According to the American Association of Orthodontics, more than four million people in the U.S. wear braces. Braces are no longer just for teenagers, as 25% of people who wear braces are adults. Parks Orthodontics sees patients of all ages who want to change their smile and feel more confident during their daily life.

Why are so many people seeking orthodontic treatment?

Dentists often recommend braces and orthodontic treatment to their patients in order to correct their bite or their crooked teeth, also known as malocclusion.  Braces are also used to correct jaw alignment problems. Fixing these problems create a healthier mouth. Not fixing them can lead to oral health issues, including tooth decal, gum disease, and affected speech and/or chewing.

There are also psychological and social reasons to straighten your teeth. There is no doubt that crooked teeth affect a person’s self-esteem. This is especially true for children and teens. Studies show that teens with low self-esteem are more likely to develop depression, as well as other mental health problems. People with crooked or misaligned teeth often become embarrassed about their smile. They may cover their mouths, smile awkwardly or with their lips closed, or even avoid speaking. All of these actions can have an impact on their social confidence.

The good news is, anyone can easily improve their smile. Research shows that improving a physical trait also improves an individual’s interpersonal interactions, attitude and self-esteem. Correcting crooked teeth or a bad bite early on can have a positive impact on a child’s self confidence, encouraging them to smile with confidence.

What about self confidence during the treatment period?

Having braces is known as a “rite of passage.” Orthodontic care has changed over the years and today’s braces are more comfortable, often come in fun colors and are much smaller in size than in the past. The treatments can be completed in a much quicker span of time. And since the result is a beautiful smile, your child may actually want braces and consider themselves lucky to have them. An adult will feel that they are well worth the investment, especially if they choose to utilize the clear aligner technology that is offered by Invisalign.

How do braces affect self confidence?

Invisalign recently conducted a study to find out how straight teeth affected people’s lives. They found that having straight teeth promotes confidence and improves both their personal and professional lives. Here are some of the survey results:

  • 70% of respondents reported that straightening their teeth, without additional changes in their appearance, was enough to change their appearance and boost their confidence. What does this mean? It means that even if they did not change anything else about their appearance, they would still feel more confident.
  • About 60% of those surveyed said they were perceived as being happier. People saw them as more attractive, more successful, and even smarter. People who smile easily and more often are often considered more confident.
  • Approximately 80% of people who responded to the survey said that they were able to accomplish something or achieve a goal after having their teeth straightened that they would not have done otherwise. Almost everyone polled said they were far more confident.

The oral health benefits of braces are clear, but an improved smile is also good for your overall health. Parks Orthodontics believes that a beautiful smile can transform your life.  If you’re ready to start on the journey to a new smile, contact us at (757) 874-6655.