How Orthodontic Treatment Can Help Your Overall Health

Say cheese! If you’re one of the people that tend to hide their smile in pictures due to how it looks/imperfections, you’re not alone. Many Americans are not fortunate to be born with a “perfect” straight smile, but we can help.

Beyond aesthetic reasons, straightening your teeth brings a host of important health benefits. So if you’re on the fence about braces, consider what they can really do for you:

Improved Speech

Did you know that where your teeth are placed plays an important role in how you speak? If your teeth are crooked or misaligned, it may negatively affect your speaking patterns. With straighter teeth, a speech impediment may be significantly reduced or corrected!

Easier Eating

Crowded and misaligned teeth can often impact the surface area for chewing your food. This leads to chewing poorly — which can make your stomach and intestines work harder to digest food — and increases stress on your jaw, furthering discomfort.

If some teeth are crooked or protruding, it can also lead to abnormal tooth wear or possible breakage. Over time, this can be detrimental to your tooth enamel, and you may need special treatment to repair it.

Tooth Decay Prevention

Overlapping and crowded teeth can easily trap food particles, giving the bacteria in your mouth a field day. So simply put: the straighter your teeth are, the easier it is to clean them! No more needing to twist your hands to get floss or your toothbrush between crowded teeth, ensuring a better clean each time. And by staying on top of your regular dental hygiene habits — brushing for two minutes, twice daily, and flossing regularly — you end up with less plaque buildup and a lower risk of decay!

Correct Bite Issues

Certain bite issues can cause cavities, halitosis (chronic bad breath), sleep apnea, speech issues, and headaches. So whether it’s an open bite, overbite, underbite, or crossbite, orthodontic treatment can help treat it!

Gum Protection

If not quickly treated, misaligned teeth can lead to gum disease. Straight teeth allow your gums to sit securely around them, but when teeth are crowded, have spacing issues, or are crooked, bacteria can more readily infiltrate your gums, leading to infection.

Gums can also recede over time because your teeth are pulled in other directions, and gum recession can lead to increased sensitivity and allow bacteria to reach deeper areas of your teeth. Using braces to straighten your teeth reduces the risk of gum recession and the complications that come with it.

Resolve Headaches and Neck Pain

It’s not uncommon for those with a misaligned smile to suffer from regular headaches and neck pain due to the added pressure being placed on them. By straightening your teeth, you’ll allow your joints to move smoothly, thereby reducing any discomfort you have.

Improved Confidence

Studies have shown that the happier you are, the healthier you may be — from better stress management to increased life expectancy. So if a straighter smile can give you that confidence and self-esteem boost to make you happier, then why not go for it?

Ready to Move Forward? Contact Koch Orthodontics Today!

If all of this sounds great, you may still be on the fence about whether or not to move forward with getting braces. The thought of braces may project an image of impressive headgear or protruding wires that you simply do not want to deal with.

Fortunately, there have been many advances in orthodontic equipment, so you have some options. This includes:

• Traditional Braces: But don’t let this fool you! Today’s braces are lighter, smaller, and less visible than those from decades ago.
• Self-Ligating Braces: Unlike metal braces, self-ligating braces don’t require ties and bands. And with clear options available, they can be nearly invisible.
• Invisalign®: Available for both adults and teens, these clear aligners are practically invisible and can be removed for eating (or temporarily, for special occasions).

To discuss which option may be best for you, we welcome you to schedule a complimentary consultation with us! We know each patient is unique and we’re here to help you find the best solution to enhance your smile.

Contact us today at (770) 962-9560 or reach out to us online!