Maybe, when you were a child, you did not have orthodontic treatment. Or maybe, as you grew older, you lost some teeth or had other problems that changed the shape of your bite or the alignment of your teeth. Or maybe, as an adult, you are more concerned about the esthetic quality of your smile.

Whatever the reason, having orthodontic treatment can be a valuable solution for adults. For example, according to the Academy of General Dentistry, about 1 million Americans and Canadians over the age of 18 are getting braces.

What are braces like now?

The "mouth full of metal" that you may remember your classmates having has been replaced with modern, more invisible solutions. For example, instead of placing an individual metal band around each tooth, these days we may bond the brackets directly onto your teeth. These brackets work with wires and elastics to readjust the alignment of your teeth, and they are much less noticeable than traditional braces.

Some brackets are bonded to the front of your teeth, while other types of brackets may be bonded to the back of your teeth. These are even less noticeable. You also may have heard about invisible types of braces. We will help you determine the type of braces that is best for your situation.

Why should I have braces now?

Considering braces now is not just about the hardware. There are several health-related reasons, including:

• Protruding teeth or gaps between teeth create an uneven bite.
• Crooked or overlapping teeth are more difficult to clean.
• Problems with your jaw can cause headaches, earaches, or other problems.

How much discomfort should I expect?

As an adult, your bones are not growing as they did when you were a child. Also, you may already have some bone loss, or you may have lost or worn down some of your teeth. These situations are taken into consideration to determine how easily your teeth may be adjusted with braces.

You may experience minor discomfort as the combination of brackets, wires, and elastics provide pressure to move your teeth into more perfect alignment. However, today's modern braces are much more comfortable than before.

How long will I need to wear braces?

The length of time varies with each person. However, most adults can plan on 18 months to 3 years for orthodontic treatment to be complete. Also, most adults need retainers after braces are removed, to ensure that their teeth remain straight and aligned.

How will braces affect my professional life?

Think of orthodontic treatment as part of your career development. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, nearly 75 percent of people surveyed believe that an unattractive smile can affect the chances for success in a person's career.

We will schedule a series of appointments to monitor your teeth as they straighten. You may be able to schedule your appointments during lunch periods of after business hours, so that your time away from work will be minimized. Today's modern braces require fewer trips to the orthodontist and a shorter amount of time to wear them.

How will braces affect my personal life?

One of the most important changes will be your focus on your teeth. It's harder to clean your teeth with braces, so you will need to make a commitment to careful, thorough brushing and flossing and regular cleanings. We will provide instructions on how to care for your teeth and braces.

You also will need to make some changes in your eating habits in order to protect your teeth and braces. For example, you will need to avoid foods that are difficult to bite, easily get trapped in your orthodontic work, or could damage your orthodontic wires and brackets. These include hard, sticky, or crunchy foods, such as uncut carrots or apples, ice, popcorn, nuts, candy, etc.

During the course of orthodontic treatment, you may find that other adults are interested in your experience. Ultimately, you may find that the end results—a beautiful, even smile—may also affect your personal life!