Boost your kid’s self esteem with straight teeth starting at age 7
Dr. J is an orthodontist with a passion for creating smile transformations for all of his patients so they can experience the benefits of a happier and healthier smile. Our doctor had a vision that he wanted to create a practice that is a welcoming space for all potential patients and is staffed with a knowledgeable team... more
The words "esthetic/aesthetic" comes from the Greek word “to perceive” and is adapted to “relating to the senses”. Now we know it as a set of principles concerned with nature and appreciation of beauty.
These principles are “taught” or are part of our “instincts”.
“Taught” would be what we learn or see from family, friends, social media, television, the internet, etc. We learn and form our own opinion of what is pretty, beautiful, acceptable, etc.
“Instincts” is when we see something and know it is not right but has never been taught or trained to recognize it. A good example is asymmetry. Something that is not the same on the right and left side of the face for example. We recognize that “something is off” but can’t put our finger on it and know for sure.
Now, if you consider that the smile and teeth take up about 1/3rd of your face that’s a lot and something that anyone can constantly see.
We live in a world of instant pictures and videos. Long gone are the days when you had your picture may be taken once in your lifetime. So we are able to go back and scrutinize pictures of ourselves or other people often. It also is out there more which puts more pressure on people to look a certain way.
The American Journal of Orthodontists reported in 1981 that people who have well - positioned incisors (your four front teeth on the top and bottom jaw) are considered more attractive, intelligent and adjusted compared to those who have crooked teeth.
And the European Journal of Dentistry published a study in 2014 called “Esthetic dental Anomalies as a Motive for bullying in schoolchildren”. We live in a world of bullying by taunting and mockery. That is not new and probably started at the beginning of time. Subtle dental deformities result in taunts and mockery, leading the individual to a situation of low self-esteem and a lower sense of empathy. The victims may have serious psychological consequences, isolation, depression, anxiety and can generate lower performance and learning.
The study also reported that a child's smile reveals important aspects of their quality of life and how the child interacts in his or her environment. A smile denotes self-esteem, self-confidence and well-being. Children with concerns about their teeth show less smile security.
Self-perception is a part of a child’s psychological characteristics and it is essential to be aware of how much they like their smile and how happy they are with it.
Orthodontic correction of problems at an age as early as 7 has shown significant improvements in self-esteem, self-confidence and socialization of all patients. Let’s not forget the parental satisfaction with the change they see in their children.
The orthodontic treatment at an early age will be short taking 6-18 months. It has been called “Early Treatment” (since it starts at age 7). Another name is “Phase I” (as Phase II would be full braces around the age of 12)
This picture is of an actual patient who cannot stop smiling. He is is happier, more social and is styling his own hair!
Here is link to my website for further information:
https://stellarsmilesortho.com/orthodontics/early-treatment/
