Most people agree that a person’s appearance can affect his or her success in a professional career. A well-dressed, well-manicured individual who evokes confidence and self-esteem is going to have an easier time moving up the corporate ladder.
While conversing during a job interview or making a presentation during a company meeting, a person’s mouth always draws the eye of those in attendance. And, a great smile with healthy teeth is always noticed.
In a consumer study carried out on behalf of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, pictures of individuals without and with dental treatment were shown to a cross section of Americans. Survey results showed that a beautiful smile made people appear more intelligent, successful and wealthy to others.
Successful professionals who are embarrassed by crowded or crooked teeth will not smile as often as those with straight teeth. Orthodontic treatment has made many advancements in recent years. Individuals can choose from many options for braces and other orthodontic appliances.
Ravikumar Anthony, B.D.S., M.D.S., M.S. a board certified orthodontist with UT Dentistry San Antonio, reminds those considering orthodontic treatment that healthy teeth can be moved at any age.
“Adults need not shy away from treatment because of their age,” says Dr. Anthony. “If adults are self-conscious about their smile, orthodontic treatment can provide them with the same benefits younger patients enjoy. Less visible orthodontic materials have made adult orthodontic treatment increasingly popular in recent years.”
According to a survey by the American Association of Orthodontists, the number of adult patients grew by 14 percent from 2010 to 2012. One in five orthodontic patients is an adult.
Dr. Anthony explains that some malocclusions (bad bites) may get worse if left untreated. If treatment is recommended, there are a number of options available today that make it less noticeable than it was in the past.
“Thanks to today’s technology, the materials we orthodontists use to move teeth can be almost imperceptible,” Dr. Anthony said.
As specialists, orthodontists are able to use the full array of “appliances” (the formal name for braces, aligners, etc.) to create a healthy and beautiful smile. These include traditional metal braces with small, sleek brackets and thin wires; ceramic (tooth-colored) braces; lingual braces that go behind the teeth; self-ligating braces, which have a built-in mechanism to hold the wire to the brackets; and clear aligners.
Because of improved technology, the average time between orthodontic appointments is about six weeks, so adults miss less time from work and other important commitments.