The way I want to change the world.

I am thinking about orthodontics as a health service, not only an esthetic service...

Up until recently, I’ve felt that ortho was mainly an esthetic service, and that just few people really NEED it. Crooked teeth don't hurt. No one ever dies of a bad bite. But they WANT it.  And there are many benefits from a pleasing smile in our culture.  Better self-esteem.  More confidence smiling and speaking.  Pride in accomplishment.  Improved dental awareness and care.  All good things.  But like plastic surgery, it is a discretionary service, maybe even a luxury.  

From my new point of view, however, orthodontics, if and when it broadens its scope, can be a health oriented service that IS NEEDED by thousands of children.  When you look at alignment of teeth as merely a product of, a symptom of, or a solution to, a larger ailment that has health consequences well beyond just those of a pretty smile, then orthodontics takes on a greater significance.  

If crooked teeth are a symptom of early feeding and nutrition, then it is a health related matter.  If crooked teeth are a symptom of imbalanced musculo-skeletal alignment which contains vertebral subluxations and cranial strains, then it is a health related matter.  If crooked teeth are a symptom of suboptimal respiration where oxygen is not being processed efficiently and tissues are not being nourished as they should, then it is a health related matter.  If crooked teeth are related to mouth breathing, snoring, airway restriction, asthma, allergies, frequent upper respiratory infections, and sleep disorders, just to name a few, than orthodontics is certainly a health related matter.

What I am suggesting is that there is the possibility of a whole new line of concentration within our specialty.  One that is crying out for our attention. One that provides us with tremendous opportunity for improving the health of our children, now and into their future.  

Of course, we should still concentrate on the esthetic benefits of a beautiful smile.  But I also suggest that it is time to forgo esthetic goals when they are accomplished at the expense of health. Or when they are performed in ignorance of the health ramifications to our children. Ideally, our children have the right to enjoy both enhanced esthetics and enhanced health.

And that what I want to see happen in my lifetime.