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Early Orthodontic Care Can Change a Young Child’s Future

May 10, 2007, Los Angeles and Beverly Hills – Just as we inherit eye color from our parents, orthodontic problems can be handed down to our children. What a child doesn't have to inherit is the emotional problems that go hand-in-hand with an unhealthy smile.

“Children can be quite cruel to a child with bucked or severely crowded teeth,” said Los Angeles and Santa Monica orthodontist Dr. Atoosa Nikaeen. “These hurtful comments can have a lasting effect on a child's self-esteem. Fortunately, orthodontic treatments are available to correct most of these problems.”

Beall Research and Training President Dr. Anne Beall conducted an independent study in 2006 that revealed those with healthy smiles are viewed by the general public as more intelligent, happy, successful and friendly.

The social psychologist and market researcher said dentists have told people for years that a beautiful smile was an investment in their future. Her independent study now provides statistical evidence.

Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry dealing with the study and treatment of improper bites (malocclusions) that can result from a disproportionate jaw relations or irregularity of the teeth.

“The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children be evaluated by age seven,” said Nikaeen. “Early care to correct a child's bite will have a lasting and important affect on the general health of their teeth, gums and supporting bone structure.”

Patients have a variety of braces-style choices from which to select. Many children and teens like the traditional metal braces , which now come in a variety of color ties. Others prefer the popular clear ceramic braces, self-ligating braces or the “invisible” Invisalign® braces.

Such options make children and teens more amenable to orthodontic treatment than ever. As with any medical procedure, the more a patient cooperates, the better the final results.

Early orthodontic treatment can not only straighten a child's teeth, but they also can:

•  Guide erupting teeth into their proper position

•  Prevent the need for tooth extractions or jaw surgery later in life

•  Correct bite problems.

Straight teeth also are easier to clean, thus making them less susceptible to gum disease and tooth decay.

For more information, email or call orthodontist Dr. Atoosa Nikaeen at 310.444.1113 .

2007 Sinai Marketing, Inc. and Dr. Atoosa Nikaeen, Los Angeles and Santa Monica . Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.