The Sooner Orthodontic Facts are Faced, the Better

National Orthodontic Health Month Spotlights Advantages of Screening Early

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American Association of Orthodontists

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ST. LOUIS, Oct. 1, 1998 -- As parents help their kids carve gap- toothed grins into pumpkins and scare up princess or snaggle-toothed goblin costumes, orthodontics is probably one of the furthest things from their minds.

Many parents assume they must wait until a child has all of his or her permanent teeth, only to find that treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. Some orthodontic problems are easier to correct before jaw growth has slowed. Consequently, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that every child get an orthodontic screening no later than age 7.

October is National Orthodontic Health Month, which focuses on the importance of straight teeth to oral health and self-image. And, while more and more adults are opting for braces, some of today's younger patients have five, six or more years to go before they're even teenagers. Researchers are investigating the advantages of guiding jaw growth which, in some cases, prevents the need for further work down the road.

"An examination by an orthodontist by age 7 may be a real advantage," says Dr. Don Poulton, AAO president and director of the orthodontic program at the University of the Pacific-San Francisco. "Enough permanent teeth will have arrived for us to evaluate relationships developing between the teeth, jaws and face. We can determine if there seem to be any problems and discuss whether starting treatment at that point will be helpful.

"An early visit to the orthodontist can ease a parent's mind," notes Dr. Poulton. "Our recommendation may simply be 'let's wait and see' while the face and jaws continue to grow."

For some youngsters, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. A child whose teeth are crooked or jaws obviously are out of alignment may suffer more than the thoughtless teasing of other kids. Teeth that aren't in the right position are also prone to injury.

Braces Could Help Three Out Of Four People

The AAO estimates that 75 percent of children would benefit from orthodontic care.

Nearly 4 1/2 million people in the United States and Canada are presently in orthodontic treatment, according to the AAO. One in five is over age 18. Many are as young as 2 or 3, and some are in their 50s, 60s, and older. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age.

As braces gradually change looks, they change outlooks, too.

"A beautiful, healthy smile is the most obvious result of orthodontic treatment, but there's so much more to our specialty than meets the eye," points out Dr. Poulton. "As we improve a person's smile, self-esteem increases, too."

A Better-Looking Bite Usually Works Better, Too

For the first time in her life, Ricki Ratliff, a 40-year-old patient of Dr. David Hime in Austin, Texas, feels attractive. Since her teeth and jaws no longer look abnormal, she doesn't feel conspicuous anymore. But she's also grateful to the art and science of orthodontics for another reason -- she doesn't dread mealtimes.

People whose bites are normal probably take eating for granted. But for Ratliff and countless others who have needed braces, this can be an ordeal at least three times a day. The Rev. Randy Nabors of Chattanooga, Tenn., had so much trouble chewing that he frequently choked on his food. Now that he's out of braces, he can relax and enjoy meals.

About the American Association of Orthodontists

The AAO is comprised of more than 13,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad. Founded in 1900, the AAO supports research and education leading to quality patient care and promotes increased public awareness of the need for and benefits of orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontists are uniquely qualified to correct "bad bites." The American Dental Association requires orthodontists to have at least two years of post- doctoral, advanced specialty training in orthodontics in an accredited program, after graduation from dental school.

For valuable information on many orthodontic topics, call 1-800-STRAIGHT (1-800-787-2444). Or write the American Association of Orthodontists at 401 N. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63141-7816. To learn more about orthodontics online, you can find the AAO on the Internet at http://www.braces.org.

Anyone considering orthodontics for themselves or a child can take advantage of the "Smile Bank," the AAO's free computer-imaging program. Just send in a close-up photo of your face, front view, featuring a natural, toothy smile and an orthodontist will prepare a computer-generated "after braces" picture. Mail your photo (and return address) to the AAO, c/o "SMILES," Dept. O, and you'll receive a free photo showing how your smile might benefit from orthodontics.

CONTACT: Bill Beggs of Hughes Group, 314-721-3400, ext. 373, email, bbeggs@hughesgroup.com, or Pam Paladin of the American Association of Orthodontists, 314-993-1700, ext. 224, email, ppaladin@aaortho.org