Dental problems can be a huge burden. Maybe you’re scared of the dentist, or you feel your overall mouth health is the least of your priorities. But dental care is an integral part of staying healthy in the long run. And the health benefits of orthodontics will surprise you.
Orthodontics is the diagnosis and treatment of dental deformities, such as, the stereotypical “buck-toothed teen”. These deformities can cause real harm to your mouth and overall physical health if severe enough.
The good news is that orthodontic treatment can help protect your teeth and your gums. In fact, there are numerous benefits to visiting the orthodontist and taking charge of your dental health.
Prevent Future Dental Issues
You might not know this, but orthodontics is a sure-fire way to prevent future dental issues. Everything from cavities to tooth loss can be linked to misaligned jaws, crooked teeth, overcrowding, and other mouth abnormalities.
By seeking out an orthodontist, you may prevent more serious issues later, such as:
- Gum Disease
- Decreased Mobility of Jaw
- Lessened Chewing Ability
- Abnormal Wearing of the Teeth
- Overall Physical Health
Neglecting your dental health can have far-reaching consequences. A cavity one day can cause an ear infection the next. Your oral health can make it or break it when it comes to your overall health.
With the aid of devices specially designed to realign your teeth, these issues may be solved without invasive treatment. These issues could include:
- Problems with Speech
- Infections/Fevers
- Temporomandibular Disorders (TMJ)
- Headaches/Migraines
- Face/Neck Pain
- Easier to Take Care of Your Teeth
When your jaws are misaligned or your teeth are crooked, your dental hygiene suffers. You can brush as hard as possible (which can wear away at your enamel), but you may never be able to reach the places where plaque grows unimpeded.
With orthodontics, you can rest easy knowing you can brush and floss your teeth without strenuous effort. That means less bad breath germs and more minty fresh confidence for you!
Loads of Different Treatments Available
Finally, the field of orthodontics has a wide variety of treatments available to its patients. Everything from rubber bands, specially designed to realign your teeth, to retainers used to repair your jaw.
If the thought of a mouth of metal has kept you from choosing a straight and beautiful smile, have no fear because there are options!
If you want your braces to go unnoticed, select from a variety of minimally detectable orthodontic treatments such as ceramic braces that have clear brackets, lingual braces that go behind the teeth, and the nearly invisible Invisalign. All these options offer a more subtle experience for patients.
Please consider the health benefits of orthodontics for your family. Whether you are concerned about your child’s health or are an adult who needs dental work done, contact a licensed orthodontist today.
