The jumble started slowly at first, then gradually became worse. Rene Howard’s once picture-perfect smile, the one her parents paid for during middle school, had nearly reversed itself.

“I thought now this is enough,” Howard said.

With that, the 51-year-old pharmacist and mother of two headed to see her son’s orthodontist, becoming part of a growing number of adults who are getting braces — some for a second round.

The 5-year-old trend doesn’t seem to be abating as higher-tech options such as Invisaligns have made orthodontics more appealing to older patients like Howard.

Not long ago, braces were considered just for kids, and a mouth full of metal came with a stigma attached for adults. That has diminished for the most part.

To find out why, click here:

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