Nationally known journalist and consumer advocate Lisa Freeman joined Let's Talk Live to talk about finally getting the smile you have always wanted.
In a recent national survey by Ormco Corporation, respondents ranked a smile as the number one most important physical attribute in making favorable first impressions. They also rated straightening teeth the number one priority over addressing other physical issues. Yet many parents and adults spend less than an hour researching the best doctors and the latest treatments. People spend more time browsing social media in a day or researching hotels and flights for a vacation than getting savvy about this significant investment in their appearance and health.
Below are some tips to help you be your best self with a radiant smile.
Tip #1: The doctor you pick makes all the difference.
Not all doctors have the same level of skill and experience or offer the same treatments, which means you can get different results from different doctors. Orthodontists are specialists in creating great smiles. They have two to three years of specialized education, thousands of hours of ongoing training and can spot problems other doctors might miss. Also, creating a great smile requires more than straightening out crooked teeth. Orthodontists can eliminate problems such as a sunken upper lip, a gummy smile, and noticeable gaps at the corners of your mouth between your teeth and cheeks when you smile.
Tip #2: The best treatment for you could be one you didn't know about.
Teeth straightening systems have come a long way in the past 20 years, and there are a lot of new treatment options. Please bring a picture of your favorite smile to your doctor so he or she can determine what's attainable and select the best treatment for you, from traditional braces, more contemporary braces, aligners, and more. If you're concerned about your appearance during treatment, your doctor might recommend lingual or ceramic braces, which like plastic aligners, can be nearly invisible. Lingual braces fit behind your teeth. Ceramic braces are tooth-colored. You may see lots of ads for clear aligners, but you should be aware that there are many different kinds, and they're not for everyone. Modern braces have come a long way. There are new, high-tech metal braces that can give you amazing results like the Damon System, which can create a fuller smile that shows off lots of teeth like your favorite celebrities.
Tip #3: Not all treatments give you the same results. Be aware that different treatments can create different smiles, and not all orthodontists use the same type of treatment options.
Benefits of the latest technologies include:
- Less discomfort: Advancements can eliminate the need for extractions, headgear, clunky metal bands, and elastic ties. New systems also use gentler forces to move teeth.
- Less time: Treatment may take a single year versus two or more years.
- Better outcomes: New metal braces can do more than straighten teeth. They can improve your facial profile, jawline, and the appearance of your lips and chin.
Tip #4: Braces aren't just for teens!
The American Association of Orthodontists now recommends having children evaluated by an orthodontist by age seven. With a new understanding of tooth development, orthodontists can treat children earlier and prevent tooth crowding and other problems. On the other end of the spectrum, it's never too late to get braces, which can offer anti-aging benefits making you look younger and helping you age more gracefully. More adults are getting orthodontic treatments. One in four patients is now an adult.
Tip #5: Treatment creates more than great smiles; it improves health.
It can make teeth easier to clean, reduce the risk of gum disease, and help prevent wear and tear. If your bite is off and you can't chew properly or have pain or clicking in your jaw, an orthodontist can help you solve those problems, too.
About Lisa Freeman
Lisa has been sought after for her insights and advice on consumer choices. She has made hundreds of appearances on the Today show, Good Morning America, and other national TV shows. She also has been a consumer correspondent for The Dr. Oz Show. Currently, Lisa is a regular contributor to the nationally syndicated Scripps TV show, The List, a co-host of the Hot Shopping Tips podcast, and the "Live Well for Less" columnist for AARP Bulletin. Lisa was the founder and editor-in-chief of ShopSmart, a spinoff of Consumer Reports. The national magazine and website covered consumer news and buying advice on beauty, fashion, health care, food, travel, and more.
To learn more about teeth straightening treatment options, important tips before consulting with an orthodontist, and more, visit HealthySmileIQ.com.
