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The number one goal of orthodontic treatment is to give you or your child a good occlusion (or bite), meaning straight teeth that work well with the teeth in the opposite jaw. Research shows that a good occlusion makes it easier for you to eat, chew and speak. It can enhance your dental health, overall health, and self-esteem. As a part of your comprehensive dental health care plan, orthodontic treatment can help you retain your teeth—and your smile—for a lifetime.

Let your smile express yourself! Nothing can show the world how happy you are quite like a beautiful smile. In fact, it’s one of the first things others notice about you, too. With orthodontics, you can be proud to flash your smile, because you’ll know that your smile truly represents your positive attitude.

Make your mouth healthy! Straight teeth aren’t just pretty, they’re healthy as well. Teeth that are properly aligned are generally easier to clean which reduces the amount of plaque buildup and risk for gingivitis. The cleaner you keep your teeth, the longer they’ll last!

Get the beautiful smile you've always wanted and still enjoy your life! Orthodontics is easier today than ever before, with treatment options that fit your lifestyle and schedule. At Lakewood Park Orthodontics, Dr. Hughes can personalize your treatment to suit all of your needs.

Congratulations to Jesse! She was our traveling T-shirt Contest winner and won a $25 AMC movie gift card. Glad you had a wonderful summer and enjoy the movies!

In honor of those hectic (and expensive)back-to school days....we are offering a postcard promotion during the month of August and September! The promotion includes a complimentary orthodontic records appointment which includes photographs, pan x-ray, ceph x-ray, and study models (a value of $400). This records appointment will be completed after your orthodontic exam (which is always complimentary). Even if you did not receive the postcard, we will honor this promotion if you mention it from our blog. Enjoy those last days of summer and we look forward to seeing you at your next appointment!

Think the way your teeth look doesn't really matter? Survey says: think again.

Without saying a word, your mouth is sending messages to everyone you meet. According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), people often make snap judgments about individuals based solely on the condition of their teeth.

"This phenomenon was documented more than 25 years ago," says Dr. Don Joondeph, a past president of the American Association of Orthodontists, referring to an eye-opening study in which photos of young smiling individuals were altered to show varying orthodontic problems and then reviewed by focus groups.

"When the focus groups looked at the altered photos they used unflattering terms such as 'unattractive' and 'aggressive' to describe the individuals," says Dr. Joondeph. "However, when groups saw photos of the same individuals with a healthy, beautiful smile, they were more likely to view the individuals as 'intelligent,' 'attractive' and 'a friend I'd like to have.'"

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Dr. Joondeph believes that the original study, which was published in 1981, is even more applicable in today's image-obsessed world. "More than ever, young people and adults want to be perceived as healthy, attractive and appealing to their peers and others."

To obtain optimal oral health and achieve a healthy, beautiful smile, the AAO recommends a team approach. In addition to seeing a dentist for regular check-ups and cleaning, patients also should see an orthodontist to ensure that an orthodontic problem is not overlooked.

For children, an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven can identify potential problems and ensure that any future treatment is timed appropriately. For adults, an orthodontic consult may reveal that cosmetic dentistry is unnecessary. "Patients may be pleasantly surprised to learn that their unattractive teeth are generally healthy, just misaligned," says Dr. Joondeph.

In regards to the study, Dr. Joondeph believes that the first thing that people notice about his young and adult patients is obvious: "The confidence and sense of self-esteem that comes with their healthy, beautiful smiles is unmistakable to anyone they meet."

For more information about orthodontics or to schedule a complimentary orthodontic consultation with Dr. Hughes, please call 508-319-1545