Orthodontic therapy involves an investment of your time, effort and dollars. Therefore, you should be fully aware of the potential benefits of treatment.
- Straight Teeth and a beautiful smile. These are the benefits most closely associated with orthodontic therapy and the benefits that first come to mind for many people. An attractive smile and facial appearance may enhance one's self esteem and personal confidence, important social and psychological benefits. To this extent, orthodontic therapy may play an important role in the normal socio-psychological development in children, where peer acceptance is particularly important for normal development. The cosmetic benefits of orthodontic treatment can help in all aspects of one's life, both personal and business. Orthodontics means more than an attractive smile and pleasing facial appearance. The following are some important functional and health benefits.
- Normal growth and development of facial bones.
- Teeth that meet properly are less likely to wear excessively or become loose from biting pressure.
- Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean and less likely to develop dental decay or be lost to gum disease.
- Crossbites can result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear.
- Better chewing efficiency. Chewing is the first step in the digestion of food and proper chewing means less stress on the rest of the digestive system and can lead to better absorption of nourishment.
- A poor bite (malocclusion) can have serious health effects on the jaw joint, (Temporomandibular joint or TMJ) leading to degenerative osteoarthritis and mandibular dysfunction.
- Malocclusion may cause chronic mouth breathing when it is difficult to close the lips due to protruding teeth. Mouth breathing can cause chronic upper respiratory infections, chronic fatigue and have other systemic effects. The growth and development of the face is usually adversely affected (Adenoid face). A tongue thrust habit may develop.
- Malocclusion in children usually is not stable and usually gets worse. Teeth not fully interdigitated may shift. Slipped contacts with neighboring teeth may continue to shift.
- Protruding front teeth are subject to accidental trauma, chipping, fracture or avulsion.
- Malocclusion may cause speech impediments and affect swallowing patterns.
- Miscellaneous benefits relating to specific situations.
- Comfort – a proper bite is more comfortable when eating, speaking and swallowing.
Ultimately, orthodontics does more than make a pretty smile-it creates a healthier you. Please feel free to discuss these benefits with Dr. Singer as they relate specifically to the orthodontic care of you or your child.