Getting Straight Teeth Can Be Less Painful

WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- Getting braces is a right of passage for so many teens. Now more than ever before, adults are also visiting orthodontists to achieve the perfect smile.

Alexis Golkin of Haymarket is in braces for the second time. She says she still remembers her visits to the orthodontist when she was a teen.

Alexis says, "When I was younger, all you wanted to do is get in bed and take Tylenol and go to sleep.

Virginia orthodontist, Dr. Alan Bagden, says people are afraid of being held hostage for years if they get braces.

He says, "Another big fear is the pain associated with it."

Dr. Bagden says a new way of straightening teeth makes all the difference. It's called Damon System Braces, and it eliminates the traditional rubber bands that pull teeth into position. Instead, Dr. Bagden says it's a sliding system with trap doors.

He says, "It's easy for the teeth to slide back and forth and the teeth move fast, and there's less discomfort."

Dr. Bagden says adults make up 40% of his practice, and what's really attractive to professionals is that they don't look like those from years ago.

Alexis says, "There a lot smaller, there easier to keep clean and not so overbearing on your face."

Lisa Eppley's decision to get braces now as an adult isn't just about a more appealing smile. For her, it's also about lasting oral health.

Lisa says, "My bite was such that if I didn't get braces, I would continue to damage my back teeth and it would cost me a lot of money in the long run."

Dr. Bagden says that when your teeth are in line it can prevent things like gum infections, root canals and also joint pain. He says that most insurance companies cover the system because it takes less time, which means less cost for patients.