Is Straightening Teeth For Cosmetic Reasons Only?
When patients first visit our office to learn about orthodontic care, the majority of individuals, adults and children alike, are interested in learning how orthodontic treatment can enhance the appearance of their smile. While orthodontic care can improve the appearance of your teeth and your self-esteem, orthodontic treatment is often needed to fix the placement of teeth as a way to improve oral health. Here are some non-cosmetic reasons for orthodontic treatment:
Bite Correction
There are a number of bite problems that patients can experience, such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, and an open bite. These problems can cause issues with keeping the mouth closed properly, chewing, and speaking, and can lead to concerns with your dental health.
Jaw Alignment
Patients who have issues with jaw misalignment can experience problems that can worsen over time and significantly impact their oral health. It is not uncommon for patients with this issue to experience recurring headaches, sleep apnea, or temporomandibular joint disorders.
Speech Issues
Teeth and jaw misalignment problems can cause speech issues to develop. When the teeth, tongue, and jaw are not in the proper position when speaking, some patients develop speech problems and can be difficult to understand.
Preventative Care
One of the biggest benefits of receiving orthodontic care is that it helps prevent recurring problems with your oral health. Patients who have problems such as overcrowding may have difficulty cleaning their teeth properly. When proper brushing and flossing are not possible, food can remain trapped between the teeth. This can lead to recurring issues with decay and gum disease.
Our goal is to help our patients have beautiful smiles and functioning teeth and jaws that do not negatively affect their lives. If you are in Southfield, MI or the surrounding area and interested in learning more about orthodontic treatment for you or a loved one, we would love to hear from you. We can schedule you for a consultation to see if you would benefit from treatment. We look forward to seeing you soon!
