Beyond Aesthetics: The Health Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment

There is much more to orthodontics than meets the eye; it extends beyond mere teeth alignment. Untreated orthodontic issues can lead to long-term health complications. What are the health benefits of orthodontics?

What Is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a dental specialty dedicated to correcting bites and aligning teeth. An orthodontist addresses:

• Overbites

• Underbites

• Crooked teeth

• Twisted teeth

• Impactions

• Tooth crowding

• Overlaps

The arrangement of your teeth affects various aspects of your life, including facial structure, sleep quality, eating habits, and self-esteem. Orthodontics not only enhances your smile but also encourages you to share it confidently.

What Are the Types of Orthodontic Treatments?

Orthodontic treatments include:

• Braces

• Clear aligners like Invisalign

• Palatal expanders

• Retainers

Each of these devices requires a customized fitting. At Fleming Orthodontics, we employ advanced technology to capture high-definition 3D images of your teeth for optimal fittings.

What Are the Health Benefits of Orthodontics?

Orthodontic treatments offer numerous potential health benefits.

Enhanced Oral Health

Maintaining good oral health is vital for overall well-being. There is a strong connection between a healthy mouth and a healthy body. The mouth serves as the entry point for critical functions such as breathing and digestion.

Good oral hygiene is essential for preventing blood infections. The mouth harbors bacteria, and a break in a tooth or gum can allow these microorganisms to enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting other areas, including the heart.

Orthodontic treatments promote better oral health. Straightening teeth makes brushing and flossing more effective and facilitates easier chewing, reducing food debris. This, in turn, lowers the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral conditions.

Moreover, maintaining good oral health helps prevent jawbone deterioration, which can occur when bacteria compromise the bone due to loose teeth.

Reduced Risk of TMJ

An estimated 5-12% of adults develop temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), which causes pain in the jaws, face, shoulders, and neck. Symptoms may include a noticeable "pop" when opening and closing the mouth, along with migraines and earaches. Orthodontic treatments can mitigate the risk of developing TMJ.

Improved Digestion

Teeth play a crucial role in the digestive process, breaking down food into manageable pieces for safe passage down the esophagus. Misaligned teeth can complicate this process, making it more difficult to chew and digest food properly.

Improper chewing can lead to choking hazards, and poorly broken-down food may irritate the stomach or intestines.

Better Mental Health

A smile is a gift that brings joy to both the giver and the receiver, serving as a cornerstone of positive self-image. If you feel self-conscious about your smile, you may tend to hide it, making social interactions uncomfortable.

This self-perception can lead to depression, anxiety, and social challenges. Correcting your smile can profoundly transform your outlook on life.

Improved Sleep and Breathing

Taking into consideration several factors such as jaw width, airway patency (the ability to breathe), and sleep history, an experienced orthodontist can help you achieve better sleep through the use of expanders, bite correction, and sometimes jaw surgery.  

Improved sleep has so many benefits, such as a clearer cognitive state during the day, feeling more rested, and improved memory. Sleep is how our body recovers and restores itself on a daily basis and its importance cannot be emphasized enough!  

How do you determine if you need orthodontic treatment? The answer lies in consulting an orthodontist. At Fleming Orthodontics, we treat patients of all ages and help them understand how the right treatment can enhance their health. Dr. Fleming and our team create lasting solutions. Request an appointment today at our Richardson, TX office.

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