Are you considering getting orthodontic treatment as an adult? Are you wondering if your child really does need braces? If so, it might be helpful to know that orthodontic treatment is not purely for cosmetic purposes—in fact, there are a number of health benefits as well! Read on to learn some of the ways straightening your teeth can greatly improve your health.
1. Orthodontic treatment can help to prevent jaw pain.
TMJ (also known as your temporomandibular joint) syndrome and bruxism (teeth grinding) can often result from a misaligned bite. When your teeth are crowded and, therefore, the upper and lower teeth do not meet properly, this can send your jaw out of line. These symptoms are quite painful on your jaw, and can ultimately lead to migraines, facial pain, difficulty eating, and even earaches. Thankfully, correcting your bite through orthodontic treatment can resolve these issues.
2. Straighter teeth are easier to keep clean.
Maintaining your dental hygiene is very important for your oral health. It helps to keep your enamel free of decay and keep your gums in good condition. However, when your teeth are not correctly aligned, this can make it more difficult to properly clean away plaque and debris from those hidden nooks and crannies. This means that you’re at greater risk for cavities, gingivitis, and other oral health issues.
3. Orthodontic treatment will lower your risk of gum disease.
Your teeth alignment has a significant impact on the health of your gums. When your teeth are straight, they’re easier to properly brush and floss, which allows you to protect your gums from infection. Straight teeth also allows the gums to fit better within your gum sockets, which means there are fewer pockets that could trap harmful bacteria. These two factors are important in preventing an infection called gingivitis, which, if left untreated, can eventually progress to gum disease.
4. It can also reduce your risk for other serious health conditions.
By way of preventing gum disease, orthodontic treatment also prevents many other oral health conditions. Gum disease has been linked to a number of severe health issues including stroke, heart disease, respiratory illness, and even complications with pregnancy. Therefore, straightening your teeth can actually protect you not only from infections of the gums, but a number of other health issues as well.
5. Straight teeth can give you better breath.
Crooked teeth can create many pockets to trap bacteria and food debris. It can also make it more difficult to brush these particles away. Over time, these particles can begin to release an odor that leads to halitosis, or bad breath. Therefore, orthodontic treatment can be highly beneficial in keeping your breath smelling fresh and your teeth and gums in good condition.
Do you want to see if orthodontic treatment is right for you or your child? Call your local Oak Park orthodontics team in Chicago today to schedule your consultation!