Why Orthodontic Treatment Is About Much More Than a Straight Smile

With orthodontic treatment you get more than just a straight smile

Orthodontic treatments do more than help with a straight smile.

Your smile is probably important to you. After all, it demonstrates confidence, makes you appear more welcoming to others, and is often one of the first things people look at when they see your picture. So when your smile is anything but perfect, it could leave you wondering what you could do to get that straight smile you’ve always wanted. Orthodontic treatment is often the solution, but they are about much more than just a straight smile.

If you have been considering seeking orthodontic treatment for a friendly, straight smile, then you’re in luck. Not only will orthodontic treatment help you achieve that aesthetic smile, but you’ll also be able to experience a host of other dental benefits. Read on to understand more!

Evenly spaced teeth lessen the risk for tooth decay.

When you get orthodontic treatment to straighten out your smile, your teeth will become straighter. Of course, it might seem obvious, but when teeth are correctly aligned, it reduces the amount of times food gets stuck between teeth. These sticky food particles in between your teeth can lead to problems such as cavities and plaque. Further, misaligned teeth can cause periodontal disease, an infection of the gums caused by excessive amounts of plaque.

So, it becomes easier for your toothbrush and floss to get in between your teeth when they are straight. This means that even your daily oral hygiene routine will become more productive for you, thus lessening the risk for tooth decay. So be sure to stick with your daily routine of brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and rinsing with a fluoridated mouthwash, even after your orthodontic treatment has been completed.

A perfectly aligned bite lowers the risk of developing TMD.

TMD stands for temporomandibular disorder and occurs due to problems with the jaw, jaw joint (or TMJ), and surrounding facial muscles. An incorrect bite can cause aesthetic issues, including an overbite or underbite. When you bite down incorrectly, it can lead to malocclusion and aggravating TMJ pain, thus leading to TMD. The symptoms associated with a misaligned jaw, however, can significantly affect someone who is otherwise healthy. Chronic headaches or migraines, abnormal tooth wear, and difficulty sleeping are pretty standard. When untreated, the toll taken by TMJ disorder will continue to increase. Vertigo and tinnitus (ringing in the ears) are common as well. Thankfully, orthodontic treatment helps realign your jaw, thus reducing the risk of developing TMD.

Clear aligners can help with bruxism.

Tooth grinding, otherwise known as bruxism, is more common than you might think. Many people experience tooth grinding when they sleep, especially if they are prone to stress. But those who use clear aligners as part of their orthodontic treatment benefit from a faster treatment time and a simple treatment for their bruxism. Put simply, the clear aligners used to adjust your bite help reprogram the muscles involved in teeth grinding so your bite is straighter going forward. As you sleep, these aligners do their magic by serving as a cushion between your upper and lower teeth. This cushion prevents your teeth from grinding against one another. As your teeth aren’t in contact with one another, you can’t grind them. Over time, your jaw gets used to this new positioning.

Properly positioned teeth will more evenly stimulate the jawbones, which in turn, keeps bone architecture intact.

As you can see, the goal of orthodontic treatment is to do far more than just straighten your teeth. Though that is the primary purpose, the secondary effects can provide a host of long-lasting benefits that can make you more comfortable and healthier. When your teeth are properly positioned, in particular, your jawbones are more evenly stimulated. This is important for biting and chewing. Not only that, but when your jaw is aligned correctly, it reduces the risk of chronic headaches and other serious health issues.

With your bone architecture intact, you are less likely to experience issues with tooth shifting over time. Adequate jawbone structure and density are absolutely necessary for the long-term retention of your teeth. Further, without good bone architecture, you will be unable to maintain good oral health, allow for optimal tooth replacement options, or obtain dentures or future implants that fit well and do what they are designed to do: preserve basic dental function.

Farless Dental Group offers three types of clear aligners for orthodontic treatment.

We all know straight teeth look great, but they also contribute to a healthier smile and strong teeth too. And if you aren’t a fan of traditional metal braces, you can rest assured that we have a solution for you. Today’s approach to modern cosmetic dentistry makes clear aligners a great solution. Now, you can straighten your smile without changing your lifestyle and without the discomfort often associated with metal braces.

If you are in the Greensboro, NC, area and have been considering orthodontic treatment, there is no time like the present to request an appointment with Farless Dental Group. We offer three different types of clear aligners, including Invisalign, ClearCorrect, and SureSmile. Each of these systems has its own unique benefits and will produce effective results. During your consultation, we will discuss the best solution for your individual needs and unique smile.