More than improving facial aesthetics, orthodontic treatment is a crucial step often necessary for people of all ages to maintain or regain optimal oral health. But how can you know if you’re an ideal candidate? Are braces, aligners, or jawbone surgeries the right treatment for you? From correcting malocclusions and tackling crowding and spacing issues to managing dental health concerns emerging from lifestyle conditions, orthodontics offers a tailored solution for everyone.
This article will take you through what orthodontics encompasses, its benefits, and, more importantly, help you understand who makes an ideal candidate for different orthodontic treatments.
What Is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that is primarily focused on correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. It involves diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities, thereby enhancing a person’s oral and overall health. When orthodontics is mentioned, what usually comes to mind are braces. But it’s more than that. Depending on a person’s dental health, different types of orthodontic treatments like Invisalign, dental expanders, and even jawbone surgery may be recommended.
What Are the Benefits of Orthodontic Treatments?
Improvement of Oral Health
When you have straight teeth, maintaining oral health becomes easier. Misaligned or crowded teeth can make proper brushing and flossing challenging, leading to cavities or gum problems. Orthodontic treatment not only straightens the teeth but also significantly boosts gum health. It’s important to note that neglecting orthodontic problems can lead to speech issues, jaw or TMJ pain, and even difficulties with chewing and digestion.
Bite Correction and Better Aesthetics
Orthodontics is also responsible for correcting malocclusions – or improper bites caused by conditions like overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite. Not only do these corrections significantly improve facial aesthetics and offer people the confidence to smile freely, but they also result in more efficient chewing and better oral health. For instance, appliances like braces are helpful for bite correction.
Management of Orthodontic Problems and Prevention of Future Issues
Orthodontics serves a preventive purpose as well. It can address and correct potential problems before they become more serious. For example, it’s common for children to have spacing issues or overcrowding as milk teeth make way for permanent teeth. Early orthodontic intervention can manage these changes and prevent future issues. And with regular dental check-ups, it’s easier to stay ahead of potential problems.
Enhanced Self-Esteem and Quality of LifeĀ
A beautiful, well-aligned smile can significantly enhance an individual’s self-esteem and lead to improved social and personal life. Orthodontic treatments, by addressing dental aesthetic concerns, can contribute positively to a person’s confidence, affecting their general well-being and quality of life.
Suitable Candidates for Orthodontic Treatment
Deciding whether or not you or your child needs orthodontic treatment can seem difficult, but understanding who benefits most can simplify the decision. Consider the following criteria:
Those Needing Bite Correction
If you have an incorrect bite – overbite, underbite, or crossbite, orthodontic intervention can help you achieve a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing smile. The incorrect bite may be due to jaw or teeth alignment issues that orthodontic treatment can solve using appliances, like braces or Invisalign.
People With Crooked or Misaligned Teeth
Misaligned or crooked teeth are not just a simple aesthetic issue. They can lead to significant oral health challenges down the line. Teeth that are crowded can be harder to clean, making cavities and gum diseases more probable. Fortunately, orthodontic treatments can straighten crooked teeth, enhancing your smile and oral health. You may get more information on their website to learn the different orthodontic treatments available.
Individuals With Orthodontic Problems at Different Life Stages
Orthodontic treatments are effective at any age, though the processes and tools used might differ. Kids, teens, and adults can all benefit from orthodontics, given the range of treatments available. Early intervention in children prevents complicated issues later on. Adults may opt for treatments like Invisalign for discreet realignment. Regular dental check-ups are crucial to detect any potential orthodontic issues early.
People With Jawbone or Skeletal Deformities
In cases of significant skeletal deformities, orthodontic surgical treatment may be required. Protruding or recessed jawbones, misaligned jaws, or other deformities that braces alone cannot correct might require jawbone surgery or bone remodeling. A Maple Ridge orthodontics clinic has expert orthodontists skilled in dealing with such cases.
Those With Lifestyle Issues Impacting Dental Health
Lifestyle issues, like bruxism (teeth grinding) or sleep apnoea, can significantly impact dental health. They can lead to premature teeth wear, popping sounds in the jaw, headaches, or even loss of teeth. Certain orthodontic treatments help manage these challenges and ensure your teeth stay in their best shape.
The team at MyOrthodontist in Coquitlam is highly experienced in addressing these problems and can guide you through the various treatment options available.
The Bottom Line
Orthodontics is crucial in ensuring you have a healthy smile. It is essential to take care of your dental health and stay consistent with your orthodontist appointments. Aside from a confident smile, orthodontic procedure guarantees better oral health in the long run. Therefore, don’t shy away from seeking professional orthodontic help if your teeth need some care.