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Beyond Differences

beyond differences

An Orthodontist Who Cares about Preventing Social Isolation

Social isolation often begins in middle school and continues in high school because adolescents are prone to developing cliques that exclude others. While teachers may combat this behavior in classrooms with group activities that require cooperative teamwork, students still exclude others in locations such as the school cafeteria or activities after school. Beyond Differences located in San Francisco is a nonprofit organization that is devoted to educating the public about the detrimental effects of social isolation and offer ways to stop the behavior during the sensitive adolescent years. Anyone can donate to Beyond Differences, and the organization already has an important sponsor located in Larkspur, Calif. Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics has two orthodontists who want to promote including others in all activities to create a feeling of camaraderie.

Beyond Differences Focuses on Stopping Social Isolation

Beyond Differences has three ways to prevent social isolation in middle and high school environments, including:

• No One Eats Alone – designed to encourage socializing during lunch
• Be Kind Online – discouraging unkind behavior online
• Be the One – a pledge and commitment to not exclude others

Beyond Difference dispenses its important message with an online website, videos and publications that are suitable for teachers, students and parents who want to implement and follow the suggestions made by the organization. Anyone interested in preventing social isolation in schools can request curriculum designed for teaching lessons or newsletters for parents and the general public. All lessons begin by helping people understand what social isolation is and how it affects anyone who is perceived as different from others. Some of the issues covered concern including classmates who have mental or physical challenges.

The orthodontists working at Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics are happy to sponsor Beyond Differences because many of their patients are teenagers struggling with social isolation. The adolescent patients visiting this orthodontic facility frequently need to wear headgear, retainers or braces to correct abnormalities of their facial or mouth’s structure. Conditions such as cleft lip or palate can cause deformities of the mouth that require many years of orthodontic treatment in order to repair the positions of teeth so that an individual can speak properly, chew food and have a beautiful smile. In many cases, an individual undergoing orthodontic treatment is ostracized by their peers because they look different.

 

When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life you have a thousand reasons to smile 1

When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life you have a thousand reasons to smile

smile quotes

Life is hard. Why make it more difficult by being ashamed to smile because of crooked teeth? Science has shown that simply the act of smiling can trigger the release of endorphins, serotonin and dopamine, the “feel good” neurotransmitters. That’s powerful. On the contrary, your negative thoughts about your own smile and appearance will depress your mood and suppress positive emotions.

Dentist vs. Orthodontist

Maybe you’ve never considered that an orthodontist could help you with your emotions. In contrast to a dentist, an orthodontist is a specialist in the realignment of teeth. The thought of braces may call to mind the embarrassing, clunky design of the past, but technology has advanced. Invisalign braces are virtually invisible since they are made of clear plastic.

Health Benefits

Other reasons to consider Invisalign are the health benefits. Crooked teeth can be difficult to floss, making them more prone to decay, not to mention that lack of flossing can affect both your oral and your heart health. As the years go by, misaligned teeth can cause other difficulties since the teeth may not meet together properly as you bite and can become damaged. Your jaw can also be adversely affected by your bite.

Confident Demeanor

Aside from the health benefits, you may simply long for a great smile. When you feel confident about your teeth, you will smile more and your mood will be lifted. Even a job interview can be affected if you’re presenting a happy, confident demeanor. Your children will gain confidence from a positive, smiling parent.

The reasons you’ve given yourself for not investing in braces just don’t apply anymore when you consider Invisalign. They are truly a revolution in the industry. Contact Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics for more information about changing your smile and your life so that you truly have a thousand reasons to smile.

Why a Smile is More than Just a Universal Welcome 2

Why a Smile is More than Just a Universal Welcome

SQ4-Gorton-&-Schmohl-Orthodontics

It has been said throughout the ages that the eyes are windows to the soul. If they are, then your smile is the universal greeting that transcends languages and customs — as everyone can understand what a smile is, when they see one.

That is why it is important to treat your smile with the utmost care. It affects everything, from your chances of acquiring a new job to what your friends and family think of you, but most importantly it influences how you think about yourself.

Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why you should consult with your local Marin County orthodontist about beautifying your smile.

1. Your Smile Makes You Feel Better About Yourself

The process of smiling has numerous outcomes that affect how you think about yourself. The simple act of smiling releases dopamine into the brain and increases the amount of blood that flows to your brain, both of which support that fluttery feeling of feel-good happiness.

The effect of smiling goes past that. By being able and willing to smile, you’ll feel better about your own self-image. This can simply be the cure to prevent things like depression.

2. Your Smile Affects How Others See You

Smiling is considered the trait of a happy individual. People feel more open when they’re interacting with someone who smiles.

If you are in a position where you need to greet people, it gives the feeling that you are cordial and friendly to talk to. This is a great advantage for you if you are trying to do everything, from acing that job interview or to doing something like selling a used car.

3. Smiling Helps to Cheer Up Those Around You

Another popular proverb holds that smiling is contagious. While laughing is known as the best way to cheer people up, it is evident that a simple smile is the next best way to make a person happy.

This means that smiling can soothe a troubling day. A great tool to have and flaunt.

Don’t Let Your Smile Be Something You Have to Hide

Your smile is an invaluable part of both your health and your social well-being. It’s not something that you should neglect, as even orthodontic costs can be negotiated so that whatever needs your smile has, can be met.

Contact Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics today to get in touch with a local, friendly Larkspur orthodontist.

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics 900 Larkspur Landing Circle, Suite 200, Larkspur, California
94939 415-459-8006