A straight smile is attributed to health, confidence, and success, but improved aesthetics aren’t the only benefit. Believe it or not, correcting certain bite and alignment problems can also improve your oral health and quality of life. Holistic orthodontic treatment provides several lasting advantages, like better oral health and reduced dental expenses.
Prevent Future Dental Problems
Misaligned teeth are more difficult to keep clean. Food particles and plaque can get trapped in overlapping or gapped teeth. Moving your teeth into their best positions makes brushing and flossing more effective to reduce your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Orthodontics is an investment in a healthy mouth and body by reducing harmful oral bacteria.
Reduced Oral Health Expenses
Cavities and gum disease are leading causes of tooth loss, despite being preventable. Reducing your risk of both issues lessens the likeliness of needing costly treatment later. As a result, you can save money down the road by investing in orthodontics to straighten your smile.
Better Oral Functions
The positions of your teeth can affect the way your upper and lower arches come together when your mouth is closed. If there isn’t a balance between the top and bottom teeth, simple tasks can be challenging or painful, like biting and chewing. Correcting your bite can make it easier to speak and chew to improve your overall quality of life.
Improve TMJ Disorders
When there isn’t harmony between the upper and lower arches, it can cause uneven pressure on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your jaw to your skull on either side of your face. Known as TMD, the condition can limit jaw movements, cause facial pain, and contribute to grinding and clenching your teeth. Orthodontics can stop your pain and treat bruxism while ensuring the correct function of the TMJ.
Improve Your Breathing
Bite issues can affect your breathing by constricting your airway. Not only can you experience problems with your sinuses but also an increased risk of obstructive sleep apnea, which can cause several interruptions in breathing while sleeping. Orthodontic treatment can open your airways to make it easier to breathe comfortably.
Prevent Bone Loss
Every tooth has a long root embedded in the jawbone. If bacteria reach the bone through the gums or tooth, your bone can break down. Misaligned teeth are a leading cause of bone erosion in the jaw from extra pressure on the teeth and gums. This can create a space for bacteria to reach the bone. Correcting alignment issues will close the pockets, so there’s nowhere for harmful bacteria to hide.
It’s never too late to invest in a healthy smile with orthodontics. Schedule your orthodontic consultation to start your journey to a straight, beautiful smile.
About Dr. Blair Struble
Dr. Struble earned her dental degree at the Oregon Health & Science University in Portland before pursuing her Master of Science in Dentistry and certification in orthodontics. She has the solutions you need to achieve your best smile with braces or clear aligners. Contact our office today to request your consultation.