I think it’s safe to say that all of us want to look as young as we feel. How can orthodontics help? I’m so glad you asked! The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is the world’s oldest and largest dental specialty organization. The AAO sponsors research to enable its members to provide the highest quality of care to our patients. Orthodontists receive an additional two to three years of specialized education in orthodontics beyond dental school at an accredited orthodontic residency program. This makes orthodontists uniquely qualified specialists who diagnose, prevent, and treat dental and facial irregularities in patients of all ages to correctly align teeth and jaws.
Okay, that’s important information, but how does that address aging? Most people understand that orthodontists straighten teeth, but don’t realize that they can influence facial growth to create an improved appearance that will last a lifetime. Facial structure can be changed at any age, and can be especially important during the adolescent years when self-image is forming. By anticipating how the jaw and facial bones will grow, how the smile changes over time, and understanding the dynamic relationship between the teeth, the lips, the jaw and other facial structures, the orthodontist can literally sculpt the face of the patient during treatment.
David Sarver, DMD, MS, a leading orthodontic researcher, author, and pioneer in the field of facial esthetics, began tracking his young patients as they grew into adulthood. His studies provide insight into just how powerful orthodontic changes can be. Dental professionals are actually the first ones to recognize potential issues and thus make decisions that affect how a child will look for the rest of their lives, says Dr. Sarver.
New advancements in the field of orthodontics have enabled doctors to achieve remarkable esthetic benefits, as well as oral health improvements, for patients in all stages of life. Even adults report significant improvements in their face structure after completing orthodontic treatment, along with the boost in confidence in their professional and personal lives that comes with a beautiful and healthy smile.
Dr. Sarver goes on to state, “When the public thinks of facial esthetics, they think of plastic surgeons and other health professionals. But given the progress of… orthodontics in the past three decades, it is readily apparent that the dental community can play a significant role in improving facial aesthetics in both children and adults often without surgery. The… orthodontist has the specialty training to impact the face, smile, and the jaw alignment in all three dimensions. For patients… orthodontics can be a solution that lasts a lifetime. Patients have always known an orthodontist can deliver a healthy, beautiful smile, but now they may be able enjoy the lifelong benefits of an improved facial structure at the same time.”
The bottom line is that orthodontics can be a powerful tool in our anti-aging arsenal. By placing the teeth in their ideal position for the face, you can impact not only the smile, but the entire facial structure. The balanced and beautiful smile achieved through orthodontics, can help you keep that youthful appearance longer. Go ahead…Â give yourself, or your loved one, the gift that lasts a lifetime… orthodontics.