Healthy, Beautiful Smiles Can Transform Lives

Friday, March 1, 2013

(NAPSA)—Moreself-esteem, a better career and improved relationships may be on the tip of your tonguc. Well, close to it. If your teeth are not as nice as you’d like, having them treated by an orthodontist could make a big difference in your life—and if you didn’t have them straightened when you were young, you may be glad to knowit’s not too late. Adult orthodontic treatment contributes to significant improvements in both professional and personal lives, say respondents to a study conducted among adults who had the treatment. Survey Findings Seventy-five percent of adults surveyed reported improvements in career or personal relationships, which they attributed to their improved post-orthodontic treatment smile. Citing newfound self-confidence, 92 percent of survey respondents say they would recommendorthodontic treatment to other adults. Seventy-one percent of respondents had such pretreatment con- cerns as “What will others think?” “How will I look?” “Am I too old?,” but an overwhelming majority said the concerns were gone once treatment actually began. Respondents reported positive outcomes: “T was much more confident and self-assured once I could smile openly. Life is very stressful [on a subconscious level] when you're always aware that you cannot open your mouth to smile withoutfear of judgment.” e“With an attractive smile, you can face your career and personal relationships with confidence.” e“A more brilliant smile and the straightest teeth gave me confidence to do anything.” Photocredit: Fadi Kheir Private pilot Amielle Abshire says orthodontic treatment improved her smile. The Doctor’s Opinion Says Gayle Glenn, D.D.S., M.S.D., president of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO): “Adults are seeking treat- ment in record numbers and we encourage anyone, at any age, to consult an orthodontist to learn if he or she could benefit from treatment. It’s never too late to move healthy teeth.” After dental school, orthodon- tists receive an additional two to three years of specialized education at an accredited orthodontic residency program. Only those who have successfully completed this formal education may call themselves “orthodontists,” and only orthodontists are eligible for AAO membership. Based on their education and experience, orthodontists can devise effective treatment plans that employ the full range of treatment types, from high-tech to tried-and-true, based on the needs of each individual patient. Learn More You can find AAO membersat www.mylifemysmile.org.

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