More and More Adults Getting Braces

The AAO just released the news: the number of adults with braces has risen by 37% in the past 10 years! This is a huge increase. What people are attributing to this rise varies, but I have 3 ideas:

• More and more reality TV shows stressing the overall makeover
• The wide acceptance of cosmetic dentistry as more than just a "fad"
• The vast advances in orthodontic technology from Invisalign to SureSmile

Definitely with the ability to wear "invisible braces" it seems that the social stigma of wearing braces past college has gone away. We all want that perfectly healthy and straight smile, but many people don't realize that it's more than just cosmetics. Straightening your teeth can improve your oral health, and lead to a world of comfort in your jaw line. In fact, overly crowded teeth can cause headaches, mouth aches, and all these aches can easily effect the rest of your body. So, to ensure that you get the health benefits of a straight smile, don't let your age get in the way of your body's needs.