Orthodontic treatment is often associated with the pursuit of a perfect smile, but its benefits go far beyond aesthetics. Deciding whether to visit an orthodontist involves considering three fundamental goals: structural balance, functional efficiency, and aesthetic harmony. Here’s why these goals might make an orthodontic visit worth your while.
Structural Balance
Structural balance refers to the proper alignment of your teeth and jaws. Misaligned teeth can lead to uneven wear and tear, tooth decay (due to food lodgement or inability to clean properly) and gum recession. Jaw misalignment can cause discomfort or even pain. An orthodontist can assess whether your teeth and jaws are in the optimal position, preventing future issues such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and maintaining overall oral health.
Functional Efficiency
Orthodontic treatment isn’t just about good looks; it’s also about making sure your teeth and jaws are in sync with one another, as well as with the entire craniofacial complex. Chewing, biting, speaking, swallowing and breathing are all functions that can be impaired by misaligned teeth and disproportionate jaws. If you experience difficulty in one of more of these activities, an orthodontist can help realign your teeth and jaws to improve your bite, ensuring your mouth functions efficiently and comfortably.
Aesthetic Harmony
While not the only consideration, aesthetic harmony is a significant aspect and often primary concern of individuals seeking orthodontic care. A well-aligned smile set in a well-balanced jaw set boosts confidence and improves facial aesthetics. Crooked or crowded teeth can impact self-confidence and out of proportion jaws can harm self-esteem, potentially leading to mental health disorders. An orthodontist can design a treatment plan to achieve a more harmonious and appealing appearance.
Wondering if you need Orthodontic treatment?
Here are some signs that you might benefit from seeing an orthodontist:
- Crowded or Overlapping Teeth: Difficulty in cleaning teeth properly can lead to decay and gum disease.
- Poor speech articulation (like lisping): midline gaps between teeth can cause escape of air while trying to pronounce certain words and letters.
- Food lodgement: minor spacing in between teeth can retain food particles and make it difficult to clean.
- Bite Issues: Underbites, overbites, and crossbites can cause chewing problems and jaw pain.
- Difficulty in Chewing or Speaking: Misaligned teeth can interfere with these essential functions.
- Difficulty in swallowing: abnormal tongue position due to retractive or narrow jaws can cause serious musculoskeletal disharmony.
- Difficulty in breathing (including severe snoring): reduced airway volume due to narrow jaws can lead to obstructive sleep apnoea
- Jaw Pain or Discomfort: Structural imbalances can lead to chronic pain or discomfort in the jaw and temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
- Desire for Improved Aesthetics: If you're unhappy with your smile, orthodontic treatment can provide a boost in self-confidence by carefully crafting your desired smile.
Conclusion
Visiting an orthodontist can help address many issues including but not limited to the ones mentioned above, ensuring that your teeth are not only attractive but also function properly and remain healthy over the long term. If you relate to any of these issues or recognize any of these signs in yourself or your child’s teeth and jaws, now might be the right time to schedule a consultation with an orthodontic specialist and take a step towards better oral health and a beautifully crafted smile.
At AQR Orthodontics, we take pride in helping you along this journey.
Get in touch with us to find out more.