Review # 230: Straight Talk about Crooked Teeth - The New Orthodontics by S. Kent Lauson, DDS, MS, Orthodontist

Description:

     Anyone can attain a "movie star smile", just ask orthodontist S. Kent Lauson, the creator of The Lauson System: Nine Keys to Lower Facial Harmony. This book describes twenty-five years of holistic methods in orthodontia, and rejects the use of permanent tooth extractions and surgery when faced with tooth alignment problems. Lauson's methods reduce the risks
for TMJ distress, Asthma, ADHD, Sleep Apnea, and neck/ back problems associated with tooth positioning.

"...This book is a must read for:

• Parents who are choosing anOrthodontist for their children.

• Adults wanting to fix their smile nomatter their age.

• Anyone who has been told they need surgery or teeth extractions to straighten their teeth.

• Dentists and Orthodontists whobelieve in a more holistic approach..." (from the cover)

Review:

     I am blessed with good teeth and am thankful that I never had to visit an orthodontist for braces or other dental problems/ surgeries, but a large percentage of the world's population is not so lucky. There are a whole host of dental deformities that cause crooked teeth, mouth pain, and physical/personal discomfort, and over the years there have been many proposed treatments; including tooth extractions, braces, retainers, and complex dental surgeries. Although some of these treatments continue to produce positive results, others are now considered outdated and unnecessarily painful. These are just some of the reasons that orthodontist S. Kent Lauson decided to share his views on "The New Orthodontics" - attaining a "movie star smile" without avoidable tooth extractions, braces, and surgery. Lauson takes readers on a step-by-step tour of his method including the recent history of functional facial orthopedics, the nine keys to lower facial harmony, and case studies involving patients in different phases of The Lauson System, including before-and-after photos, diagrams, and detail on treatment appliances. There is also a handy Appendix/ Glossary section that allows readers to investigate treatment appliances, pertinent articles and blogs, information for medical and dental professionals, useful charts, and key terms. Lauson makes orthodontic topics easy-to-understand and readily available for both medical/ dental professionals and parents. Even those without dental problems can benefit from chapters on posture, facial symmetry and adverse oral habits, (mouth breathing, improper tongue placement, bottle feeding, thumb and finger sucking, swallowing toothpaste, tooth clenching/ grinding, chewing on gum/ ice/ foreign objects, etc...). I really like how the book is formatted; the material is presented in a straight-forward and interesting way. I can tell that it is well-researched, even someone with no medical knowledge would be able to understand his approach, and the before-and-after photos speak volumes of the possible outcomes of  The Lauson System over time. If I ever need information about orthodontic problems I will definitely consult this book! Every aspiring dentist should have to read this book so that they are more knowledgeable about alternative treatment methods!

Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)

*** I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

About the Author

     Dr. Kent Lauson is a traditionally trained orthodontist who has created a breakthrough holistic approach to treatment. He has enjoyed a distinguished career that has spanned over 35 years. He has degrees from the University of Iowa (DDS), US Air Force (Periodontics Certificate), and St. Louis University Medical Center (Specialty Certificate and Master's Degree in Orthodontics). He is also a fellow of the International College of Craniomandibular Orthopedics, as well as a member of numerous professional associations. Dr. Lauson has lectured at many national dental and orthodontic meetings and is listed in the Guide to America s Top Dentists. He has received many community awards for his work.