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Walk through any bookstore or have a look through a handful of websites that talk about self-enrichment. Chances are career and personal development advice is readily available. Nearing the top of almost every list is how appearance counts. Regardless of whether your idea of success is career-driven or in relation to nurturing personal relationships, the unfortunate truth is that many people will often overlook you if you do not “look the part.”

This particular train of thought indicates that healthy-looking and aesthetically-pleasing smiles can help make or break a first encounter. After analyzing multiple studies, an article^[1] featured in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics noted that, if a person presents themselves in a more professional manner regarding attire and overall levels of appearance, they were likely to be perceived as having higher IQs and be more successful in a job hunt. These studies also revealed the increased likelihood of positive outcomes in relation to career prospects, salary, and relationships - even if they were facing convictions for civil or criminal crimes^[2].

Why is this though? When and why did physical appearance become such a substantial determining factor for success? The answer lies in self-confidence and the projection of who a person is. Malocclusions and other oral health issues harbor psychological effects on individuals. For example, did you know that many people with crooked teeth feel embarrassed to smile, hold a conversation, or even eat in front of others?

According to a study by the American Association of Orthodontists^[3], young and mature adults were often more antisocial if they were in need of orthodontic care. This study described how malocclusion can lead to a gradually more negative outlook, plus an inherent embarrassment regarding oral health and/or general appearance^[4]. Consequently, if a smile alone is an undeniable portrayal of positive self-confidence, then it is understandable how it can influence other areas of your life, including if you are hoping to achieve a promotion or discovering a new dating prospect.

At Budd Orthodontics, our staff works with a wide variety of patients, from children to teens and adults. In recent years, we have seen a rise in adults seeking orthodontic care given that appearance matters. Adults are actively seeking ways to actively improve their youthfulness and venues for success in their personal lives. Fears and vanity are common when it comes to personal success.

Our question to you is, why wait? Whether you are seeking college approval, an entry-level position, climbing the professional ladder or seeking a romantic partner, there are many reasons to straighten your smile. At Budd Orthodontics, both of our offices are located near Arizona State Route 51 for your convenience. Schedule your free intial consultation or learn more about the cost of braces or Invisalign today!

^[1] Henson, Scott T. Steven J Lindauer, W. Grham Gardner, Bhvana Shroff, Eser Tufekci and Al M Best. “Influence of Dental Esthetics on Social Perceptions of Adolescents Judged by Peers.” April 2010; July 2010. American Association of Orthodontists. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics Vol. 140.3.
^[2]Ibid.
^[3] Hassan, Ali H. and Hatem El-Sayed Amin. “Association of Orthodontic Treatment Needs and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Young Adults.” October 2007; February 2008. American Association of Orthodontists. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics Vol. 137.1.
^[4]Ibid.

A frequent concern of many parents who notice that their child's teeth are not growing in correctly is - when is the right time to see the orthodontist?  The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children be seen for an initial screening exam at age 7.  Phoenix orthodontist Dr. John Budd explains that many children will not require treatment at this age. However, many of the permanent adult teeth will have started to erupt by this age and more significant problems can be discovered and avoided with timely orthodontic treatment.

Some of the problems that might require treatment at an earlier stage, sometimes referred to as Phase I treatment include: crossbites, underbites (the lower teeth in front of the upper teeth), severe crowding, bites that present a risk of damage to the gum tissue or severely protrusive teeth to give a few examples.  An orthodontist can determine which problems will benefit from preventive treatment and which can wait for the eruption of all the adult teeth.

The best way to determine if your child would benefit from orthodontic treatment is to see an orthodontist for a screening exam. Budd Orthodontics offers free consultations to assist parents in determining if now is the right time to begin treatment with braces or Invisalign or if waiting for more dental development would be more beneficial.

An orthodontist is a dentist who has received an additional two to three years of education beyond dental school at an accredited university residency program.  Orthodontists are experts in straightening teeth and have extensive experience in determining the best method of treatment to align your teeth and jaws while maintaining your overall dental health. They are familiar with the latest techniques and advancements for excellent orthodontic treatment.

Patients often ask - what is the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist? It is important that patients understand this difference in order to find the treatment that is best for them. The difference between an orthodontist and a dentist is similar to the difference between a family doctor and a medical specialist such as an orthopedic surgeon.  Both doctors went to medical school and were trained to provide excellent care to their patients.  However, the knowledge that an orthopedic surgeon has is more specialized and extensive for that specific area of treatment. All orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists.  In fact, only 6% of graduating dentists in the United States go on to become orthodontists.  The best way to ensure that you are receiving care from an orthodontist is to verify that they are a member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO).

You often hear people say that a beautiful smile will open doors of opportunity. But is this really true? Will it really help you find a job? This topic may be something a lot of people are thinking about given the recent huge increase in unemployment due to the coronavirus pandemic. According to a recent study published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, the answer is a definitive yes.

In this study, which was published in the October 2014 issue, ten patients had their photographs taken prior to orthodontic treatment and then digitally altered to simulate orthodontic correction of the teeth. The altered and unaltered photographs were then presented to 100 persons responsible for hiring staff for commercial companies.  Those responsible for hiring were asked to evaluate their impressions of the patients likelihood of being hired, their honesty, intelligence and efficiency at work. On average, patients with ideal dental aesthetics were evaluated as superior with respect to intelligence and likelihood of being hired compared to those with non-ideal dental aesthetics. There was no significant difference in the characteristics of honesty and efficiency observed in this study.  The findings of the study concluded patients with ideal smiles are considered more intelligent and have a greater chance of finding a job when compared with persons with non-ideal smiles.

I thought this study was fascinating because in our office we often talk about orthodontic treatment helping patients feel more confident and proud of their smile, but it is interesting to see proof of the tangible benefits that orthodontic treatment can provide.

If you would like a free orthodontic consultation to evaluate your need for our services, we invite you to visit Budd Orthodontics online to see our locations, treatment options, patient results and more!