What are the health benefits of orthodontic treatment besides a pretty smile?

Q: What are the health benefits of orthodontic treatment besides a pretty smile?

 

You may be surprised to know that the benefits of having properly aligned teeth extend far beyond a confident smile. According to the American Dental Association, straightening your teeth can actually significantly affect your overall dental health.

 

Here are a few benefits of braces that can have a major impact on your health:

 

Healthier teeth and Gums

Crooked or crowded teeth overlap each other and cause tight spaces in between teeth. This can make it very difficult to properly clean around the tooth allowing bacteria and plaque to build up, eventually leading to tooth decay and gum disease. Tooth decay and gum disease are caused by bacteria. Left untreated, they can cause mouth sores, tender or bleeding gums, bad breath, and possible tooth loss.

 

"Tooth decay is the 2nd most common disease in the U.S. after the common cold."

 

Studies by the American Dental Association have shown that oral infections can also lead to other more serious ailments such as heart disease, stroke, pneumonia and diabetes. When teeth are properly aligned, it helps the gums fit more securely around the teeth, allowing for the strongest and healthiest defense against potential periodontal problems.

 

 

Less jaw problems

Aligned jaws allow for normal speech, eating, long-term oral health and appearance. Misaligned jaws can cause stress on the jaw which can lead to TMJ. TMJ can be extremely painful causing severe headaches, abnormal wear on the teeth, and overall pain in your jaw joint area. Along with TMJ, a misaligned bite causes your teeth to weaken and be more susceptible to chipping and breaking off, which can lead to infections and extractions of teeth.

 

During orthodontic treatment we take measures to not only straighten your teeth but align your bite and jaw as well.

 

Build Self Confidence

Did you know that 99.7% of adults think a great smile if an important social aspect and the first thing they notice about a person?

In today's society having a straight symmetrical smile can help with a child and adults self confidence, since there is no worry about making a bad impression with crooked or misaligned teeth. The importance of an attractive smile should not be underestimated. A pleasing appearance is a vital asset to one's self-confidence, and self-esteem often improves as treatment brings teeth, lips and face into harmony.

 

Cost-Effective Dental Care

When teeth and jaws are aligned you will have fewer severe dental issues to take care. As mentioned earlier unhealthy crooked teeth and gums can cause tooth decay and gum disease, which will have to be taken care of by a dentist. This will be added costs to your dental care that could be avoided if your teeth were straight and easier to clean.

 

We smile on average 63 times day, call to schedule a complimentary consultation today to make that smile a straight one!

Albert P. Ellender, D.D.S.