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National Orthodontic Week
25 March 2010
News for staff, patients and visitors at the Churchill, Horton General and John Radcliffe hospitals.
NOW it's National Orthodontic Week
The orthodontics team at the John Radcliffe Hospital have donned colourful T shirts this week to support the first National Orthodontic Week (NOW).
The British Orthodontic Society| has launched the NOW campaign to spread awareness of the treatment available for people with misaligned teeth. The Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals has seven orthodontists|, including two consultants and two orthodontists in training. The team work closely with their colleagues in the oral and maxillofacial department|, restorative dentistry| and oral medicine.
Mary McKnight, one of the John Radcliffe Hospital's Consultants in Orthodontics, said: "Orthodontics is a special kind of dentistry concerned with the growth of teeth, jaws and the face. Orthodontic treatment is about making the best of your teeth. Once you can bite together correctly, you can eat more comfortably and care for your teeth and gums more easily."
The British Orthodontic Society have published a survey this week after canvassing more than 2,000 people for their views about teeth. The survey found that 45 percent of adults were unhappy with the appearance of their teeth and 20 percent would consider orthodontic treatment.
Overcrowded or crooked teeth are harder to brush and floss, and improper cleaning can lead to tooth decay and gum problems. Orthodontic treatment can also correct bite problems. If left untreated, bite problems can cause teeth to wear down or cause difficulty in chewing.
Mary McKnight added: "Lots of people get braces to help realign their teeth, adults as well as children. The patients referred to us often need a bit more than braces, sometimes surgery, sometimes restorative work like implants.
"We are really pleased that the British Orthodontic Society have decided to promote the role of orthodontics in helping people have the best smile they can. We see the huge effect an improved smile has on self esteem and confidence, and it's great to know that we have helped people feel good about themselves.
"It's the best part of the job for me and I know my colleagues feel the same."
Find out more at www.nowsmile.org|