Studies show that 1 in every 5 orthodontic patients are over 21 years. This goes to show that orthodontic treatments are no longer just for teenagers. Many adults are choosing to undergo treatments because they understand the importance of maintaining their overall health. There are several options for orthodontic treatments, including the traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, clear aligners, and much more. Orthodontic treatments for adults have many benefits, including:

Aesthetics

An improved appearance is probably the most noticeable and notable benefit of receiving orthodontic treatment. Treatment often involves improving the relationship between the lower and upper arch, which in turn brings the teeth and jaws into proper alignment. This can have a positive impact on a patient’s facial features and shape. In mild cases, the treatment offers a more appealing smile, which improves your overall appearance and self-image. In severe cases like an overbite, the facial enhancement is much more dramatic, thereby improving the way you look.

Builds Confidence

An attractive smile plays a vital role in enhancing one’s self-confidence. If your teeth are crooked, twisted, crowded, or spaced apart, chances are you won’t feel confident with your appearance. People with such dental problems tend to hide their mouth when talking or laughing in public, and they may not even smile in photos. Having a beautiful, straight smile makes you more confident within yourself and the people around you.

Positive Psychological Effects

A lot of people don’t realise the potential psychological benefits that these treatments offer. People with less than perfect teeth don’t smile as often and tend to become withdrawn because they feel unattractive. This can affect different aspects of their life, including their ability to make friends, find lasting love, and even get jobs. Feeling unaccepted and being socially isolated due to dental problems can lead to depression and other mental illnesses. We’ve already seen that a straight smile increases one’s self-confidence. This, in turn, contributes to self-acceptance, happiness, and overall mental well-being.

Prevent Wear and Tear

A poorly aligned bite can actually put unnecessary pressure on your teeth. The strain on your jaws can cause you to clench your jaws or grind your teeth. Over time, this can lead to uneven or excessive wear of teeth. Such wear and tear can lead to broken, fragile, or weak teeth. By improving alignment through orthodontic treatments, you’re making your teeth less prone to wear and chipping.

Improved Oral Hygiene

Misaligned teeth are much harder to clean. Your toothbrush will most likely miss certain areas, allowing food particles to become lodged in those spots. According to Birchgrove Dental Practice, “you are less likely to find food build-up in straight teeth compared to crooked teeth.”.

Floss can also get caught in between tight or rotated teeth. Properly aligned teeth are easier to brush and floss, allowing you to maintain oral hygiene regularly.

Alleviate Physical Health Problems

We’ve already determined that orthodontically treated teeth are much easier to keep clean. This makes you less prone to developing dental problems such as cavities, gingivitis, periodontal (gum) disease, etc. Research shows that dental problems can negatively affect other parts of the body. For starters, periodontal disease can cause serious health problems, including cardiovascular disease, premature births, diabetic complications, respiratory infections, and so on. With orthodontic treatments, you get healthier teeth and gums, as well as maintain your overall physical health.

Help With Digestion

An improper bite can’t chew food into tiny bits, which can lead to poor digestion and poor nutrient absorption. The stomach often has an easier time digesting tiny bits of food as opposed to larger bites. Swallowing larger chunks of food also increases your risk of reflux, which can negatively affect your stomach lining. Given that misaligned teeth and jaws can cause your gums to become overly sensitive, swollen, and recede, chewing can prove to be difficult when your mouth hurts. As you can see, even your stomach will thank you for getting orthodontic treatment.

Prevent Injury

Teeth that are broken, cracked, or protruding are especially vulnerable during accidents related to events like car crashes, sports, or falling accidentally. Since orthodontic treatments specialise in straightening teeth, they can reduce the risk of injury during such accidents.

Cost Benefits

Orthodontic problems can get worse if left untreated, which increases your risk of needing expensive dental restorations. Also, these treatments are cheaper than the cost of treating any additional health problems that may arise due to orthodontic problems. Lastly, orthodontic treatments improve overall oral health, which in turn lowers the overall dental costs over a lifetime.

Help with Speech Improvement

Did you know that misaligned teeth can have an impact on the way you sound out words? They make it harder to pronounce certain sounds. Straighten your teeth today and improve your speech.

At this point, is there anything orthodontic treatments can’t do? Just wondering! You may be eligible for orthodontic treatment if you have spaced teeth, an overbite, an underbite, a crossbite, an open bite, or crowding. As you can see, there’s more to orthodontics than a perfect smile. Schedule an appointment with an orthodontist and allow for an overall healthier you.