The clinical discipline of orthodontics and the study of social psychology share a common understanding that physical appearance impacts our social interactions. The need for acceptance is something we never outgrow.
Major researchers have conducted observational studies to qualitatively assess teacher/student interactions in classrooms of kindergarten, fourth and seventh grade children. They found an age related correlation between physical attractiveness and the quality of interaction. That is, by the seventh grade, children judged to be facially attractive received more frequent positive reinforcement, more involvement and higher expectations from teachers. Evidence gathered from other studies with children further supports this type of behavior pattern. Clearly, facial appearance has a great deal of influence on how a person is treated by others.
Attractive individuals, solely as a result of their appearance, are likely to receive consistently positive responses from society. These positive responsibilities may be internalized and ultimately result in higher aspirations, better self-image and the development of stable and normal personality types.
People who feel unattractive because of their teeth or facial profile often become preoccupied with their appearance. Most of us focus on a person’s mouth because it is constantly used for communication and facial expressions.
This suggests that orthodontic treatment does more for an individual than provide a pretty smile or functionally healthy occlusion. Researchers have reported the mere placement of orthodontic appliances results in improved self-image in many children, in spite of the appearance of the appliances themselves.
Children require and rely on direction and guidance from adults around them who are knowledgeable and concerned in their well-being. Parents have made orthodontic treatment a top priority for their children. As discussed above, the improved confidence and self-esteem that can come with an attractive smile is better understood today than it was in the past. Such improvement in self-image is valuable at any age—and the earlier the better. Overcoming a cosmetic deficit can have a significantly positive effect in the life of a child. Most children, like adults, just want to look good, and be able to laugh and smile a lot.
Orthodontics is one of the best ways to improve a person’s appearance and self-esteem, not to mention improving the overall health of the teeth and the supporting structures of the teeth. It also can provide a person with a sense of accomplishment because it offers an opportunity to participate in the improvement of his or her own appearance.
An improvement in appearance, self-esteem and comfort can greatly enhance the quality of life itself.
So here’s a summary of why orthodontics is the greatest health bargain around:
- Increases the attractiveness of the smile and/or the facial profile.
- Improves the function of the natural teeth
- Increases the ability and ease of cleaning the natural teeth
- Increases self-confidence and interpersonal effectiveness
- Guides facial growth for better facial harmony and balance
- Minimizes the need for surgery and extractions
- Reduces unfavorable teeth wear patterns
CARING FOR YOUR FRIENDS
Do you now sometimes look at your friends or their children and recognize there is probably going to be a need for orthodontics?
It would be wonderful if you would tell them about our office as being a most caring place to receive orthodontic treatment. You will be doing them a tremendous favor, and us as well.
Our practice depends on patient referrals and our favorite referrals are those by our satisfied patients.
So please care enough about your friends and their children to share knowledge of our office and the services we provide. We would be very honored to serve your friends in this practice.
As the Twig is Bent, So Grows the Tree
Early Orthodontic Care Can Mold A Growing Child
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist at age 7. Although age 7 is usually the best time for the majority of children to have their first examination, a visit at an even earlier age is advisable when a particular problem is first noted by the parent, family dentist or child’s physician. This could be any deviation from the ideal environment affecting the teeth and jaws.
These early warning signs may indicate that your child should have an orthodontic examination as soon as possible.
- Difficulty in chewing
- Open mouth breathing
- Thumb or finger sucking
- Overlapping or crowding of erupting permanent teeth
- Jaws that tend to “click” or “pop”
- Detection of an underbite, overbite, protruding front teeth, or other abnormal bite development.
We’d be happy to evaluate your 7 year old child free-of-charge. Children usually enjoy a visit to our office. To them the first exam is a game and they like being the center of attention. We take our work seriously which includes the business of creating a FUN atmosphere. We truly enjoy children and want them to have an enjoyable time in our office, from the first visit to the “braces off” celebration!
