Brace Face

Back in the day, we suffered the darkest time of our lives. Braces. There was nothing attractive about them. We had just entered the awkward tween years-- where you look like a cross between a teen and some woodland creature—so why not make yourself totally un-homecoming-askable with braces. And if you were unfortunate, you donned headgear. And rubber bands. All for that semi-straight smile.
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Things have changed since the dark ages. And more adults are seeking that perfect smile. In fact, according to the American Association of Orthodontists, one in four patients are adults. Many patients are in their 20s and 30s, and some are even in their 60s and 70s.

“We have seen parents and grandparents go through an orthodontic treatment alongside their children and grandchildren,” says Dr. Seth Newman, who is co-author with Dr. Steve Giannoutsos of Giving It To You Straight: Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Orthodontics But Were Afraid to Ask.

So why are adults doing the orthodontics thing?

Finances are better. They always wanted straight and beautiful smile but they couldn’t afford it until they became adults, or they could never find the right time to do it.
 
They are educated consumers. They know about the benefits of having straight teeth, including both the cosmetic and health benefits. 
 
They are having other dental work done. The treatment is being done in coordination with other dental work so they have a strong foundation on which the additional dental procedures can be performed.
 
They want to please their spouse. Some adults decide to improve their smile for their significant others, or because they are being encouraged by them to pursue the procedure. Dr. Newman and Dr. Giannoutsos refer to those people as “the romantics.” 
 
So, as long as your gums and bone levels are satisfactory—go for it if you want. Treat yo self! 

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