I want to compliment you on my consultation at your office. I liked the fact that you showed me results on your patients.

Thank you. I understand that other orthodontists use models to sell their services. I want my patients and parents to see the results I achieve on real patients. I show them patients that are similar in gender, ethnicity, age and orthodontic problem. This helps the parent and patient better visualize what I can do for them. I recommend that during an orthodontic consultation, you ask to see the results on someone similar to you to help you decide on being treated by that orthodontist. Call 1-800-4braces if you would like to schedule a free consultation with my office.

I am seeing more and more adults with braces. Is this a growing trend?

Yes. A recent survey of adults ages 18-54 points out reasons why adult orthodontic treatment is a growing trend. The survey found that of adults who completed orthodontic treatment, 84% reported improved personal relationships, 58% reported better career success, and 92% reported they would recommend braces to other adults. The survey also asked, "Why would an adult not get braces?" The most common answers were: “What would others think?”, “How will I look?” and “I am too old?” The survey reported that 71% of the respondents stated that those concerns disappeared once treatment started and did not return at any time during treatment. Call 1-800-4braces if you would like a free consultation on what straight teeth and a great looking smile can do for you.

My teenage son is using smokeless tobacco (chewing tobacco). I am afraid that this may lead to smoking. Is my concern justified?

A recent study says that your concern is justified. This study showed that there is a strong association between adolescents using chewing tobacco and smoking. The study also found that using tobacco is strongly correlated with other risk-taking behaviors. This may not be news to any of us who have raised teenagers. Intervention through education may help, but results for teens are extremely varied. The study found that getting teens involved in activities that prohibit the use of tobacco products, like school sports, may be even more beneficial to preventing tobacco use than education on the harm of tobacco or parental intervention.