Survey: Orthodontists Put Their Money Where Their Mouth Is
New survey reveals that most orthodontists had treatment themselves

Want to know what a healthy, beautiful smile can do for you?  Look no further than your orthodontist – literally. Nearly 75 percent of orthodontists have had orthodontic treatment according to a recent independent survey conducted on behalf of the American Association of Orthodontists.  

The survey findings underscore the importance that orthodontists place on the very procedures that they recommend and treat their patients for.  It is estimated that 50 to 75 percent of the population could benefit from orthodontic treatment.  Currently, more than four million children and one million adults in North America wear braces.

 “We know that orthodontic treatment can improve a patient’s dental health, overall health and facial appearance.  For some, it may even improve self esteem,” said William C. Gaylord, DDS, MSD, president of the American Association of Orthodontists. “These results illustrate that we believe in the benefits of our work and that we practice what we preach.”

Additional survey findings included:

• 95 percent of orthodontists believe that they have enhanced the self-esteem of their patients through orthodontics.  This is confirmed by numerous anecdotes and testimonials from their patients.
• There were more adult patients being treated by AAO members in 2006 than any other year since tracking began by age in 1989.
• More adult males are seeking treatment.  They accounted for 44% of adult patients in 2006, up from 30% of adult patients in 1996.
• The average orthodontist has been in practice 16-20 years.

The AAO commissioned Zimmerman Marketing Research to conduct the Patient and Member Census survey for 2006. The last time Patient and Member Census data was collected from the full AAO membership was for 2004.  AAO will add census data collected for 2006 to longitudinal data from 2004 and 1996 to help track changes and trends. 

For more information about orthodontic treatment or to find AAO members, visit the online “Find an Orthodontist” service at www.braces.org.

Who is an orthodontist?
Orthodontists specialize in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontists receive an additional two-to-three years of specialized education beyond dental school to learn the proper way to align and straighten teeth.  Patients can ask their dentists for names of orthodontists in their areas, or locate orthodontists themselves through the online “Find an Orthodontist” service at www.braces.org.

About the American Association of Orthodontists
The AAO comprises 15,500 members in the United States, Canada and abroad. Founded in 1900, the AAO supports research and education leading to quality patient care and promotes increased public awareness of the need for and benefits of orthodontic treatment. Orthodontists are uniquely qualified to correct improperly aligned teeth and jaws. The American Dental Association requires orthodontists to have at least two academic years of advanced specialty training in orthodontics in an accredited program, after graduation from dental school.  Only those with this formal education may call themselves “orthodontists,” and only orthodontists are eligible for membership in the AAO.

For more information about orthodontics and the AAO, visit www.braces.org.

Press Contact:
Pam Paladin
(314) 993-1700, ext. 524
ppaladin@aaortho.org