Orthodontic treatment is a process that involves using braces or clear aligners to straighten teeth and correct jaw misalignments. Many people opt for orthodontic treatment to transform the look of their smiles, but the process can improve dental health, too. Our orthodontist at [OFFICE NAME] can determine if you’re a candidate for orthodontic treatment and explain the benefits at your consultation in [GEOID]. Before beginning the process, however, there are some important facts you need to know.
Why Is Orthodontic Treatment Needed?
Dental health and general health are closely linked. Even seemingly minor problems like crooked teeth could increase your risk of gum disease, which has been linked to everything from obesity to cardiovascular disease. If you have crooked or crowded teeth, a misaligned bite, or struggle with chewing or speaking because of your teeth, orthodontic treatment can help.
Braces, clear aligners, and other orthodontic treatments can help not only create a more attractive smile and balanced face but will also ensure your teeth function properly. They also make it easier to clean your teeth, balance your bite, and reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. These devices can even help you avoid more costly restorative dental treatments caused by untreated orthodontic problems.
Who Can Benefit from Orthodontic Treatment?
In the past, children and teens were the typical face of orthodontic treatment. In recent years, however, an increasing number of adults are turning to orthodontics to get the smiles they’ve always wanted. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, more than a fourth of all orthodontic patients are adults, and they’ve got more treatment options than ever before thanks to advanced dental technology and revolutionary treatment options, such as clear aligners.
In other words, regardless of your age, if you’re unhappy with your smile, you might be a candidate for orthodontic treatment in [GEOID].
Is Orthodontic Treatment Really Beneficial?
Many people think of orthodontics as solely cosmetic. While it’s true that orthodontic treatment can straighten and align your teeth, giving you a beautiful new smile, it’s also true that orthodontic treatment can transform your dental health.
When teeth are spaced incorrectly or are crooked, they can be hard to keep clean. That leads to a buildup of plaque and tartar, which increases the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. Teeth and jaws that are not aligned can also put abnormal pressure on the jaw joint and cause teeth to wear unevenly. This can lead to headaches, tooth and jaw pain, and other problems.
Correcting your misalignment with orthodontic treatment can be one of the best things you can do for your dental health.
Maintaining Your New Smile
Orthodontic treatment can last anywhere from a few months to a few years, depending on the nature of your needs, your goals, and the treatment you’re undergoing. Once the active treatment phase is complete, you’ll enter the retention phase of treatment. This part of treatment is essential because teeth can shift over time. The risk of shifting is highest in the months immediately after treatment, but teeth can continue to shift throughout our lives as a result of various factors.
A retainer can prevent shifting. The retainer acts as a kind of insurance policy for your smile, preventing teeth from moving back to their original positions and keeping your smile healthy and strong. Several types of retainers are available, including removable retainers and fixed retainers. Our orthodontist in [GEOID] can help you decide which is best for your smile.
You might need to wear your retainer all the time initially, but most people can decrease how long they wear their retainers over time. You must discuss this with our orthodontist to ensure you enjoy the best possible results from your treatment.
Along with your retainer, you’ll need to continue practicing good dental habits, which include brushing after meals, flossing daily, and scheduling regular dental checkups on your recommended schedule.
The Other Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
While we’ve discussed the many health benefits of orthodontic treatment, we haven’t spent as much time on the confidence boost you can expect. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, more than nine out of 10 adults report increased self-esteem after orthodontic treatment.
If you are one of the many people who feel self-conscious about their smiles, orthodontic treatment could boost your confidence, too. There’s no more need to hide your smile or laugh behind a raised hand or to keep your lips together when smiling for a photo. Instead, you can let your brilliant smile speak for you as you put it front and center in all interactions.
The benefits of orthodontic treatment include better oral health, increased self-confidence, and improved overall quality of life. Before you dive into treatment, though, you need to consider all aspects of treatment from the health benefits to the aftercare. At [OFFICE NAME], we’ll walk you through the process and help you get the smile you deserve.
Contact [OFFICE NAME] today to learn more about orthodontic treatment or to schedule a consultation with our orthodontist in [GEOID].