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One in four British women admits to not looking after her teeth, including brushing and flossing, on a daily basis, according to a new survey released today by Align Technology, makers of Invisalign(R).

The survey asked women how important a good smile was; nearly two thirds (65%) of the women surveyed believe that a good smile results in a more confident individual, followed by 18% who said that someone with a good smile would be more likely to be successful in regards to romance and attracting a partner.

Teeth are clearly important in making an impression, but Brits are still living up to the stereotype of having bad teeth, as over one third of the women surveyed (36%) reported that they are embarrassed by their teeth. When asked what they would improve about their smile 49% of the participants stated ‘very white teeth’, followed by 29% wanting even and straight teeth.

The main problem is investing time and money in looking after our teeth. Nearly two thirds (64%) highlighted cost as a factor that deters them from getting their teeth straightened, with 73% only prepared to spend up to GBP1,000 on correcting their teeth. Yet when you compare how much women spend per year on their beauty regime, the survey revealed that the average woman happily spends GBP1,500 every year. Cosmetic dentistry, or correcting the smile with Invisalign costs between GBP3,500 and GBP5,000*, and when compared with the cost of cosmetics over the course of a lifetime, (and in light of the importance of an attractive smile), it is a small price to pay for a straight smile.

Dr Paul Humber, a leading dental practitioner commented, “The results of the survey demonstrate that women understand the importance of a healthy smile, but worryingly, they are not prepared to spend the time and money looking after their teeth. Fear of the dentist is an age old problem (24% are not willing to undergo corrective treatment based on fear), but new treatments such as Invisalign, which is a non-invasive procedure using a series of clear plastic aligners to straighten your teeth, have been popular, as they are discreet, and because they are removable, patients can brush and floss as normal. Invisalign gives me the chance to straighten teeth but without many of the treatment barriers that cause my patients to shy away from with traditional metal dental braces. The cost for treatment is a lifetime investment so when you compare this to how much women spend on beauty treatments, it is minimal.”

Respondents were also asked which features they are most likely to notice when they meet a potential partner: eyes came top with 59%, followed by smile at 32%. When asked the same question about other women, the smile was considered their most noticeable feature (43%), followed by hair (39%). Seeing as teeth are important to women, it is surprising to consider how little attention they pay to them, especially when women are prepared to spend up to 30 minutes a day washing and styling their hair (69%), moisturising their body (60%) and applying cosmetics (49%).

Invisalign uses a unique, advanced computer technology which can show you a personalised virtual progressive 3D model of how your teeth will move into place over the course of the cosmetic dental treatment and the expected end result. As with other types of braces and orthodontic treatment, the cost of Invisalign treatment is determined by your dental practitioner and will depend on the complexity of your case and course of treatment. However, the cost is generally comparable with the prices of traditional metal or invisible braces, making it an ideal treatment option for common orthodontic problems in adults and teens**. Whether your smile needs minor improvements or more extensive adjustments, Invisalign can help give you the smile you’ve always wanted, often in as little as 9 to 18 months (also comparable to treatment times for fixed metal braces)***.

*Treatment fees are set by the treating doctor, but the average cost ranges from GBP3,500 to GBP5,000 or EUR 4,000 to 6,000 (depending on treatment needs)

** Invisalign is effective on a broad range of cases. However, all permanent teeth must be present before treatment becomes an option. During your initial exam, an Invisalign-certified dental practitioner can determine whether you are suitable for the treatment.

*** Duration of treatment may vary and is dependent upon the condition of your teeth.

Source: Align Technology, Inc.

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Three years after the hurricanes of 2005, four March of Dimes Mom & Baby Mobile Health Centers(R) are bringing much-needed maternal and infant health care to the Greater New Orleans and Gulf Coast area, especially aiding new Spanish-speaking residents who came to help rebuild the region that still is plagued by limited access to public health services.

Although almost all of the hospitals in Jefferson Parish have reopened, fewer than two-thirds are operating in Orleans Parish, and none have reopened in St. Bernard Parish.

Since their launch in 2007, the March of Dimes Mom & Baby Mobile Health Centers have provided more than 3,000 patient visits to the areas hardest hit by the hurricanes: New Orleans; its suburbs St. Bernard Parish and the Lower 9th Ward; the Lake Charles area; and Biloxi, Mississippi. The program is on target to provide more than 15,000 visits in three years.

“These four March of Dimes mobile health centers bring preconception, prenatal and well-baby medical care to pregnant women, new mothers and babies who desperately need it,” said Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes. “Because our centers are mobile, we can bring quality health care where it’s needed most, like St. Bernard Parish.”

The March of Dimes Mom & Baby Mobile Health Centers continue to bring doctors, nurses, medical supplies, the latest technology and information directly to mothers and their babies, an important component of rebuilding communities. Providing access to high-quality medical care is vital to improving birth outcomes in the region.

For example, in 2004, before the hurricanes, Louisiana’s preterm birth rate was 15.6 percent, nearly 25 percent above the national average. In 2005, the state’s preterm birth rate increased to 16.5 percent. Mississippi’s preterm birth rate increased to 18.8 percent in 2005, from 17.9 percent in 2004.

As workers moved to the Gulf Coast to rebuild, the Spanish-speaking population significantly expanded, and access to health care is limited for them.

“Many of our patients are Spanish-speaking, and because we are bi-lingual we can offer these women access to quality health care,” says Rosa Bustamante-Forest, RN, MPH, MN, program director for the Mom & Baby Mobile Health Center in New Orleans. “We’re seeing repeat patients from last year who are pregnant again, which speaks volumes to the quality of care we offer.”

The Mom & Baby Mobile Health Centers were funded through the March of Dimes Hurricane Assistance Fund that included a $3 million gift from the people of Qatar. The mobile health centers are staffed by the Daughters of Charity Services of New Orleans, Southwest Louisiana Area Health Education Center and Coastal Family Health Center.

Inside, the Mom & Baby Mobile Health Centers look like a regular healthcare provider’s office, with private exam areas, waiting areas and nurses’ station. They are equipped with fetal monitors, ultrasound and other equipment, and a backup generator. The handicap accessible centers have bilingual staff, including an obstetrician, nurse practitioner or midwife, a nurse, lab technician and an outreach worker. The vehicles have a fixed schedule at consistent locations each week so services will be dependable and expected.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.

Source: March of Dimes

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