The biggest benefit of using orthodontic appliances may seem obvious – straight teeth look great! But beyond aesthetics, treating crooked teeth can also benefit your overall health and well-being. Here, learn the all-round perks of orthodontic treatments and your options for addressing dental misalignments.
Benefits of orthodontic appliances
Want to know more about the benefits of treating teeth misalignment? Saying yes to orthodontic appliances can make you look and feel great from the inside out. Plus, it can:
1. Improve your smile.
Straight teeth, a correct bite, and non-existent crowding can do wonders for your overall appearance. Be on your way to achieving all that with orthodontic solutions! Because, really, a winning smile is always worth your while.
2. Save money in the long run.
Orthodontic treatment may seem time-consuming and pricey, but the advantages of fixing misaligned teeth can save you a lifetime of regret. Neglecting your dental issues can lead to more severe conditions, which means you’ll need to spend on more costly procedures in the future. Consider orthodontics as a wise long-term investment in your oral (and financial!) health.
3. Lower risk of tooth decay.
The American Association of Orthodontists emphasises the importance of orthodontic appliances in maintaining overall health. Malocclusions or misalignments lead to tighter spaces between teeth, making toothbrushing an ordeal. This results in food particles and bacteria getting stuck in those impenetrable nooks and crannies. Consequently, that buildup can increase your risk of tooth decay. But with proper alignment – thanks to orthodontics – cleaning your teeth will be a breeze.
4. Help manage gum disease.
Part of ensuring overall oral health is paying attention to your gums. A study from the Journal of Clinical Periodontology highlights the possible relationship between gum disease and teeth misalignment. Like tooth decay, gum disease can occur due to plaque and bacteria buildup. If left untreated, the condition can result in more severe issues like receding gums and tooth loss.
5. Make eating easier.
People with an open bite generally can’t bring their upper and lower teeth together. Others may struggle with teeth not making contact at the back. In any case, both issues make eating problematic. Adding to this, neglecting to fix your misaligned bite can result in pain, discomfort, and poor nutrition intake.
The good news – the American Association of Orthodontics suggests the use of orthodontic appliances to improve digestive functions, like chewing and swallowing. When your teeth come together in the correct position as a result of treatment, they can break down food more effortlessly. That’s something to chew on if you’re still unsure about having your bite fixed!
6. Boost self-confidence.
Don’t let crooked teeth hold you back! A study by the International Orthodontics Journal revealed that orthodontic treatments offered a positive psychological impact on the self-esteem of young adults with malocclusion. Getting orthodontics can be a great way to address any issues you may be having, such as misaligned teeth, and give you the confidence boost to navigate social settings, from a date to a new job.
7. Improve your quality of life.
It isn’t just your self-worth that teeth alignment can build up. Orthodontic appliances can change your life for the better, according to one study by the European Journal of Orthodontics. Straight and healthy teeth can improve how you eat, sleep, work, and play (sports). Isn’t that something to smile about?
Types of orthodontic appliances
Ready to get closer to your dream smile? Depending on your problem, your dentist can prescribe any one of these devices to treat your concern:
- Metal braces: These are one of the most common teeth straightening options because of their proven effectiveness. However, they can cause mouth discomfort and cleaning around their wires and brackets can be challenging.
- Headgears: Dentists may recommend headgears to realign the jaw and treat underbites or overbites.
- Ceramic braces: These are similar to traditional metal braces but use a translucent ceramic material to mimic the teeth’s colour. But besides requiring more maintenance, ceramic braces may also mean a higher price tag.
- Palate expander: If you have a narrow jaw or crossbite, your dentist might recommend this appliance to correct your condition. Orthodontic or palate expanders work by slowly expanding the roof of the mouth.
- Dental aligners: Are you hesitant to seek treatment because of the impact of orthodontic appliances on your looks (and quality of life!)? Consider this “invisible” option. Aligners like ClearCorrect are effective for correcting dental misalignments and bite issues like overbites and underbites. Plus, they’re discreet, comfortable, and completely removable, so you get a smile upgrade without having to dampen your lifestyle.
Let orthodontic appliances transform more than just your teeth! A smile revamp will have you looking and feeling brand new. What are you waiting for? Take this online smile assessment and work with your dentist to assess your condition so you can find a device that best suits your needs and lifestyle. And don’t hold off treating your teeth for too long. Fix your misalignment today and enjoy a lifetime of benefits for your health, wellness, and more.
References:
American Association of Orthodontists. (2023, January 11). Why orthodontics? | American Association of Orthodontists.
Bernhardt, O., Krey, K., Daboul, A., Völzke, H., Kindler, S., Kocher, T., & Schwahn, C. (2019). New insights in the link between malocclusion and periodontal disease. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 46(2), 144–159.
Grewal, H., Sapawat, P., Modi, P., & Aggarwal, S. P. (2019). Psychological impact of orthodontic treatment on quality of life – A longitudinal study. International Orthodontics, 17(2), 269–276.
Johal, A., Alyaqoobi, I., Patel, R., & Cox, S. (2015). The impact of orthodontic treatment on quality of life and self-esteem in adult patients. European Journal of Orthodontics, 37(3), 233–237.
Zanon, G., Contardo, L., & Reda, B. (2022). The Impact of Orthodontic Treatment on masticatory Performance: a literature review.
