Receiving orthodontic treatment is a great step toward establishing good oral health.
Orthodontics has been around for hundreds of years because some of history’s great dentists and physicians understood that tooth placement and occlusal development is incredibly important.
Today’s orthodontic treatment protocols are more advanced and effective than ever before. Surprising to some, straightening your teeth has more benefits than to just improve one’s appearance. There is a wealth of evidence-based research that supports the notion that tooth positioning can prevent disease as well as increase oral function. NRH Orthodontics serves patients of all ages including adults.
An Improved Appearance
An obvious benefit to undergoing orthodontic treatment is an improved smile. Correcting spacing problems and crooked or overlapped teeth can greatly increase the attractiveness of a smile. Smiling is an important form of non-verbal communication, and when we are unhappy with our smiles, we tend to withdraw from others out of embarrassment. Dissatisfaction with a person’s smile can lead to a person developing social anxiety, depression and self-esteem issues. If a less-than-straight smile makes you feel self-conscious or embarrassed, we invite you to schedule an orthodontic consultation with us. Our mission is to find the most effective treatment method for your needs so that once treatment is complete, you will feel proud to smile.
Proper Tooth Placement
Most people are aware that orthodontic treatment moves teeth so that they are aligned properly. What some might overlook, however, is the importance of proper tooth placement. The oral health system is comprised of hard and soft tissue. If one component of the oral health system is out of place (such as misaligned teeth) it can have a negative affect. In many cases, improperly placed teeth can affect smooth and comfortable oral function over time. Improper tooth alignment also leads to the development of disease – particularly since cleaning crowded and overlapped teeth is difficult. Moreover, teeth that are misaligned will make contact with each other improperly, which can cause teeth to become weak and brittle.
Occlusal Health
An occlusion refers to the way that teeth line up or make contact during oral function. A healthy occlusion is imperative for enjoying smooth, comfortable, and efficient oral function. Straightening your teeth with orthodontic treatment can greatly improve your occlusion and potentially prevent a number of problems associated with a malocclusion.
The most common issue associated with a malocclusion is untimely tooth wear. Also called “worn dentition”, tooth wear is a threat to your oral health. First, worn dentition normally means that the enamel layer of teeth is compromised. If tooth enamel is permanently damaged, the underlying structure of teeth is vulnerable to developing cavities or becoming chipped or cracked. Second, one worn down tooth makes the even distribution of force and pressure during oral function practically impossible. Lastly, worn dentition caused by malocclusions costs patients’ time and money. Permanently damaged teeth require restorations so that advanced disease (which can lead to tooth loss) is prevented.
On top of contributing to worn down teeth, a malocclusion can present major issues with your quality of life and comfort. Malocclusions strain the TMJs (temporomandibular joints) and the soft tissues that support them. A strained TMJ can create issues with smooth oral function. Over time, stress on the TMJs and their supportive tissues leads to an uncomfortable and debilitating disorder known as TMD (temporomandibular joint dysfunction). This condition often causes intense orofacial pain and may impair one’s ability to eat without discomfort or obstruction. Treatment for TMJ disorder can include restorative dentistry, orthodontics, and oral surgery.
By committing to orthodontic treatment, you can prevent the destruction caused by a malocclusion while also improving your oral health.
Correcting Disruptive Airway Issues in Children and Teens
We often think about sleep apnea as something older adults are vulnerable to, but there are airway obstruction issues that can disrupt the rest and quality of life for children and teens. Different structural problems can interfere with the breathing passages, particularly when the body is asleep. After confirming that this is troubling your child or teen, we can discuss orthodontic intervention as one of many treatment options to help them improve their sleep, health, and quality of life. Leaving these problems unresolved can be harmful to their health, and it can make kids more vulnerable to behavioral and cognitive issues, as well as problems associated with ADHD.
Oral Disease Prevention
Beyond the obvious benefits of straight teeth, some folks might be unaware of the many benefits -including disease prevention – associated with completing orthodontic treatment. Properly spaced teeth and a healthy occlusion greatly reduce your risk for developing periodontal disease and dental caries. Not only does prevention protect your oral structures from becoming diseased or damaged, it prevents the need for costly and/or invasive treatments to correct future damage.
Why See an Orthodontist
Orthodontics is one of nine dental specialties. In order to practice as an orthodontist, one must have advanced education in addition to a standard DDS, conduct specialized residency training and pass board certifications. The additional education and focused experience an orthodontist receives means that patients can enjoy effective treatment that improves health and quality of life. Orthodontists stay on top of the latest developments in their field by attending continuing education courses. Dr. Fallah is a Specialist in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, and our team at NRH Orthodontics is proud to offer high quality oral care that utilizes the latest treatment protocols and technologic advancements.