The immediate benefits of orthodontic treatment are quite noticeable. Patients come into our office with crooked and crowded teeth; upper teeth that stick out; and bites that need to be corrected, such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites. After treatment, they walk out with straighter, better aligned teeth that, when followed up with retainer use, can last a lifetime. It’s not just the appearance of teeth that are improved by orthodontic treatment, though. There are other benefits that may not be as noticeable, but are just as important to maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile.
Easier Cleaning
Crooked and crowded teeth can prove difficult to keep clean. Getting floss between teeth that are very close together can sometimes make people avoid flossing all together. It’s also just as hard to get a toothbrush into nooks and crannies when teeth are crowded together. You simply might not be able to reach all of your teeth, no matter how hard you try. This can lead to bacteria build-up which causes conditions such as tooth decay and even gum disease.
Better Bite
When left untreated, overbites, underbites, and crossbites can lead to complicated dental health issues. A misaligned bite can damage teeth because of abnormal positioning. It can also cause jaw pain and TMD, also known as temporomandibular joint disorder. Over time, overbites, for example, can put strain on your jaw muscles and cause pain.
The positive immediate and long-term results of orthodontic treatment are a result of taking care of your teeth both during and after the use of braces. While the appearance of your teeth is the first sign that treatment “worked”, it’s the long-lasting benefits that will keep you smiling.
At Best Braces, we look forward to helping patients in the Southfield, MI area achieve beautiful and healthy teeth. Please call our office to schedule a consultation to see how we can meet your dental needs.
