Pulse check

Dr. Kate Barnette, orthodontist at The Center for Orthodontics, shares her advice on getting braces -- as an adult

~ABOUT DR. BARNETTE

City of residence: Cape Girardeau

Family: Husband Alan and two daughters: Eliza, 3 years, and Lucy, 4 months

Education: Undergraduate at Washington University in St. Louis; dental school at Southern Illinois University in Alton; orthodontic residency at St. Louis University.

~Why did you become an orthodontist? What do you love about this area of dental care?

Being an orthodontist is the best job on earth. I love that every minute of every day is different because of the patients I get to interact with. I also love being a role model for young women. I had a junior in high school tell me last month that she wanted to become an orthodontist now because she saw how much fun I had throughout the day, yet still had a family at home. It is also extremely satisfying to see the changes in patients' teeth and lives as their teeth become straighter and their self-confidence and self-esteem are improved.

~You've said before that about 30 percent of your patients are now adults -- is this still correct? Why is the number of adult patients growing?

Yes, about 30 percent of our patients are adults, and I would say 75 percent of those are women. I believe more adults are pursuing orthodontic treatment due to the advances in aesthetics. Ceramic, or clear, brackets and Invisalign have revolutionized the idea of having braces, but not necessarily seeing them. I actually treated my husband with Invisalign four or five years ago and his parents didn't even notice that he had them.

~Why is adulthood a good time for orthodontic work? Tell us a little about the orthodontic options for adults.

Working to improve adults' teeth is so rewarding because 99 percent of the time they have been thinking about a better smile for years. Adults generally have the same options for treatment as adolescents, but we think about aesthetics more. Adults can have traditional metal or clear braces and Invisalign for more complex cases, or for minor crowding, a series of three to five clear trays or a retainer can be used.

~You had braces just a few years ago yourself -- what was it like to have braces as an adult?

I had metal braces for two years. I wore tons of rubber bands to help fix my overbite, and I tried appliances that I prescribe for my patients. It definitely made me more compassionate and understanding, and better at explaining the process since it is so fresh in my memory.

~What's your best dental or orthodontic advice for adult women?

If a better smile is something that you have always wanted, don't put it off. It will benefit you for the rest of your life.