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10/12/2004
Straight teeth boost children’s self esteem
A new survey from specialist dentists at Queen's University has shown that correcting prominent teeth can boost children's self esteem.
According to the research, carried out by head of the School of Dentistry Dr Donald Burden and colleagues Dr Chris Johnston and Dr Orlagh Hunt, along with PhD student Niall McGuinness, people who have had dental treatment to correct prominent front teeth, or 'buck teeth' had significantly higher self-esteem than those who had not been treated.
Prominent teeth can be the butt of hurtful comments and teasing and are also easily damaged in falls and during sports. As a result specialist orthodontists spend a lot of time correcting the problem. Children usually have to wear fixed dental braces, or 'train tracks' for up to two years, from around the age of 13, and in some cases teeth also have to be removed.
"We found that former patients had significantly more self-esteem than people who were not treated. Clearly, orthodontic treatment can boost a person's self-esteem, and their satisfaction with their dental treatment," said Dr Burden.
Researchers questioned 200 former patients and 350 untreated adults of the same age to find out if those who had treatment were satisfied with how they looked in adulthood. They also wanted to know if extractions changed the shape of their face – some dentists believe they make the face 'fall in'.
According to Dr Burden, the survey revealed that the greatest impact on facial profile did not result from removing teeth, but from the continuing growth of the person's nose and chin. In the case of men this can continue until their early 20s.
(MB/SP)
According to the research, carried out by head of the School of Dentistry Dr Donald Burden and colleagues Dr Chris Johnston and Dr Orlagh Hunt, along with PhD student Niall McGuinness, people who have had dental treatment to correct prominent front teeth, or 'buck teeth' had significantly higher self-esteem than those who had not been treated.
Prominent teeth can be the butt of hurtful comments and teasing and are also easily damaged in falls and during sports. As a result specialist orthodontists spend a lot of time correcting the problem. Children usually have to wear fixed dental braces, or 'train tracks' for up to two years, from around the age of 13, and in some cases teeth also have to be removed.
"We found that former patients had significantly more self-esteem than people who were not treated. Clearly, orthodontic treatment can boost a person's self-esteem, and their satisfaction with their dental treatment," said Dr Burden.
Researchers questioned 200 former patients and 350 untreated adults of the same age to find out if those who had treatment were satisfied with how they looked in adulthood. They also wanted to know if extractions changed the shape of their face – some dentists believe they make the face 'fall in'.
According to Dr Burden, the survey revealed that the greatest impact on facial profile did not result from removing teeth, but from the continuing growth of the person's nose and chin. In the case of men this can continue until their early 20s.
(MB/SP)
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