Jennie Garth and the American Association of Orthodontists Showcase Back-To-School Fashion with a Bite

ST. LOUIS, Aug. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is teaming up with celebrity mom and 90210-star Jennie Garth to highlight the latest in back-to-school fashion and orthodontic treatment. On Thursday, August 5, Garth will host the AAO Style 'N Smile Fashion show, an exclusive event in the heart of New York City, where healthy, confident smiles are the must-have accessories of the season.

"As the mother of three children – one of whom has just had her braces taken off – and an actress, I know how important a beautiful smile can be," said Garth. "A healthy, beautiful smile, and the confidence that goes with it, is something that never goes out of style."

At the show, celebrity-stylist Melis Kuris will style the looks of more than a dozen local orthodontic patients who will model the latest in affordable teen fashion. Local AAO orthodontists will be on hand to make sure each model's smile is runway ready. Garth, who will serve as the show's emcee, also will announce a $10,000 donation to the Boys & Girls Club of America. The donation will be used to fund programs that will help to boost self esteem among New York City area students. Beyond the runway, the Style 'N Smile program extends online at http://www.braces.org/stylensmile/ with fashion tips and orthodontic information for both students and adults alike.

Evolution of Orthodontic Treatment

Today's orthodontic patients have more choices than ever before to help make their smile match their style. With options ranging from clear "barely there" brackets or aligners to "stand out" bracket shapes and a wide spectrum of fun rubber band colors – orthodontists are seeing patients of all ages.

"Regardless of age, orthodontic treatment can improve a patient's oral health and facial appearance," said Lee W. Graber, D.D.S., M.S., M.S., Ph.D., president of the American Association of Orthodontists. "And for many patients, orthodontic treatment helps improve their self-esteem, giving them a new level of confidence at school or at work."

Sharing the Orthodontic Experience

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is looking for current, former and future orthodontic patients, as well as parents of orthodontic patients, to join the Braces Brigade and blog about the unique, heartwarming and sometimes hilarious experiences that come with undergoing orthodontic treatment. Braces Brigade members will document their (or their child's) orthodontic journey within an online journal, which will serve as a source of guidance for others undergoing treatment. For more information and to apply, visit www.bracesbrigade.org.

The Right Education for a Healthy Smile

Orthodontists receive an additional two to three years of education beyond dental school to learn the proper way to align and straighten teeth. Orthodontists have the education, experience and expertise to create healthy, beautiful smiles for children, teens and adults.

For more information or to find an orthodontist near you, go to Braces.org or ask your dentist for a referral.

About the American Association of Orthodontists

The AAO comprises 16,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad. Founded in 1900, the AAO supports research and education leading to quality patient care and promotes increased public awareness of the need for and benefits of orthodontic treatment. Orthodontists are uniquely qualified to correct improperly aligned teeth and jaws. They are specialists in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.

Orthodontists receive an additional two to three years of specialized education beyond dental school to learn the proper way to align and straighten teeth. Only those with this education may call themselves "orthodontists," and only orthodontists may be members of the AAO.

Find us on Twitter (@braces), Facebook (www.facebook.com/AAOBraces), and Posterous (http://braces.posterous.com/).

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America

For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (www.bgca.org) has enabled young people, especially those who need Clubs most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, some 4,000 Boys & Girls Clubs serve more than 4.2 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs can be found throughout the country and on U.S. military installations worldwide, providing young people 6-18 years old with guidance-oriented character development programs conducted by trained, professional staff. Key programs emphasize leadership development; education and career exploration; community service; technology training; financial literacy; health and life skills; the arts; sports, fitness and recreation; and family outreach. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta.

SOURCE American Association of Orthodontists