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A confident smile is more than just aesthetically pleasing; it can also have a positive impact on your overall well-being. Orthodontic treatment offers a range of benefits, providing people with a straighter smile they can be proud of. From improved oral health to enhanced self-esteem, this article will explore the transformative advantages that orthodontic treatment can offer and how it can pave the way for a lifetime of dental satisfaction.
1. Fixes your bite alignment
Conditions like an overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite can be addressed with orthodontic appliances. A properly aligned bite improves chewing and speaking abilities while reducing the risk of jaw joint problems (TMJ disorders) and excessive wear on teeth. Early orthodontic intervention in children can help to guide teeth alignment and jaw development to prevent the need for tooth extractions, oral surgery and orthodontic treatment in the future.
2. When should I see an orthodontist and options for treatment
Misalignment, or malocclusion, is the most common reason for seeing an orthodontist. Orthodontic treatment can correct crowded, crooked, gapped and protruding teeth. Square bonds made of metal, ceramic, or plastic are affixed to the teeth, and a system of wires or springs exerts pressure to gradually shift the teeth into proper alignment. Patients can opt for transparent aligners as an alternative to conventional braces. Once your teeth are straight and in proper alignment, it makes them easier to clean, and both your gum and teeth health will improve.
3. Reduce the risk of dental related injuries
Protruding or misaligned teeth are more susceptible to damage during accidents because they are more exposed. There is a higher risk of injuring one's teeth or gums during sports or other strenuous activities. Excessive occlusal trauma — especially on a lower front tooth that is not in proper alignment — can cause localised gingival recession. Children should be encouraged to stop their thumb-sucking habits and the use of pacifiers as the pressure applied to eventual adult teeth will cause them to be jutted out of position. Orthodontic treatment can be carried out to correct malocclusion and reduce the risk of traumatic dental injuries later in life.
4. Improve the appearance of your smile
Straighter teeth can boost one's self-confidence and perceived social image. Ortho- is the Greek prefix for straight or correct. In boxing, being unorthodox can help a fighter to be different and unpredictable, but having unorthodox health is never advisable. In dentistry, orthodontics refers to the standard of having aligned, healthy teeth. As with other health standards, we often believe those who take care of themselves are responsible and hard-working because they take the time to properly present themselves to others. Therefore, having a proper smile can lead to better professional and social opportunities.
Orthodontic treatment can create an attractive and healthy smile for you. Straightening crooked or misaligned teeth can significantly enhance facial aesthetics and boost dental longevity. Misaligned teeth can easily trap food particles, causing dental problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath and social problems like a lack of confidence and opportunities. Orthodontic treatment can change your life in many positive ways, so it is best to start the treatment in the early, developmental years.
References:
- https://www.evolutionorthodontics.com.au/blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-orthodontic-treatment/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24285-orthodontics
- https://softouchdentalcare.com/blog/5-benefits-of-orthodontic-treatment/
- https://starorthopedo.com/health-benefits-of-orthodontic-treatment/
- https://www.weisnerorthodontics.com/patient/benefits-of-orthodontics
- https://holbertbraces.com/protruding-teeth-and-dental-injuries/#:~:text=Protruding%20teeth%20are%20more%20likely%20to%20catch%20on%20objects%20and,than%20children%20without%20protruding%20teeth.
- https://massihortho.com/causes-of-protruding-teeth-and-the-associated-dental-risks/
- https://www.news-medical.net/news/20190514/Study-confirms-link-between-protruding-teeth-and-traumatic-dental-injuries.aspx
- https://granburydental.com/blog/protruding-teeth-and-dental-injuries/
- https://www.memphisbraces.com/blog/how-protruding-teeth-can-cause-traumatic-dental-injuries/
- https://smilehickory.com/blogs/how-protruding-teeth-can-contribute-to-risk-of-dental-injury/
Being a dentist at the prestigious Tiew Dental, Dr Jacquelyn Lim is one you can rely on for accurate, professional advice. She graduated from University Malaya in 2019, and now has invaluable experience and knowledge, thanks to her time serving at government dental clinics. She has a special interest in Orthodontics and Periodontics. When she’s not treating patients at her clinic, she is either at the gym or travelling to her favourite destination.