When people think of orthodontics, they usually have a very specific idea of it in their head, and it usually consists of a child having their teeth straightened using metal braces. And why are they having their teeth straightened? Purely for aesthetics, right? Actually, contrary to popular belief, an orthodontist can correct a wide variety of issues that might seem to have nothing to do with the alignment of the teeth. What are they? Today, we discuss how getting a perfectly straight smile can do more than just improve your looks.
More Than Just Straight Teeth
While it is very true that flawlessly straight teeth are more pleasing to look at, they also have many other advantages as well. Crooked and crowded teeth can be very difficult to completely clean while brushing and flossing because portions of the teeth are literally blocked off. This can make a person much more vulnerable to developing cavities, gum disease, and even tooth loss over time. When the teeth are properly aligned, it’s much easier to keep them healthy and problem-free.
It’s also very common for misaligned teeth to not come together correctly, creating what is called malocclusion. Common malocclusions include an overbite, under bite, and cross bite. In addition to affecting the appearance of the smile, it can also make it difficult for a person to speak and/or eat comfortably. Even worse, it can make the teeth come together in such a way that causes them to unnaturally rub against each other and gradually wear down the enamel. Over time, this can weaken the teeth and make them more likely to fracture. With a properly aligned bite, these issues can be easily avoided.
The alignment of the teeth is also very important to a person’s ability to breathe. Why? Because the size of your airway is directly dependent on the placement of your tongue and the space that’s available around it. When straightening the teeth, an orthodontist can increase the amount of space around the tongue, enabling a person to breathe better. This will usually give them more energy during the day as well as allow them to sleep more deeply.
More Than Just Braces
Another thing people believe about orthodontics is that the only treatment utilized is metal braces. While it is true that they are still used today and are the most reliable orthodontic treatment available, modern-dentistry has developed another method that’s better suited for image-conscious adults: ClearCorrect.
ClearCorrect uses a series of custom-made clear plastic aligners to straighten the teeth, and adults love them because they are both invisible and removable. They give a patient more flexibility than braces, and they also enable them to straighten their teeth without having to alter their daily appearance.
As you can see, your orthodontist can do so much more than simply give you braces to straighten your teeth. They can boost your oral and overall health at the same time using a discreet treatment that no one notices. How times have changed!
The point is, if you’ve been dealing with crooked teeth for years or believe your child could benefit from braces, know that straightening the teeth will do so much more than just enhance the smile’s appearance. How much more? That’s up to you and your orthodontist, so be sure to contact them for an appointment! After a quick exam, they can tell you about all the different ways orthodontic treatment can help you or your child.
About the Author
Dr. Ray Voller is a general dentist and orthodontist based in Kittanning, PA. He is specially trained in orthodontics and makes it convenient for his patients to get the straighter smiles they’ve always wanted while at their regular dentist. He currently practices at Voller Dentistry, and he can be reached through his website or by phone at (724) 543-4948.