Today, orthodontic treatment is simple, convenient and affordable for patients of all ages. And an attractive smile is just one of the benefits. Orthodontic treatment results in correctly aligned teeth that provide ideal jaw function and a great smile! Additionally, your teeth are easier to clean and more resistant to gum disease. Perhaps most importantly, orthodontic treatment almost always provides improved self-confidence.

Self-Confidence

When it comes to making a positive first impression at work or in personal relationships, nothing comes close to the impact of an attractive smile, according to a new survey (2013) conducted by Kelton Global on behalf of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Smiling family enjoying a day at the beach, proudly showing off the healthy, beautiful smiles made possible through orthodontic care.

Forty-eight percent of American adults believe that a smile is the most memorable feature after first meeting someone – more so than the first thing a person says (25 percent), the way they dress (9 percent) or the way they smell (8 percent). Adults 50+ are even more likely than their 18-49 year old counterparts (52 percent vs. 45 percent) to remember a smile when first introduced to someone. 72% of the respondents agreed that people of all ages with healthy, straight teeth are typically treated better in social situations than those with noticeably crooked teeth.The survey also showed that some Americans view people with crooked or stained teeth as less attractive (37 percent) and less confident (25%) than those with perfect teeth. More women than men (40 percent vs. 35 percent) say that an imperfect smile makes someone less appealing.

The good news? it’s easier than ever before to improve your smile and confidence in far less time, with greater comfort and benefits that last a lifetime.

Teenager wearing braces and smiling with confidence, showing how orthodontic treatment supports oral health while boosting self-esteem.

Improve your Health

A nice smile is not only beautiful, it also promotes good health:

Straight and evenly spaced teeth are easier to keep clean, resulting in better
oral health.
Properly aligned teeth chew more efficiently, which may help digestion.
Aligned teeth create a better bite, which may reduce stress, headaches, and strain on your supporting bone and tissue.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain. This may contribute to conditions that cause not only tooth decay but may lead to gum disease and tooth loss.
When left untreated, many minor orthodontic problems may become worse, contributing to abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, inefficient chewing, excessive stress on gum tissue, and misalignment of the jaw joints. Treatment to correct minor orthodontic issues are often less costly than the additional dental care required to treat more serious problems that can develop in later years.

So, no matter what age you are it is never too early or too late to invest in braces and ultimately invest in yourself. Start enjoying the lifelong results today.