When you think of the advantages of orthodontic treatments, you may simply think of how straighter teeth would improve the appearance of your smile. But what you may not know is that orthodontic treatments go far beyond just improving your smile. In fact, orthodontic treatments provide a variety of advantages and can greatly benefit your overall oral health.
In order to fully appreciate the benefits of orthodontic treatments, you need to first understand how crooked teeth and a misaligned bite can damage your oral health. If your bite is off, chances are you’ll know it. A misaligned bite can not only impact the way you chew food and speak; it can also lead to chronic pain.
Crooked teeth – particularly crowded teeth – can make it difficult to brush and floss properly. That can result in an increased risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease. Left untreated, gum disease can eventually lead to tooth decay, and that has been linked to even more serious health issues, such as heart disease and diabetes, to name just two.
People with misaligned bites often suffer from bruxism, or teeth grinding. If you grind your teeth at night, it can disrupt your sleep, which can have an impact on your overall health and quality of life. But more specifically in terms of oral health, bruxism can wear down teeth, even causing them to fracture, chip or become loose. Grinding your teeth can also lead to chronic pain in your jaw, teeth sensitivity and headaches.
Fortunately, orthodontic treatment can resolve many – if not all – of these issues. When considering orthodontics for you or someone in your family, keep in mind that this type of treatment is not only for young people. While it’s true that adolescence is a great time to address the problem of crooked teeth, orthodontic treatments can benefit people of any age. In fact, you’re never too old to enjoy the benefits of orthodontics.
Believe it or not, you may be a good candidate for orthodontic treatment and not even realize it. If you suffer from any of the symptoms listed above – whether it be teeth grinding, chronic headaches or jaw pain, difficulty chewing, sensitive teeth, or worn down teeth, ask your dentist if you might benefit from orthodontic treatment. When it comes to good oral health, remember that you’re never too old to enjoy and advantages of high quality orthodontic treatments provided by a trained and experienced dental professional.
