Traditional metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign® aligners are the top orthodontic options for patients of all ages. Before committing to an orthodontic treatment, patients must consider the treatment time, cost, and inconvenience. Braces require patients to be responsible, visit the dentist or orthodontist more regularly, and amp up their oral health care. However, we truly believe the advantages of braces far outweigh the disadvantages.
It’s obvious that orthodontic treatment results in a straighter, more beautiful smile, but those aren’t the only benefits. Continue reading to learn about the top five benefits of orthodontic treatment.
1. Healthier Teeth and Gums
Removing gaps, crowding, and other malocclusions improves oral health by making it more difficult for food particles and bacteria to irritate the teeth and gums. With proper spacing, cleaning between the teeth is much easier, and brushing and flossing become more effective.
2. Improved Appearance
Of course, a perfectly aligned smile is an extremely desirable quality. It doesn’t just make people feel better about themselves, it changes the way others perceive them as well. Straightening teeth, fixing bite issues, and closing gaps can improve a person’s face shape and jaw placement.
Because of the patients’ improved appearance, they also reap the benefits of higher self-esteem, which include:
- The confidence to pursue new opportunities
- New and better relationships
- Better communication skills
- Resilience
- Higher goals and standards
Though patients with traditional metal braces may struggle with their appearance while wearing the braces, keeping the results in mind can be extremely helpful!
3. Elimination of Speech Impediments
Speech impediments are a major contributor to low self-confidence in patients with orthodontic issues. This can lead to a fear of speaking in group settings and avoiding social situations.
Orthodontic issues like overbites and gaps can create issues like whistling while speaking and lisps. Other alignment problems can make pronouncing certain letters and words more difficult or cause slurring. Braces alone can sometimes correct these problems, but in other cases, speech therapy may also be necessary.
4. Jaw Pain Relief
TMJ disorder is characterized by pain in the jaw joints, headaches, and popping in the jaw. There are several reasons a person develops TMJ disorder, such as:
- Bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Stress
- Infections
- Autoimmune disease
- Arthritis
- Physical injury
Dental misalignment can put extra even more pressure, resulting in wear and tear, on the temporomandibular joints. In addition to improving a patient’s appearance, orthodontics can improve their quality of life by correcting TMJ disorder.
5. Better Overall Health
There is a significant link between oral and overall health. Therefore, when orthodontic issues cause oral health problems, they often lead to systemic health issues as well. Gum disease is particularly harmful because it can spread throughout the body by way of the bloodstream. Patients with untreated gum disease can suffer from diabetes, heart attack, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, premature birth, and more.
Braces can lower a person’s risk of developing these health issues. However, patients must also practice good oral hygiene habits to promote optimal oral health.
Orthodontics in Sacramento, CA
Dr. Timothy Mickiewicz works with patients with all types of orthodontic issues. The goal is always to help them achieve a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life. To learn more about your braces options, or to learn if braces are the right choice for you, contact us today at (916) 469-9178.
