Did you know 92% of Americans would consider delaying dental care due to cost, and one in five skip it entirely? As financial pressures grow, demand and cost for braces are rising, but many households are putting off non-urgent dental treatments.
That’s why Risas Dental is stepping in to bridge that gap, making orthodontic care truly accessible for every patient, regardless of background.
To better understand how access and affordability are reshaping orthodontic demand, we analyzed data revealing who is getting braces, how they’re affording it, and why more adults in Arizona, Colorado, Texas, and Nevada are choosing treatment.
Who is getting braces in 2026?
There is an upward trend among adults aged 25-45 choosing orthodontic treatment, driven by cost accessibility, a renewed focus on appearance, and functional dental benefits. Those aged 21-35 make up 50% of all orthodontic patients.
Our dental data found that women are slightly more likely than men to pursue orthodontic treatment, but the percentage difference is slim, suggesting that overall the audience is gender-balanced.
The top-performing regions for orthodontics are Phoenix, Denver, Tucson, Las Vegas, and San Antonio. Specifically, Aurora North saw the highest number of procedures compared to other cities, with well over 1,000. South Tucson saw 750, followed by Federal Heights.
So, if the demand for braces is rising, yet the percentage of Americans delaying or skipping dental care is huge, how are people affording it?
At Risas Dental, we offer several payment options to choose from, making dental care more affordable. Most of our patients select our payment plans to help spread the cost over weeks or months, making dental costs much more accessible for families and adults in 2026.
Risas dental care standards
There are many reasons someone may need braces, from improved oral health and reduced jaw pain to better confidence and self-image.
To highlight a few more reasons why people are prioritizing braces in 2026, we asked real patients how braces helped them.
Life-saving braces intervention
In El Mirage, we’ll never forget this incredible story of when a child needed an emergency dentist in Phoenix after a dangerous accident.
“My daughter had a serious scooter accident… her two front teeth suffered 50–75% avulsion, but her braces kept them in place. I contacted 20+ dental clinics, and no one would help. Risas Dental acted immediately and likely saved my daughter’s teeth. Their staff was exceptional, attentive, compassionate, and highly professional.”
Braces can be instrumental in urgent care needs and can have life-changing impacts on patients.
Same-day affordable braces
Risas strives towards being affordable and accessible to all families, so when Megan needed a dentist in South Tucson, she was in safe hands with us.
“Dr. Hooper and Dr. Hobson were great! They got my daughter’s braces on the same day as her cleaning. The team walked us through every step, and it was very affordable. Overall, a wonderful experience!”
Long-term transformation journey
Stephanie went to a dentist in Phoenix for braces, and the journey led her to renewed confidence and better dental health. She said,
“I was recommended to come here for my orthodontic journey, and I’m glad I did! I just got my braces off, and I’m happy with my results. Dr. Piekarsky was the best. He kept me informed throughout the whole process.”
Improving your oral health as an adult
We asked a Risas Dental spokesperson what they made of our findings.
“It’s never too late to improve your oral health. More adults are choosing braces now than ever before because they understand orthodontics goes beyond aesthetics. Straightening teeth and bite alignment can not only enhance confidence but also improve digestion, reduce jaw pain, improve speech, and protect against long-term issues like gum disease and tooth decay.
“At Risas Dental, we’re committed to making those benefits accessible to every patient. We offer two orthodontic options to meet different needs. Our easy-maintenance metal braces are a budget-friendly choice for the entire family, or we often recommend our ceramic braces for adults looking for a more subtle way to enhance their smile.”
Book a consultation with Risas today
If you’re ready to take the leap and improve your oral health, our team is here every step of the way. Risas Dental has trusted clinicians across the Southwest, making it simple to access the care you need, whether that’s orthodontics, routine dentistry, or urgent support
From finding an emergency dentist in San Antonio to visiting a dentist in Denver, or scheduling with an implant dentist in Las Vegas, our clinics are ready to give you affordable, patient-first care wherever you are.
When it comes to your smile, there’s no better time to start. Book your orthodontic consultation today.
All the above data was provided to C3 by Risas Dental and Braces' internal data team and is correct as of November 2025.
