adult braces

The number of adults investing in their oral health is on the rise. Adults are seeking braces for all types of issues from minor crowding or spacing to more significant bite issues. One of the main reasons for this increase in adult patients is the advancement in the design of braces that make them less noticeable. A ‘mouth full of metal’ is no longer a requirement for straight teeth and a healthy bite. Clear braces can create a brilliant smile without compromising self-esteem or professional appearance.
At Lakewood Park we offer ceramic braces and Invisalign. Ceramic braces are like metal braces, except the brackets are tooth-colored. With advances in the industry, ceramic braces are now as strong and effective as regular metal braces. Invisalign are clear aligners. They are removable custom-fit plastic pieces that resemble retainers. They are nearly inviscid and virtually pain free, with no brackets to come off or wires to break and poke. Clear aligners are removed to eat, brush and floss. Although they are removable it is important to wear them 20-22 hours a day for them to be effective.
You no longer have to let worry about what braces will look like keep you from having the smile you deserve. For more information about how ceramic brackets or Invisalign could work for you call Lakewood Park Orthodontics at (508) 319 1545 for a free consultation

Adult Orthodontic Patients Highly Satisfied with Treatment Outcomes: A survey of adult orthodontic patients, conducted recently for the AAO in conjunction with National Orthodontic Health Month, indicates high satisfaction with treatment results. Seventy-five percent of adults surveyed reported improvements in career or personal relationships, which they attributed to their improved post-orthodontic treatment smiles. Citing newfound self-confidence, 92 percent of survey respondents say they would recommend orthodontic treatment to other adults. To read more, visit the AAO site below!
http://www.mylifemysmile.org/sites/default/files/APPROVED

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