There exists a growing body of evidence to suggest that the many challenges - academic, financial, environmental, and psychological - that create so much stress and strain in our embattled school system, may all be underwritten and aggravated by a poor self image on the part of a considerable number of students.
Students who suffer from low self esteem, having been conditioned by a variety of influences to assume the worst and to expect the least from themselves, often set in motion a sequence of situations ranging from poor academic performance to bullying (often a quick but demoralizing route to a much needed sense of social worth), which spirals out of control and results in an increasingly damaged inter-personal environment.
An adult suffering from low self esteem is a personal disaster area which all too often becomes the center of a whole variety of social and psychological problems, both for the adults in question, and for the other people around them.
Having nearly a decade of experience as a Treatment Coordinator (TC) in the largest orthodontic practice in the South Carolina Upstate, I witnessed many joyous moments experienced by children and adults. Sadly, I was also privy to some unhappy moments, as well.
It's very easy to identify someone suffering from poor self esteem because of teeth that appeared to have been randomly cast inside their mouth. These patients desired to return the smile given them with total abandonment but always tilted their head downward or would cover their mouth partially. In the case of children, some would totally cover their mouth with both hands.
The TC’s job is to do more than sell a case. In these instances, it was quite obvious there was a need for orthodontic treatment. Gaining the patient’s trust enough to relax and discuss their concerns about their smile was the first step. In adults, overcoming any preconceived ideas or incorrect information received from well-meaning friends, was also part of the equation. What I call the F-Factors had to be dealt with as a patient sat before you with a need for orthodontic care. The F-Factors are: Fear and Finances.
While the financial aspects of orthodontic treatment were almost always a factor for adults, fear was alive and well in children and adults. Some kids would at least express a very coherent statement about how much it would all cost. I believe many felt their teeth were so ‘mangled’ that it had to “cost a fortune" to correct. This was yet another indication of poor self-esteem needing to be resolved.
What is your self-portrait? Do you want a beautiful smile? It is said beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. As it relates to proper dental health and jaw-joint function, teeth that are not properly spaced in the arch can be unattractive. After the orthodontist has completed an examination and given the treatment plan, the TC takes over. The TC reviews the clinical aspects of the treatment plan in easy to understand layman’s terms for the patient and parents.
The TC will show examples of a healthy bite using models and point out the differences in the patient’s bite using the patient’s colour digital photos. A Case Presenter software is used to illustrate a morphing technique, correcting the patient’s bite related problems. This is a heart-warming sight to witness as the patient sees his or her teeth being corrected and the anticipated end result. This is the time when their cooperation is discussed. It is not possible for an orthodontist to achieve optimal results with a non-compliant patient.
We know human growth and development is from the inside out, and if our world is full of children and adults who feel internally impoverished, no amount of external change is going to make a real difference. Witnessing the reactions and reception to the possibilities that lie ahead for orthodontic correction is worth considering. Even more exciting is witnessing the transformation in a patient’s personality ‘before’ and ‘after’ treatment.
There could be numerous reasons a person does not have a positive self image. Much needed orthodontic treatment could be the primary reason for someone you love. Most consults are at no charge. Ask friends and co-workers for their recommendation. Another idea is to ask the Attendance Office at schools. This office will receive the most school excuses from the most popular orthodontist. Kids in school will also wear t-shirts or have other ad specialty items at the ballpark. Do a little research. You can always ask your dentist, although, a dentist’s referral is not required for the initial “smile" evaluation.
Getting braces can eliminate a poor self-image or rule it out. Either way, a beautiful smile will be the result. Orthodontists provide a lifetime of beautiful smiles!
© 2007 Avis Ward of AWard Consulting, LLC
