Nothing Short of an Attractive Smile

With an attractive smile, the whole is far more than the sum of its parts. A healthy and attractive smile can improve a person’s overall quality of life. According to recent polls, 99.7 % of people said that they believe a smile is an important social asset; 96 % of adults believe an attractive smile makes a person more appealing to members of the opposite sex; and 74 % of adults feel an unattractive smile can hurt a person’s chances for career success.

Whether you like it or not, we live in a society that places a tremendous emphasis on first impressions. It is generally understood that your smile is one of the first characteristics noticed by others. Beyond the first impressions of a smile, due to the requirement to use one’s mouth in conversation; during meals; and intimately; studies have shown that most people would prefer to have a misshapen arm or leg rather than a misshapen mouth.

Fortunately, treatment is available to correct most of the problems of poorly aligned teeth – the treatment is known as orthodontics. Even today, when most adults think about orthodontics, they have images of the character “Jaws” from the James Bond movie series. This mouth of shining metal is truly a thing of the past compared to modern-day braces that are smaller and less noticeable.

For many adolescent patients and even some adults, braces have become a fashion statement – some are decorated in various colours at each visit to the orthodontist. Most adult patients chose clear, ceramic braces that help conceal the fact that you are wearing them. For those patients who want to completely conceal the fact that they are straightening their teeth, a technology called Invisalign straightens teeth by using a series of clear aligners that fit like a thin, tight mouth guard.

The Canadian and American Associations of Orthodontists recommend that a child’s first visit to an orthodontist take place at age seven. This allows for early identification, and possibly treatment, of significant dental and skeletal imbalances of the teeth and developing jaw structures. For adults: there is no age limit for orthodontics. Teeth and tissue are essentially the same in both adults and children except that growth has mostly stopped. Orthodontists can successfully realign crooked teeth or a protruding overbite regardless of your age. Many of the most satisfied patients are adults who have lived several decades with misaligned teeth and following orthodontics can now experience the benefits of an attractive smile.

This article written by Dr. Clarke was published in a local newspaper.


To learn more about braces please go to the American Association of Orthodontists.

Still have questions about orthodontics? Go to The Canadian Association of Orthodontists website.


WHAT IS ORTHODONTICS?

Orthodontics is a dentistry specialty involving the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. All orthodontists are dentists, but only about 6% of dentists are orthodontists who have studied and learned the complex skills required to manage both tooth movement (orthodontics) and guide facial development (dentofacial orthopedics).

Orthodontic treatment straightens your teeth so they look better and work better. It may even make your face look better and help your jaw muscles function. Orthodontic treatment uses braces or other appliances to put gentle pressure on your teeth. This gentle pressure, over a number of months or years, can move your teeth into the right position.

Causes:
Many orthodontic problems are inherited. These include crowding, spacing, an overbite, an underbite, extra teeth, and missing teeth. Other problems are caused by circumstances and habits. These include certain diseases, accidents, early (or late) loss of baby teeth, loss of permanent teeth, enlarged tonsils and adenoids, thumb or finger sucking, lip habits, mouth breathing, abnormal swallowing, neglect of dental care resulting in loss of teeth.

Quite often, the exact cause is unknown. However, your orthodontist can usually treat your particular condition in a most satisfactory manner.

Age:
The proper age to treat orthodontic problems varies with the type and severity of the problem. However, an orthodontic consultation should be as early as possible after any problem is detected. It is strongly recommended that every child should visit an orthodontist for a check-up no later than age 7, even if an orthodontic problem has not been detected. This may surprise you because orthodontic treatment is usually associated with teenagers. Although treatment may not begin at the early age of 7, an examination is very important to ensure maximum dental health for your child.

Although early treatment is stressed, more and more adult irregularities are being treated with highly satisfactory results. There is no reason for an adult with healthy teeth to forego orthodontic treatment in this day of advanced techniques and enlightened society.

Untreated Problems:
Untreated orthodontic problems may result in harmful effects on your general health, including: (a) speech defects; (b) psychological and emotional disorders which may limit the self confidence that comes with a healthy, attractive smile; (c) tooth decay, diseased gums, bone destruction, and joint problems.
The increased costs of dental care for the untreated orthodontic problem may far exceed the cost of timely orthodontic treatment.

Treatment Time:
Orthodontic treatment takes time! How much time varies considerably depending on growth factors, the response of the teeth and mouth to orthodontic forces, the cooperation and compliance of the patient, and the complexity of the problem. In general, treatment involves a visit every 4 to 7 weeks over a period of time from 6 months to 2 or 3 years. Difficult cases will require more time, and the simpler cases will require less time.
Remember that successful orthodontic treatment is the result of a partnership between Dr. Clarke, your family dentist, and especially you to create a healthy, beautiful smile that’s good for life!