National survey of moms reveals children in braces may experience painful treatment and tooth extractions unnecessarily

Majority of Moms Unaware of Less Invasive Treatment Options

ORANGE, CALIF. (August 21, 2007) – The results of a national online survey of approximately 500 moms with children recently in braces points to an alarming information gap that may be resulting in many kids undergoing significant discomfort and painful tooth extractions despite the availability of less invasive treatment options.

The survey, conducted by Bluesuitmom.com - the premier resource of work and family balance information for working mothers - on behalf of dental products manufacturer, Ormco Corp., found that 43.3 percent of the moms surveyed said their children had permanent teeth pulled to alleviate crowding as part of their orthodontic treatment.  Of the moms' children with teeth pulled, 42.9 percent had two teeth removed, while 37.3 percent had four or more tooth extractions, exposing them to the anxiety of oral surgery and opening the potential risk for a compromised facial profile as they mature.  

“The survey shows that many moms think painful treatment and tooth extractions are somehow a given with orthodontic treatment, but that couldn’t be further from the truth,” said Dr. Thomas Pitts, Reno, Nev.-based orthodontist, noted clinician and educator. “The removal of healthy teeth should only be the last resort for patients, especially since it is my experience that tooth extractions may cause unwanted changes to the face and smile. Plus, there are more advanced braces available today that are far more comfortable for patients and make most tooth extractions unnecessary. There is no doubt in my mind that parents would seek out the orthodontist who has the technology to minimize extractions if they were aware that such technology existed.”

Dr. Pitts points to the Damon® System as a less invasive alternative to conventional braces, crediting the system with delivering greater patient comfort as well as virtually eliminating the majority of tooth extractions in his practice.  Unlike conventional braces that require metal or elastic ligatures to hold archwires in place, the high-tech Damon System uses tie-less braces that do not require as frequent adjustments or “tightening.” 

Also, CT scan research shows that the light pressure used in the Damon System can stimulate broad, natural arch development which creates space without the need to extract teeth in most cases. Broad arch development also provides a strong foundation for long-lasting facial beauty.
In addition, treatment using the Damon System is typically several months faster than with other technologies, with up to seven fewer office visits, according to independent studies. Many Damon System patients begin to see dramatic results in as little as 10 weeks. 

Conducted online in summer 2007, the Bluesuitmom.com survey polled approximately 500 moms on their attitudes about braces and treatment experiences of their children, including criteria used to select an orthodontist. 

According to the survey, in selecting an orthodontist, most moms were influenced by the doctor’s expertise (34.1 percent), cost (22.4 percent), another mom’s recommendation (17.7 percent) or a family member’s recommendation (14.5 percent).  Only 5.5 percent of moms cited the ability to treat without extractions as most important in their decision.     

“The survey shows that we have a long way to go to inform moms about what is available today and what to ask their orthodontist when they go in for a consultation,” added Dr. Pitts. “Parents need to be educated on the new advances that the Damon System brings to orthodontic care. I hope parents will research this new methodology when selecting an orthodontist.”

About the Damon System
The Damon System is the fastest-growing orthodontic system on the market and has transformed the smiles and appearances of more than 2 million patients of all ages.  The Damon System is the breakthrough technology that is changing the public’s perception of orthodontics and goes beyond straight teeth to produce a beautiful, healthy smile with more comfort and in less time.  This unique treatment combines patented tie-less bracket technology with advanced memory wire and a biologically-sensible treatment approach for a full smile, better facial support and more attractive appearance at any age.  The Damon System is manufactured and distributed worldwide by Ormco, a division of Sybron Dental Specialties, a leading manufacturer of a broad range of value-added products for the dental profession, including the specialty markets of orthodontics, endodontics and implantology.  For more information or to find a local orthodontist who offers the Damon System, visit www.damonbraces.com or call (877) 326-6623.