Adult orthodontics linked to improvements in career and personal relationships

On the other side of the pond, our US counterparts are currently celebrating National Orthodontic Health Month. As adult orthodontics are a big part of life at our Kent practice, we thought it would be interesting to revisit a study from 2014’s National Orthodontic Health Month about the impact straighter, beautiful smiles have on adults’ lives.
The study, carried out on behalf of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) in October 2014, found that 92% of adults report significant improvements in their career and personal relationships after orthodontic treatment.
Seventy-five percent of the adults surveys reported improvements in their personal lives and careers that they attributed directly to their straighter, more aesthetically-pleasing smiles as a result of newfound self-confidence. Having experienced the benefits for themselves, 92% of the respondents also said that they would recommend adult orthodontics to others.
The survey questioned respondents about their pre-treatment concerns. Seventy-one percent expressed worries such as, “What will other think?”, “How will I look?” and “Am I too old?” but the majority said that once their treatment began, these concerns faded away.
Individual responses to the survey showed how stressful life can be when you’re always worried about smiling, even if your worries are held on a subconscious level. People described the freedom of being able to smile without judgement.
The survey also showed that younger adults experienced the most favourable results. Eighty-seven percent of those aged 18 to 34 said that their personal relationships improved after their treatment. Once again, this is most likely due to an increase in self-confidence and better self-perception.
Although the younger adults may have been more vocal about the benefits of adult orthodontics, the survey showed that adults of all ages are seeking teeth straightening treatments in record numbers.
This certainly backs our experience of adult orthodontics here in Kent, so while the survey relates to what’s happening in America, it translates well to the UK and highlights just how important it is – both emotionally and physically – to have the healthiest smile possible.
If you would like to find out more about adult orthodontics in Kent at Roseacre Cottage Dental and what your options might be, call us on 01622 730 548.