest financing and work with most insurance providers to make treatment manageable alongside your other expenses.

Your treatment fee is the same regardless of if you choose braces or Invisalign clear aligners, and we offer no interest payment plans and provide automatic monthly payments for your convenience.

We accept all insurance plans and are PPO for many of the main orthodontic insurance providers in Nebraska.

Family discounts apply as well as a discount for payment in full. You find out all your payment options at your first visit and all your questions will be answered.

Once you start your plan, everything is included. Every visit you need, after-hours care or questions if ever needed, soft tissue laser recontouring or cosmetic tooth reshaping if necessary, one round of retainers at the end of treatment, even extended to checkup visits up to a year after treatment is all at no extra charge.

Does treatment hurt?

You may feel mild pressure or soreness for a few days after adjustments, but this is normal and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. Our team takes comfort seriously and uses the latest techniques to minimize discomfort throughout treatment.

Am I too old for braces or Invisalign?

No. We have treated patients from their twenties through their eighties, and adults are one of the fastest-growing parts of our practice.

What changes with age is not whether teeth can move, but how carefully the movement has to be planned. Adult bone remodels more slowly, so our doctors plan forces deliberately and monitor progress closely. Whether you choose braces or Invisalign, the mechanics work the same at any age. Your first visit is free, and it includes a digital scan and a simulation of your finished smile so you can see what is realistic before committing to anything. Because gum and bone health matter more in adults than in teenagers, we also confirm your foundation is healthy before treatment begins.

How long does treatment take?

Most adult cases run 12 to 24 months, depending on the complexity of your bite. Invisalign cases often finish toward the shorter end. LightForce digital planning helps us map the most efficient path, and you will only need an appointment every 6 to 10 weeks.

Will my insurance cover adult treatment?

Many plans include an orthodontic benefit that applies to adults, with a lifetime maximumc. We accept all insurance plans and are PPO for many of the main orthodontic providers in Nebraska. We will check your specific benefits at your first appointment and factor them into your payment options before you decide anything.

What if I had braces as a teenager?

Relapse is one of the most common reasons adults come back to us. Teeth drift when retainer wear stops, and the crowding that returns is usually milder than the original problem. Retreatment is often shorter and simpler than the first round, and sometimes a limited case addressing only the front teeth is enough. We will tell you honestly at your consultation whether you need comprehensive treatment or something far smaller.

Ready to learn more?

Reach out to our team with any other questions.

Start your smile transformation today

Schedule your free consultation and discover your Schoettger shine.

Two women smiling and clapping in a bright, modern dental office near large windows.
Visit

Locations

We serve Lincoln and Seward with convenient office hours and experienced teams ready to help.

Schoettger Orthodontics Lincoln brick building with large windows and steps under clear blue sky.

Lincoln

8000 South 13th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68512
(402) 423-8000

Brick building with signage for Seward Dental Clinic and Svoboda Chiropractic under a partly cloudy sky.

Seward

306 South 4th Street, Suite 100, Seward, NE 68434
(402) 423-8000