Orthodontics is a special branch of dentistry that focuses on fixing crooked teeth and jaw problems. It’s been around for a long time, and nowadays we have some really cool tools to help. Straighter teeth are easier to clean, reducing your risk of dental orthodontics issues down the road. And they look better too!

Improved Oral Health

Orthodontic treatments can have a number of significant oral health benefits, including lowering tooth decay risk. Crooked or crowded teeth create nooks and crannies where bacteria love to settle, which raises the risk for gum disease and tooth decay. By aligning teeth correctly, orthodontic treatment facilitates effective cleaning and lowers the risk of these issues.

Teeth and jaws that are properly aligned also make chewing and speaking easier. Whether it’s correcting an overbite, underbite, open bite, or crossbite, orthodontics improves chewing and speaking function by ensuring proper jaw positioning.

Misaligned teeth are more susceptible to dental trauma, which raises the risk for toothaches and fractures. By aligning teeth and reducing protrusion, orthodontic treatments reduce the risk of dental trauma for years to come. This makes them a vital part of preventive care.

Aesthetics

Aesthetic orthodontics prioritizes the visual aspects of a patient’s smile. This is a departure from more functional treatments like dental braces and jaw corrections, which often focus on addressing underlying issues with skeletal alignment or crowding.

A well-aligned bite improves the balance of a patient’s facial proportions, creating a more balanced appearance. This can make teeth look more aesthetically pleasing and may help reduce the risk of future dental problems.

It also ensures that a patient’s cosmetic restorations, like veneers, crowns or bridges, are aesthetically aligned and blended into the natural dentition. Aesthetic restorations should never look artificial or ‘stick out’. They should blend in with the soft tissues of a patient’s mouth to create a cohesive and balanced aesthetic. This is an aspect of aesthetic dentistry that orthodontists excel at.

Better Bite

When people think of orthodontic treatment, they often picture straightening crooked teeth and achieving a beautiful smile. However, orthodontics also addresses bite alignment, which plays a vital role in your oral health and chewing efficiency.

Misaligned teeth create tight spaces that are difficult to clean, leading to an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Correcting the bite through orthodontic treatment reduces these issues.

In addition, a healthy bite improves digestion by breaking down food into smaller, more manageable pieces. It can also reduce jaw strain and prevent choking. Additionally, a healthy bite makes it easier to speak clearly without lisping or slurring. This may help you feel more confident in social and professional situations.

Reduced Risk of Other Dental Issues

A major objective of orthodontic treatment is achieving healthy occlusion (the way your upper and lower teeth come together). Crooked or crowded teeth are difficult to clean properly, leading to bacterial buildup and a greater risk of cavities and gum disease. In addition, chewing and speaking can become uncomfortable.

Correcting bite misalignment alleviates jaw pain and discomfort associated with TMJ disorders and bruxism (teeth grinding). It also reduces the risk of other dental issues like sinus problems, sleep apnea and tooth loss.

A healthy bite also reduces the risk of premature tooth wear, which is exacerbated by abrasive contact between crowded or crooked teeth. Once enamel is worn away, it can’t grow back, increasing the risk of decay and other oral health concerns. Orthodontic treatments like braces and palate expanders prevent this by aligning teeth correctly.

Reduced Stress

Getting braces helps correct misaligned teeth, which can cause speech impediments. It also promotes gum health by distributing bite forces evenly. This reduces stress on the gums, which can lead to periodontal disease and other serious oral problems.

It also improves breathing patterns, allowing more oxygen to flow through the body and brain. This can help alleviate sleep disorders and chronic fatigue, and increase overall energy levels.

If you struggle with dental anxiety, try progressive muscle relaxation. This technique involves tensing and relaxing each group of muscles, starting with your feet and working up through your body. It’s easy to incorporate into your daily routine and can be done in the office, during breaks between patients. Practicing this can help ease your nervousness and prepare you for your appointment.