Menu
10/12/2004
Straight teeth boost children’s self esteem
A new survey from specialist dentists at Queen's University has shown that correcting prominent teeth can boost children's self esteem.
According to the research, carried out by head of the School of Dentistry Dr Donald Burden and colleagues Dr Chris Johnston and Dr Orlagh Hunt, along with PhD student Niall McGuinness, people who have had dental treatment to correct prominent front teeth, or 'buck teeth' had significantly higher self-esteem than those who had not been treated.
Prominent teeth can be the butt of hurtful comments and teasing and are also easily damaged in falls and during sports. As a result specialist orthodontists spend a lot of time correcting the problem. Children usually have to wear fixed dental braces, or 'train tracks' for up to two years, from around the age of 13, and in some cases teeth also have to be removed.
"We found that former patients had significantly more self-esteem than people who were not treated. Clearly, orthodontic treatment can boost a person's self-esteem, and their satisfaction with their dental treatment," said Dr Burden.
Researchers questioned 200 former patients and 350 untreated adults of the same age to find out if those who had treatment were satisfied with how they looked in adulthood. They also wanted to know if extractions changed the shape of their face – some dentists believe they make the face 'fall in'.
According to Dr Burden, the survey revealed that the greatest impact on facial profile did not result from removing teeth, but from the continuing growth of the person's nose and chin. In the case of men this can continue until their early 20s.
(MB/SP)
According to the research, carried out by head of the School of Dentistry Dr Donald Burden and colleagues Dr Chris Johnston and Dr Orlagh Hunt, along with PhD student Niall McGuinness, people who have had dental treatment to correct prominent front teeth, or 'buck teeth' had significantly higher self-esteem than those who had not been treated.
Prominent teeth can be the butt of hurtful comments and teasing and are also easily damaged in falls and during sports. As a result specialist orthodontists spend a lot of time correcting the problem. Children usually have to wear fixed dental braces, or 'train tracks' for up to two years, from around the age of 13, and in some cases teeth also have to be removed.
"We found that former patients had significantly more self-esteem than people who were not treated. Clearly, orthodontic treatment can boost a person's self-esteem, and their satisfaction with their dental treatment," said Dr Burden.
Researchers questioned 200 former patients and 350 untreated adults of the same age to find out if those who had treatment were satisfied with how they looked in adulthood. They also wanted to know if extractions changed the shape of their face – some dentists believe they make the face 'fall in'.
According to Dr Burden, the survey revealed that the greatest impact on facial profile did not result from removing teeth, but from the continuing growth of the person's nose and chin. In the case of men this can continue until their early 20s.
(MB/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 March 2024
Man Wanted In Lithuania Arrested In Magherafelt
The PSNI have arrested a 23-year-old man in Magherafelt wanted in Lithuania to face charges of human trafficking. The man was arrested by officers from the Police Service's local policing team in Magherafelt, with assistance from the International Policing Unit. He is expected appear before extradition court in Belfast later today.
Man Wanted In Lithuania Arrested In Magherafelt
The PSNI have arrested a 23-year-old man in Magherafelt wanted in Lithuania to face charges of human trafficking. The man was arrested by officers from the Police Service's local policing team in Magherafelt, with assistance from the International Policing Unit. He is expected appear before extradition court in Belfast later today.
26 September 2019
Rise In Uptake Of Drug & Alcohol Treatment Services
The number of people receiving treatment for drug and alcohol abuse in Northern Ireland has grown, a recent census has shown. Some 6,743 people were in active treatment in April 2019, for either drug or alcohol abuse or both. This represents a rise in clients from 5,969 in the 2017 census.
Rise In Uptake Of Drug & Alcohol Treatment Services
The number of people receiving treatment for drug and alcohol abuse in Northern Ireland has grown, a recent census has shown. Some 6,743 people were in active treatment in April 2019, for either drug or alcohol abuse or both. This represents a rise in clients from 5,969 in the 2017 census.
27 August 2004
Commissioning work begins at water treatment facility
The Water Service has begun commissioning works on its £20m water treatment plant in Co Down. The largest water treatment facility to be built to date in Northern Ireland, the three-month commissioning period will involve rigorous testing of all the state-of-the-art systems at Drumaroad, near Castlewellan.
Commissioning work begins at water treatment facility
The Water Service has begun commissioning works on its £20m water treatment plant in Co Down. The largest water treatment facility to be built to date in Northern Ireland, the three-month commissioning period will involve rigorous testing of all the state-of-the-art systems at Drumaroad, near Castlewellan.
28 June 2002
Water and sewerage infrastructure receives £100m
Regional Development Minister, Peter Robinson has outlined plans to invest almost £100 million on upgrading the province's water and sewerage infrastructure. The Minister was speaking on Friday, June 28, at the opening of the new Derg Water Treatment Works near Castlederg, which was constructed at a cost of £10.3 million.
Water and sewerage infrastructure receives £100m
Regional Development Minister, Peter Robinson has outlined plans to invest almost £100 million on upgrading the province's water and sewerage infrastructure. The Minister was speaking on Friday, June 28, at the opening of the new Derg Water Treatment Works near Castlederg, which was constructed at a cost of £10.3 million.
16 January 2012
NHS Dental Budget To Be Cut
It has been revealed that up to a three month wait could be ahead for those people unable to afford private dental care as proposals suggest cutting millions from the NHS dental budget. It is understood that proposals have been launched that will see £6m stripped from the NHS dental budget this year.
NHS Dental Budget To Be Cut
It has been revealed that up to a three month wait could be ahead for those people unable to afford private dental care as proposals suggest cutting millions from the NHS dental budget. It is understood that proposals have been launched that will see £6m stripped from the NHS dental budget this year.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Dry with some late sunshine to end the day. Clear spells through the first part of the night but low cloud feeding in from the north later giving some mist or fog patches. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
