Articles of Interest

60 MINUTES recently showed a programme on TV3 concerning Orthodontics.

As professional orthodontic specialists, we are concerned that patients may be alarmed by what was an unbalanced, sensationalised programme, lacking a basis in scientific evidence. The following information may be helpful.

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STRAIGHT TALK ON TEETH
(As published in Time Magazine, July 7, 2003 by Daniel Williams)

Orthodontics improves smiles, but it can be unwise to start too early. Being told their child needs orthodontic treatment is bound to upset most parents, who can expect bills running into the thousands and at least two years of reassuring their child that he or she looks fine with a mouthful of metal. But it's also a time when parents need to be alert. A small proportion of dentists and orthodontists push treatments that could be a waste of time and money.

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Crusaders fans often go to extraordinary lengths to show their true colours.

Nelson Evening Mail 12 April 2005

They wear Crusaders rugby jerseys, scarves and hats, get their faces painted red and black and brandish imitation swords. But Nelson schoolboy Harley Trewavas only needs to smile to show where his Super 12 loyalties lie.

The 13-year-old Nayland College student was this week fitted with decorative red and black, rugby ball-shaped braces. He had no trouble convincing his parents, also Crusaders fans, to pay for the extra costs of the braces.

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60 Minutes: A personal perspective

60 Minutes recently aired a segment on the supposed "dangers" of a fictitious practice it termed "four on the floor" orthodontics.

Here Dr Derek Mahony comments on the program and his involvement.

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So Long Sucker

For some parents the word thumb-sucking will evoke happy memories of their little ones blissfully sleeping through the night. For others it will bring back less happy memories of struggles to break the habit.

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