Nearly 4 million children (under the age of 18) in the U.S. and Canada currently have braces, but many adults have them as well. The main purpose of braces, for both adults and children, is to straighten teeth that are crooked or out of place (a problem that can affect how you chew, talk, smile, and even how your jaw lines up). Orthodontic treatment, which includes braces and retainers, works by applying pressure over time to teeth that are growing or have already grown out of place.

Those requiring braces have more options these days. You can have invisible braces, braces applied to the back of your teeth, or colored braces.

Since teeth can be moved at any age, orthodontic procedures are beneficial for both children and adults. However, many problems are more easily corrected earlier in the growth cycle, so we recommend that children be examined by an orthodontist by the age of seven to determine whether treatment is needed.