Dr. Allen Sun’s Dental News
Orthodontic Therapy Can Give You a Smile That’s Good For Life!
Beauty it's often said, is in the eye of the beholder. And, while standards may vary, some characteristics such as well balanced facial features and a clear, bright, straight smile are consistently chosen. Just about everyone knows that orthodontic therapy straightens teeth. But what you may not know is that a beautiful smile is just one of the benefits that modern orthodontic treatment has to offer. In addition to improving your appearance and selfesteem, orthodontics can greatly improve the health of your mouth and help prevent the loss of teeth. Bringing a patient's teeth, jaw and lips into proper alignment not only produces a great smile, but a healthy one as well. Straight teeth simply function better and are easier to clean. Braces have come a long way since the first "railroad track" model. New developments include mini-braces, clear braces and even "invisible" braces. Some patients, rather than attempting to conceal their braces, are choosing to celebrate the orthodontic experience by using colourful bracket ties and rubber bands as accents. Many orthodontic problems require only limited treatment. Orthodontics can improve smiles at any age, in some cases, patients are undergoing orthodontic treatment for the very first time in their thirties and forties. However, there is usually an optimal age at which to begin treatment in order to achieve maximum improvement, with the minimum amount of time and expense.
A child's first visit for example, should usually take place about age eight, or earlier if an orthodontic problem is noticed. Sometimes malocclusions ( a "bad bite") are present behind seemingly acceptable smiles. Although treatment may not actually begin until several years later, early examination allows the doctor to detect and evaluate problems, and plan appropriate treatment. This early intervention may often make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated.
An attractive, healthy smile can provide people with increased confidence and self-esteem. This psychological benefit can be a significant factor in a person's decision to seek orthodontic treatment, and is often cited as a patient's primary treatment goal.
Add it all up - a lifetime of good oral health and a winning smile. Orthodontic care is an investment in dental health that really pays off because a beautiful, healthy smile is a pleasure to own, and a pleasure to see.
Yours for better dental health,
Dr. Allen Sun Dental Surgeon