Orthodontic treatment is the most common dental procedure used to straighten teeth. Nevertheless, the treatment provides many benefits apart from just straightening teeth. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), nearly 50-70% of people could benefit from orthodontic treatment. Here are some of the various benefits of orthodontics:
1. Improved Oral Health
Orthodontic treatment will help you improve and maintain healthy oral hygiene. While misaligned teeth are difficult to clean, straight teeth are easy to brush and floss. No matter how well you currently care for your teeth and gums, you’ll be able to enjoy even better oral health after orthodontic treatment.
2. Improved Confidence
Human beings are naturally concerned about how others perceive their outward appearance. People with crooked teeth oftentimes possess less confidence because of feelings of self-consciousness surrounding their smile. Braces or Invisalign treatment can help you increase confidence and self-esteem by straightening your teeth and creating a healthy, confident smile that the patient is proud to show off to the world! As a result of this, orthodontic treatment can also inadvertently boost your mood and give you more energy to tackle tasks and fulfill your goals and dreams.
3. Gum Disease Prevention
Another long-term benefit of orthodontic treatment is gum disease prevention. Gum diseases cause extensive damage to the gums over time and can develop into more serious issues like permanent teeth loss and periodontal disease. Misaligned teeth tend to trap food particles and plaque, thus increasing the chances of one getting gum disease. Orthodontic treatment simplifies oral hygiene and reduces the number of food particles stuck in your teeth, thus protecting your gums from infection down the road.
4. Bone Loss Prevention
The bones holding the teeth together can also become infected. Misaligned teeth cause bone loss in two ways. Due to cleaning difficulty, bacteria present in the teeth and gums can easily spread to the bones and wear them down. Misaligned teeth also exert force on the teeth and gums, leading to jawbone erosion. Braces or Invisalign treatment can help protect the integrity of your jawbone by promoting oral hygiene and reducing pressure on your teeth and gums.
5. Improve Digestion
Crooked teeth can also adversely impact how a person eats and digests their food. A person with an overbite, underbite, or crossbite cannot bite and chew food properly. This allows large pieces of food to move into the stomach, where they undergo inadequate digestion, a process that can lead to discomfort and intestinal issues. Orthodontic treatment brings your teeth into proper alignment, allowing you to chew your food thoroughly and correctly. Properly chewed food is easier to digest in the stomach, thus protecting you from recurrent digestive and intestinal issues.
It’s always best to address dental and orthodontic health issues as soon as possible to prevent larger issues down the road and ensure a healthy, confident smile that lasts a lifetime. Ready to get started on your best smile? Give Mint Hill Orthodontics a call at 980.243.8030 today to schedule your FREE Smile Consult today!
