Most adults, when they think of braces, conjure up an image of a middle-school child with metal mouth and an awkward smile. The truth is, no age is too old to have them. It's estimated that more than a million people over the age of 18 are getting them to improve their smiles. Although most adults have an aversion to traditional metal ones, they need not worry. They're also available in ceramic, lingual and invisible forms, which are much more subtle. Getting them as an adult will benefit your health, social standing, self-confidence and they'll even make you feel younger.

Improved Oral Health

As we age, our teeth shift. They can get crowded, crooked or spaced further apart. When this happens, it can become difficult to properly floss, which can lead to a variety of dental problems, including tooth decay and gum disease. It may also lead to trouble biting and make it hard to chew food properly. Thankfully, adult ones are designed to correct crowded or crooked teeth in a relatively short amount of time, and in a discreet way. While you wear them, you'll have to maintain a strict oral hygiene regimen, which will lead to a much healthier mouth and teeth. And, of course, after they come off, you'll want to continue to take excellent care of your teeth since you've spent a great deal of money to get them to look so good.

Improved Social Standing

The truth is, we are all judged on our appearance—socially and professionally—whether we like it or not. If you have crooked teeth, an overbite or under-bite, you may have a more difficult time climbing the corporate ladder than your straight-toothed colleagues do. Perhaps it's because you come off as serious and stand-offish because you hide your smile since you are self-conscious about your teeth. You may even avoid social interactions, especially with members of the opposite sex, because you don't feel attractive. Braces will correct those problems, giving you straight, even teeth and the confidence to let the world see your smile.

Improved Self Confidence

It's true that we are generally our own worst critics. Looking in the mirror, and smiling for pictures, aren't usually at the top of the list of pleasant activities for someone with imperfect teeth. It's not hard to see why. We're bombarded with images in magazines, on television and in the movies, of people with perfectly straight, white, million dollar smiles. Although you may never be a movie star, or a model, braces can give you the kind of smile that you've always dreamed of. This will give you a much-needed confidence boost.

You'll Feel Younger

Getting braces is normally an adolescent rite of passage. It's something that kids do, right? You've probably thought many times that it would be nice to be a kid again, haven't you? Well, you can't turn back the clock, but that doesn't mean you have to resign yourself to getting older. Imagine the anticipation of seeing your teeth become straighter by the day and the moment when they come off and you smile. No matter what your chronological age is, you'll feel younger and happier than you have in years. And everyone you come in contact with will notice!

If you're unhappy with your teeth, no matter how old you are, remember you have options. Getting braces will help you get the smile you've always dreamed of. However, you have to take the first step and talk to an orthodontist about your options. You have nothing to lose, since most times you can receive a free consultation—but you could gain a whole new you.