Whether you’re a teenager or an adult, orthodontic treatment helps you achieve a straight smile, and it can improve your overall oral health. An orthodontist corrects misaligned teeth and jaws after evaluating your dental health. They can also provide you with retainers, which enable you to maintain the new position of your teeth and prevent any regression. Here are some benefits of orthodontic treatment for teens and adults:
Improves Bite Functionality
When you experience bite problems like an overbite or crossbite, it can cause difficulty in chewing. Misaligned teeth affect your ability to bite properly, leading to potential problems with digestion and speech. Orthodontic treatment aligns your teeth in the correct position, allowing for proper bite function. Aligning your teeth during adolescence and adulthood can also support clearer speech and easier chewing. An orthodontist diagnoses misaligned teeth and jaws, and they design personalized treatment plans to adjust your bite using braces or clear aligners.
Prevents Dental Wear and Shifting
Dental wear and tear may result from various factors, including:
- Teeth grinding and clenching
- Injury or trauma to the mouth
- Genetics or a family history of dental issues
- Habits such as nail biting or chewing on objects
One benefit of orthodontic treatment is that it helps prevent dental wear by properly aligning your teeth. Crooked teeth can place uneven pressure on your bite, causing them to wear down more quickly. Orthodontic treatments, such as braces, gently move your teeth into their ideal positions over time. Using controlled pressure, advanced technology, and personalized treatment plans, they help achieve proper alignment.
After braces are removed, your orthodontist may also prescribe a retainer to prevent teeth from shifting. Retainers hold your teeth in place while the surrounding bones and tissues adapt to the new positioning. The treatment is customized to address your specific orthodontic issues, such as crowded or spaced teeth.
Simplifies Oral Hygiene
Crooked or crowded teeth make brushing more challenging. The lack of alignment creates spaces where plaque and food particles can remain trapped, and this increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Reaching all areas of the mouth sometimes becomes difficult, contributing to long-term oral health issues if not addressed. Proper tooth alignment makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene through regular brushing and flossing.
Straightened teeth reduce these hard-to-reach areas, and this makes it easier to clean every surface effectively. It can help prevent bad breath caused by trapped particles. Properly aligned teeth also allow dental floss to glide between teeth more easily, improving interdental cleaning. Maintaining good oral hygiene is further supported by regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings. When your teeth are straight, your dentist or hygienist is able to access all areas of your mouth without obstruction.
Reduces Risk of Injury
Protruding or misaligned teeth may be more prone to damage, such as cracks and chips. Orthodontic treatment helps realign your teeth to minimize this risk. It may reduce the likelihood of injury during sports, accidents, or everyday activities.
Some adults also experience chronic headaches or jaw pain, and orthodontic treatment is a possible solution for these conditions. Visit an orthodontist as soon as you experience these symptoms for evaluation and accurate diagnosis. Straight teeth may also help prevent you from accidentally biting your cheeks or tongue.
Visit an Orthodontist
Visiting an orthodontist enables you to achieve a healthy smile and correct various dental issues, such as overcrowding. Orthodontists are dental specialists who diagnose, prevent, and correct misaligned teeth and jaws. During your initial visit, the orthodontist will perform a comprehensive examination of your mouth and discuss your treatment options. Contact a reputable orthodontist in your area to schedule a consultation.
