We can all agree that prioritizing your well-being is the key to leading a long, happy life.
Orthodontics plays an essential role in your overall health. That’s because straighter teeth and proper dental hygiene do more than showcase your smile — they also prevent potential severe medical issues.
If you’re curious about the benefits of orthodontic treatment and how orthodontics makes life better, stick around. This blog post is for you!
Why Is It Important to Visit an Orthodontist?
It’s common to think that regular visits to a dentist are enough to keep your mouth healthy.
While regular dental exams and cleanings are essential to good oral hygiene, your dentist might overlook alignment issues that negatively affect your quality of life.
Scheduling a consultation with an orthodontist near you will help with:
- Prevention of future dental issues
- Better bite and tooth alignment
- Improved facial aesthetics and smile
Orthodontists undergo years of additional training after dental school to specialize in identifying and correcting dental misalignment. And our board-certified orthodontists at Orthobar will help you unlock the benefits of a better smile!
Five Health Benefits of Orthodontic Treatments
Straighter teeth and an aligned bite are the foundation for outstanding dental hygiene!
Without proper alignment, you have a higher risk of developing chronic conditions that affect your entire body. Typical physical and mental health benefits of orthodontics include:
1. Gum Disease and Tooth Decay Prevention
Crowded smiles make it challenging to floss and brush your teeth effectively. Bacteria and plaque buildup are common and can lead to significant health problems like:
- Periodontal (gum) disease: an infection of the gums and jaw
- Tooth decay: the breakdown of enamel from acid produced by bacteria
Studies from Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine found that gum disease affects more than just your mouth. In fact, all of the research discovered a higher risk of cardiovascular disease in untreated gum disease patients.
2. Better Digestion
You might not think about it often, but your digestive system starts with your mouth. When you chew your food correctly, your body:
- Mechanically breaks down your food with your teeth
- Chemically processes carbohydrates and fats via enzymes in saliva
- Signals your stomach to release acid and hormones for digestion
Research from Scientific Reports also suggests that chewing your food longer releases more gut hormones to help you feel fuller faster, which can help you maintain a healthy weight.
Misaligned bites prevent you from chewing efficiently. However, orthodontics can help by realigning your jaw to make chewing easier and aid digestion.
3. Less Jaw Pain From TMJ Disorders
The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, connects your upper and lower jaws and is a common source of discomfort for many people with jaw misalignments. According to the Cleveland Clinic, 5-12% of Americans have TMJ pain!
Common symptoms of TMJ disorders include:
- Jaw stiffness or pain
- Clicking or popping in your jaw
- Headaches and migraines
- Earaches and toothaches
Orthodontic treatments like braces or clear aligners can reposition your jaw to sometimes aid in TMJ issues, giving you a new, realigned smile to help you live a more pain-free life!
4. Improved Speech Patterns
Uneven bite patterns and gaps in your teeth affect how your tongue contacts your teeth when speaking, resulting in speech issues like:
- Pronunciation issues
- Lisping or whistling
- Nasally speech
Opting for common orthodontic treatments like braces can counteract many speech concerns by closing gaps between teeth and correcting misalignments.
5. Enhanced Self-Esteem
One of the most significant benefits of orthodontic treatments is improved mental health. A straighter smile helps build confidence and affects every aspect of daily life.
A study published in The Angle Orthodontist found that adults, in particular, had more self-esteem after orthodontic treatments.
At Orthobar, we offer a wide variety of orthodontic treatments for adults that improve your quality of life and help you achieve a smile that exceeds expectations — we call it the Orthobar Smile!
Why Choose Orthobar For Your Orthodontic Treatments?
Our simple yet transformative mission at Orthobar is to completely reshape how you perceive and receive orthodontic care!
Dr. Petersen and Dr. Grahl dedicate themselves to providing orthodontic treatments that go beyond the latest techniques and tools. They aim to build relationships with every customer who walks through our doors while providing unmatched care.
From our outstanding orthodontists to our family-friendly environment, we aim to raise the bar on orthodontics.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Us Today!
If you’re looking for an independently owned orthodontist office in the Las Vegas area that puts you first, we’re looking for you.
Visit our consultation page to schedule your complementary exam and start your orthodontic journey at Orthobar!
