The Health Benefits of Orthodontics

Barry LeJeune • Jan 16, 2024

Orthodontic treatment for adults is more than just pretty, straight teeth. Read here to find out about the health benefits of orthodontics.

Are you unhappy with the appearance of your teeth? You're never too old to begin orthodontic treatment. In fact, of the four million Americans who wear braces, 25% of them are adults.

Orthodontic treatment for adults can benefit your appearance and dental care. You can maintain a stunning smile and healthy teeth to avoid complications later.

Not sure about getting braces? Read on to discover the health benefits of orthodontics today!

Healthy Teeth and Gums

Without orthodontic treatment, caring for your teeth can become more difficult. Your risk of tooth decay or gum disease (gingivitis) could increase. Both dental health issues can compromise your overall health.

Tooth Decay

Beginning orthodontic treatment will reduce your chances of developing tooth decay. Teeth that overlap are more pronounced and prone to uneven wear and tear. Spaces between your teeth can give food particles and bacteria more places to hide.

When food particles, bacteria, and saliva mix together, plaque forms. Plaque is the tacky, clear substance that sticks onto and between your teeth between brushing. Over time, plaque can harden into tartar and release acid.

Worn tooth enamel leaves teeth more vulnerable, allowing the bacteria to eat at the surface. Decay can develop.

Dental care to treat cavities can become expensive and time-consuming. You'll experience painful symptoms before receiving treatment, including:

Toothaches
Tooth sensitivity
Pain when biting down
Pain when eating or drinking

If these symptoms sound familiar, visit your dentist right away. You can begin treatment before the decay gets larger.

Otherwise, you'll begin to notice holes or pits in your teeth.

Getting braces will make brushing and flossing easier. You'll have an easier time maintaining good oral health and dodging decay.

Gum Disease

Your gums are attached to your teeth at a lower point than what you see when you smile. Food and plaque can get trapped in this space. When plaque forms below your gum line, you can develop a gum infection.

Over time, your gums will start separating from your teeth. If the infection progresses, you could lose your teeth.

Gingivitis is a bacterial infection that develops due to plaque overgrowth. This infection of the gums is a major cause of tooth loss in adults.

Symptoms of gingivitis include:

Gums that pull away from your teeth
Tender, red, or swollen gums
Foul-smelling breath
Partial dentures no longer fitting
Sensitivity
Pain when eating
Pus between the teeth and gums
Malocclusion (a change in how your teeth fit together)
Loose teeth
Gums that bleed when you brush or floss

Your risk of gingivitis increases if you're not caring for your teeth. It's more difficult to brush and floss crooked teeth.

Remember, gaps between teeth give plaque more places to hide.

Beginning orthodontic treatment will close these gaps. You can protect your smile and overall health. Otherwise, gingivitis can increase your risk of stroke, lung disease, heart disease, and diabetes.

Prevent Bone Erosion

Bacteria can affect your gums, teeth, and the bones holding your teeth in place. Every tooth has a root embedded in your jawbone. When bacteria penetrate your gums, it can cause the bone to erode.

Having misaligned teeth will increase your risk of jawbone erosion. Misalignment will put additional force on your teeth and gums.

Excess space gives bacteria new places to hide. It can percolate and reach the bone.

Getting Fastbraces can prevent erosion. Treatment will ensure there's even pressure on your jawbone when you bite and chew. Plaque and bacteria will have fewer places to hide if there aren't pockets.

Avoid Injuries

You're more likely to damage your teeth if they're misaligned or crooked. Straight teeth ensure biting and chewing force are evenly distributed. A misalignment can cause you to apply too much pressure onto a single tooth.

Your risk of breaking or cracking the tooth could increase. Orthodontic treatment can ensure even distribution.

A protruding tooth is more likely to break if it doesn't have a stable base. Your risk of breaking a tooth will increase if you have an overbite.

Getting braces will align and strengthen your teeth. You can reduce the risk of damaging a tooth.

Beat Bruxism

You may start grinding your teeth at night if your teeth aren't straight. Bruxism will cause uneven wear and tear on your tooth enamel. Less protective tooth enamel will increase your risk of tooth decay.

Bruxism can cause:

Dull headaches
Sleep disruption
Tired jaw muscles
Pain and sensitivity
Flat, loose, or fractured teeth

You could develop sleep apnea if you have bruxism. Getting braces will straighten your teeth. Aligning the top and bottom rows of your teeth can end your bruxism.

Chew and Digest

You may notice it's more difficult to chew food if your teeth are misaligned. You may avoid hard-to-chew foods. Avoiding certain foods can lead to a vitamin deficiency.

Your body requires a variety of vitamins and minerals to function. Straightening your teeth with braces can make it easier to eat.

If you're not thoroughly chewing foods, your digestive system will havemore work to do. You could experience:

Intestinal distress
Irritable bowels
Difficulty feeling sated

Orthodontic treatment will align all parts of your teeth. Treatment reduces how often improperly chewed food enters the stomach, leading to fewer issues.

Improved Mental Health

Aesthetics are the top reason adults are getting braces. As a result, the population of patients with orthodontic treatment has increased by 40% in the last decade.

Straightening your teeth can improve your self-esteem. Improved confidence can encourage you to smile more. Smiling boosts serotonin production, the feel-good chemical that can benefit your mood and mental health.

Choose Orthodontic Treatment for Adults

Crooked or misaligned teeth can affect your dental, mental, and overall health. Instead of leaving your teeth vulnerable, consider orthodontic treatment for adults. Straightening your teeth can provide these health benefits and make caring for your teeth easier.

Our team at LeJeune Family Dentistry is dedicated to protecting and improving your dental health. We have over 26 years of industry experience providing exemplary dental care.

We offer a range of orthodontic treatment options to achieve beautiful new smiles. Contact us now to discuss getting braces to experience these benefits yourself!

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