Docs Make Case Against Braces

One of the suggested benefits of braces for kids has always been that they'll grow up with more confidence and self-esteem if they have beautiful, perfectly aligned teeth. I've used that benefit claim in marketing material I've created for different orthodontists.

But a new study suggests that isn't true.

“'Orthodontic treatment, in the form of braces placed on children’s teeth in childhood, had little positive impact on their psychological health and quality of life in adulthood," said Dr. William Shaw, an orthodontist from the University of Manchester and one of the authors of the study, published in the Jan. 22 issue of the British Journal of Health Psychology. 'This runs contrary to the widespread belief among dentists that orthodontic treatment improves psychological well-being, for which there is very little evidence.'”

However, according to this article, "the study focused on a smaller subset of kids whose orthodontic needs were not extreme, but considered to be 'borderline,' and who did not have them treated."

Thus, the psychological benefits of braces still may hold true (in addition to better overall dental health) for kids with badly misaligned teeth.

Copyright 2007 by Galen Stilson