Braces were not very popular back in the day. The terrible nickname “metal mouth” was often used to mock those who had to display hideously thick wires and metal brackets all over their teeth. Then there was the thought of experiencing that first kiss with a mouth full of metal. Most patients preferred to take a more natural path, choosing to live with a slightly imperfect smile rather than a metallic one. Today braces are fashion statements, imagine that! Patients can choose from a variety of color combinations for a trendy look, or they can choose the more natural type. With easier-to-handle materials and a variety of choices, patients of all ages wear braces with pride. While considering the need for braces, there are several key factors to think about when weighing the risks and benefits. The most common considerations include: age, oral health, cost, length of treatment, type of attachment, and the dentist performing the treatment. There are pros and cons to each of these considerations. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends having children examined by the age of seven to evaluate the best age for treatment (The Associated Press). The AAO also states that most treatments begin between the ages of nine and fourteen, but there are no statistics on preteens versus teenagers (The Associated Press). There is one main reason to start early, regardless of what type of treatment the child will need, and that is when the teeth are so crooked or unattractive that the child is really being harassed and has psychosocial problems. Other benefits may be seen from interceptive treatment, such as creating facial symmetry, preserving space for unerupted teeth, reducing total treatment time, and creating space for crowded teeth ("All About Orthodontics.. .in the center of the card.... ..straighten the teeth, they can change the function of the patient's bite and even the mechanics of the jaw. If a patient's treatment is complicated and not done correctly, he or she may need to go to an orthodontist to complete the work. which will cost him more money in the long run. In conclusion, there are several risks and benefits that come with orthodontic considerations. It is very important to know the pros and cons of braces before undergoing treatment , oral health, cost, length of treatment, type of bracket, and choosing the right orthodontist are the most common factors to think about when weighing the pros and cons of orthodontic treatment. Ultimately, every patient's end goal is the same: to have straight teeth and a beautiful smile. Doing research and maintaining open communication with your orthodontist is key to achieving this ultimate goal.