Benefits of Orthodontists

It’s no secret that an attractive smile makes us feel better about ourselves! Your confidence and self-esteem shine through when you love your smile. The cosmetic benefits of edina orthodontists are clear but ortho treatment also greatly reduces your future risk for tooth decay, gum disease, chewing problems, speech impairments, loss of bone structure in the jaw and bruxism. Here, we will review a few of the benefits to receiving orthodontic treatment.

Braces

Having proper dental alignment is important for individuals of all ages. Overcrowded teeth are hard to clean and therefore are more prone to decay and gum disease. When the teeth are not aligned and you have a malocclusion, bruxism can be a very painful side effect. Bruxism is the unconscious clenching and grinding of the teeth which leads to chipped teeth, cracked teeth and worn down teeth. You may also experience headaches radiating from the temples and jaw pain. Neck and facial pain can accompany bruxism. In certain cases, orthodontic treatment can help you avoid such problems.

Orthodontia for Children

Around 7 is the advisable age for an evaluation by an Orthodontist to determine if your child will be needing braces in the coming years. However, sometimes your child's Pediatric Dentist, speech pathologist or general dentist may notice something that calls for an earlier consult with Dr. Pan. Having your child in braces early on often significantly improves their skeletal growth and gives the Orthodontist the ability to guide incoming teeth and their growing jaw into an ideal position.

Orthodontia for Adults

Advances in technology have made it easier for adults to undergo orthodontic treatment. Braces seem to be associated with children so adults have shied away from them in the past. As we age, misaligned and crowded teeth become more of a problem. They are hard to clean and therefore are more susceptible to decay and periodontal disease. Malocclusion can lead to bruxism which leads to jaw pain, headaches, and damaged teeth.

No matter your age, orthotic treatment is something to consider for not only the health of your mouth but of your entire body. Clear aligner therapy, such as Invisalign is a great option for adults. They aren’t as obvious as braces and you can feel confident leading that big client meeting with your orthodontic appliance in place!

Timeframe of Orthodontic Treatment

Most our patients can expect to be in ortho treatment for a period of 1-2 years. Every case is different and the more work there is to be done, the longer it will take. Some clear aligner therapy can be completed in as little as six months if there is not extensive movement to be done. It is important that you follow Dr. Pan’s instructions and care for your braces or Invisalign as best you can. With your compliance, ortho treatment will go much more smoothly and not take any longer than necessary.

How Orthodontic Treatment Benefits You

1. Decrease in oral disease: As your teeth straighten, the nooks and crannies where bacteria and plaque like to hide disappear. The plaque and bacteria build-up can cause cavities and periodontal disease. Left untreated, periodontal disease can make you more susceptible to medical issues and the link between gum disease and heart disease is well studied and evident.
2. Jaw issues: Ortho treatment not only straightens your teeth but it aligns your bite, ensuring ideal jaw placement. A misaligned bite, or malocclusion, puts stress on the jaw and over time, can cause jaw disorders and bruxism. A proper bite keeps your teeth from wearing down and helps alleviate bruxism. Bruxism is the unconscious clenching and grinding of the teeth which causes sensitivity, chipping and fracturing in the teeth. Using ortho to correct your bite will greatly reduce your risk of pain and injury that can be caused when left untreated.
3. Injury: Correcting a bite can help younger children and adults avoid injury in physical activities. If a bite is overjet (over protrusion or “buck teeth”) can be a risk, especially for active children playing contact sports.
4. Other health risks: A malocclusion can cause improper chewing which in turn will lead to digestive issues and other gastrointestinal problems and poor nutrient absorption. Swallowing larger bites of food can cause reflux which in turn can damage the stomach lining and tooth enamel.

The benefits of orthodontic treatment are numerous. The cosmetic results are so clear that many do not even realize the many ways ortho can help prevent other health maladies. Ortho can help your path to a healthier, happier you!

More About Orthodontists : Choosing the Right Orthodontist