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While a straight, beautiful smile is a desirable outcome of orthodontic treatment, the benefits go far beyond cosmetic appearance. For example, a misaligned bite can cause jaw muscle strain, changing the facial structure and resulting in poor balance and symmetry. Orthodontic interventions combined with dentofacial orthopedic appliances can correct these issues and improve the aesthetics of a patient’s smile while promoting healthy function.
Patients often wonder whether their orthodontic care is purely aesthetic or whether it has any medical benefit. The answer to this question may be simple for some. A straighter and more attractive smile can improve self-esteem in many ways. For instance, research shows that people with ideal teeth are perceived as more intelligent and have a greater chance of success when looking for employment.
However, other patients find that they are able to perform better in professional and personal interactions when their appearance is improved by orthodontic treatment. They may feel more confident when interacting with others or engaging in professional or social activities. This is one of the reasons why orthodontics is such an important part of the dental profession. Patients often report that their new smile is a big hit after orthodontic treatment. It is important to take into account how the alignment between the mouth and the face affects facial esthetics, when evaluating a patient for treatment.
Function
If teeth and jaws don’t fit properly, harmful bacteria can hide. This leads to gum disease. Orthodontics reduces the risk for cavities and other dental issues by aligning teeth. It also helps alleviate conditions like overbite, underbite, and crossbite that strain the jaw and lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Braces and other appliances are used to gently press on the teeth and jaws. This helps to move teeth into the correct position and improves a person’s appearance. It improves the health of someone’s mouth, making it easier to floss and brush, and reducing the risk for tooth decay and infections.
A person’s alignment or bite can be abnormal for a variety of reasons. These include teeth growing in the incorrect places, extra or missing teeth, or birth defects. Boston orthodontics is a way to correct these problems and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for the rest of a person’s life. The benefits of orthodontics can be gained at any age. It is most common for people in their early adulthood, when the jaws and teeth are still developing. It is important to visit a specialist in orthodontics to ensure the best results. They are trained to diagnose, prevent, and treat teeth and jaw irregularities in people of all ages.
Health
Orthodontics focuses on the alignment of the teeth and jaws. It can improve oral function, but it also aims to correct aesthetic problems like crowded teeth, overcrowding, gaps and malocclusions (in which the teeth don’t align properly when the mouth is closed). Orthodontic treatment can improve a person’s overall appearance and alleviate health issues such as excessive wear on the teeth, headaches, and jaw pain.
Unaligned teeth and jaws can be difficult to keep clean, resulting in plaque buildup which can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Misaligned teeth can also obstruct chewing and speech, making it more challenging to maintain a healthy diet. Orthodontic treatments fix these issues, ensuring people can enjoy a wide range of foods and speak clearly.
People with crooked or twisted teeth tend to grind their teeth. This can cause temporomandibular joints dysfunction and exacerbate symptoms of other conditions, such as sleep apnea or chronic headaches. Orthodontic treatment is able to correct this problem, by shifting the jaws in a more normal position. This can improve the quality of a person’s sleep, reducing stress and helping them enjoy a healthier life.
Communication
Orthodontic care is a combination of both hard and soft skills. Patient communication is a critical component of both. Clear, empathetic communication builds trust and alleviates anxieties that may accompany the treatment journey. It also helps patients understand potential challenges, such as discomfort and dietary restrictions. This empowers them to make informed choices about their care. In addition, regular updates, milestone celebrations, and other forms of communication encourage patients to remain engaged with their treatment. This leads to better adherence and more successful outcomes.
Orthodontists should use multiple communication channels to inform general dentists about complex patients. Too many forms of communication can de-sensitize general dentists to the importance and urgency of the information. Orthodontists should evaluate the frequency of communication with general dentists using different media. For example, orthodontists contacted their general dental colleagues by phone at a higher rate than they did for less complex patients.
