Today, orthodontic treatment is simple, convenient and affordable for patients of all ages. And there are three main reasons why people seek orthodontic treatment:
- Improved Appearance
- Better Oral Health
- Proper Oral Function
Improved Appearance
The most visible benefit of undergoing orthodontic treatment is the improved appearance and self-esteem that comes from a straight, beautiful smile! It is commonly observed and reported that improved appearance can help a person’s academic, professional and personal success, and that one of the most significant factors of appearance is a wide, bright smile. Having a beautiful smile can help a patient look and feel better about themselves, which can have a significant impact on every aspect of their life. Orthodontics is clearly worth the cost and time when considering what benefits are available, which can explain orthodontics’ increased popularity over the last few decades.
Better Oral Health
Straight teeth aren’t just more attractive – they’re also easier to clean. Teeth in proper alignment offer little to no room for food particles to become trapped and turn into enamel-degrading plaque and caries. Also, severe orthodontic cases can make certain teeth more vulnerable to injury. Improper tooth alignment can also lead to gum and soft tissue recession, contributing to periodontal disease.
Proper Oral Function
Orthodontics is one of the most comprehensive – and non-invasive – options for treating jaw discrepancy problems. Since we depend on food to survive, jaw muscles and joints will often adapt to bad teeth positioning in order to maximize chewing effectiveness, even if it means putting those joints into a position that can cause damage over time. Thus, having teeth that are properly aligned can restore jaws to their proper position, offering benefits for such far-ranging symptoms as jaw popping, jaw and chewing pain, migraines and sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.