Orthodontists to Offer Consumers Free Expert Consultations

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) and many of its member orthodontists are making it easier for those who are contemplating orthodontic treatment or have questions about the latest technologies available to straighten and align teeth. From February 1 through May 31, 2011, participating AAO members across the country are offering free expert consultations. Consumers who are interested in meeting with an orthodontist during this timeframe can visit the AAO's website at braces.org to find orthodontists near them and download a Free Consultation coupon.

"There are a lot of great new technologies on the market today, which when coupled with quick and comfortable treatment, have more people thinking about orthodontic treatment for themselves and their children," said Lee W. Graber, D.D.S., M.S., M.S., Ph.D., president of the AAO. "These free consultations give consumers a chance to have an expert evaluate their smiles.  If treatment is indicated, people can discuss with their orthodontists the latest technologies and treatment options that would work best for their individual needs."

Dr. Graber reminds consumers that any technology, new or traditional, is only as good as the expert who applies it, and orthodontists' two-to-three years of advanced education beyond dental school means they are uniquely qualified to correct improperly aligned teeth and jaws.

"An expert consultation with an orthodontist is the first step for anyone seeking a healthy, beautiful smile," said Dr. Graber. "Our job is to help our patients achieve the smile of their dreams."

To mark the launch of the Free Consultation program, during February the AAO is offering a limited number of individuals the chance to see their potential smiles through Virtual Smiles. This online application, available at www.virtualsmiles.org, allows individuals to upload their photo where it is reviewed by an orthodontist and digitally enhanced to show what they might look like after orthodontic treatment.  

"Virtual Smiles gives people a glimpse of how their smiles could change after treatment. And for some, the change will be dramatic," said Dr. Graber.

The Virtual Smiles offer begins on February 1 and is available to the first 1,200 members of the public who submit a photo to the website. Participants will receive their digitally altered and orthodontist-reviewed "after" photo about 48 hours after submission along with a Free Consultation coupon and a list of orthodontists in their area.

The "after" photos are intended as an approximation of results of orthodontic treatment and not a guarantee of identical results.

For more information about Virtual Smiles or to download a Free Consultation coupon and locate an orthodontist near you, visit www.braces.org.

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 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 formal education may call themselves "orthodontists," and only orthodontists are eligible for membership in the AAO.

SOURCE American Association of Orthodontists