Orthodontic treatment is an integral part of overall health. While it is primarily used to improve the aesthetics of your smile, orthodontics can also help protect your teeth and gums from decay and periodontal disease.
Orthodontic care can also help with your overall health. Straight teeth can result in better digestion, easier chewing, and improved speech. Orthodontic treatment can also help reduce the risk of pain and injury from malocclusion or misaligned teeth.
What is Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic care focuses on correcting the alignment of your teeth and jaws. When your teeth are crooked, crowded, or misaligned, it can cause many oral health problems. Orthodontic treatment can help realign your teeth and improve the appearance of your smile.
Orthodontic treatment typically involves using braces, retainers, and other orthodontic appliances to correct the alignment of your teeth. Depending on your needs, treatment duration can take a few months to several years.
Importance of Orthodontic Care to Your Overall Health
#1. Improved Oral Health
When you have misaligned teeth, it can be difficult to maintain good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing properly. This increases your risk of tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. If left untreated, these oral health problems can lead to more severe issues, such as tooth loss or bone loss.
Orthodontic treatment can help correct the alignment of your teeth and improve your ability to brush and floss properly, reducing your risk of tooth decay and other oral health problems.
#2. Reduced Risk of Jaw Pain and Headaches
A misaligned bite can cause jaw pain, headaches, and other issues such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. This is because the pressure from your misaligned teeth can cause stress on your jaw joint, leading to pain and tension in your head and neck muscles. When your teeth are correctly aligned, this pressure is relieved, reducing your risk of jaw pain and headaches.
#3. Improved Speech Impediments
When your teeth are not properly aligned, it can cause you to mispronounce certain words and make it difficult for others to understand what you are saying. With a properly aligned bite, you can speak more clearly and make it easier for others to understand you.
#4. Improved Eating Habits
Your teeth are essential for chewing and digesting your food. When your teeth are not properly aligned, it can make it difficult to chew and digest food properly, leading to indigestion, bloating, and other digestive issues.
Correcting misaligned or overcrowded teeth can help improve your ability to chew food properly, which can lead to better digestion and improved quality of life.
#5. Improved Self-Confidence
In addition to the physical and functional benefits of orthodontic treatment, having a beautiful smile can positively impact your mental health. A beautiful, healthy smile can boost your self-esteem, helping you feel more confident in social situations.
Common Orthodontic Treatments
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most common type of orthodontic treatment. They consist of metal brackets that are attached to your teeth and connected with an archwire. The archwire is then tightened periodically to gradually move your teeth into the desired position.
Metal braces are strong and durable, making them one of the most reliable treatments for straightening severe malocclusion or a bad bite. The average treatment time with metal braces is 18-24 months.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that uses clear, custom-made aligners to gradually straighten your crooked teeth. The aligners are made of a smooth, comfortable plastic material that fits snugly over your teeth and is virtually invisible when worn.
Unlike conventional braces, Invisalign aligners can be removed anytime, making them easy to maintain and clean. Invisalign aligners are a popular option for people who want to achieve straighter teeth in a discrete, comfortable way.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces use tooth-colored or clear ceramic brackets to straighten your teeth. They are less noticeable than metal braces, making them an attractive option for people who want to straighten their teeth without drawing attention to their smiles.
The treatment process with ceramic braces is similar to traditional braces, but the treatment time may be slightly longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does orthodontic treatment cost?
The cost of orthodontic treatment varies depending on the type of treatment and the severity of your misalignment. Traditional metal braces typically range from $3,000 to $7,000, while Invisalign aligners cost between $4,000 and $8,000. Ceramic braces are usually more expensive than traditional braces, ranging from $4,500 to $9,000.
How long does the treatment take?
Traditional metal braces typically take 18-24 months to complete, while Invisalign aligners usually require 12-18 months for full treatment. Ceramic braces can take anywhere from 20-30 months.
At what age can I start orthodontic treatment?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends visiting an orthodontist by age 7 for an orthodontic evaluation. This allows the orthodontist to identify potential problems early and plan for future treatment.
Schedule an Appointment With Lake Jeanette Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry Today!
We offer a variety of orthodontic treatment options to meet your individual needs. Our experienced and knowledgeable orthodontists are committed to delivering accessible, high-quality care and we will work with you to create a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule an initial consultation. We look forward to helping you achieve a straighter, more attractive smile!