Many parents pursue orthodontic treatment for their son or daughter because they want their child to have “straight teeth”. This is a worthy goal, but not necessarily the best nor only reason for seeking orthodontic care. There are so many other benefits to move teeth into alignment and fix the bite.
1: Easier to keep teeth clean
When teeth are misaligned, bacteria can hide in the nooks and crannies where the teeth overlap. Even with good brushing and flossing, these areas can be missed allowing for the build-up of plaque and tartar and can lead to decalcification or tooth decay.
2: Reduces wear and potential damage to teeth
Teeth are designed to fit together like gears. When that gearing is off front-to-back or side-to-side, excessive wear can occur. This damage can lead to worn enamel, hypersensitivity, or fracture of a cusp tip and can be expensive repairs.
3: Helps avoid jaw problems
Issues with the jaw joint and surrounding muscles can sometimes be correlated with an unfavorable relationship between the top and bottom teeth. A significant malocclusion can add undue stress beyond the teeth. Issues can arise such as popping, clicking, locking of the temporomandibular joint, headaches and chronic muscle pain.
4: Improves GUM & BONE health
Crooked teeth can make it more difficult to keep them clean and free of bacteria/plaque. This can lead to cavities or irritate the gums resulting in gingivitis. If the infection persists long enough, gingivitis will progress to periodontitis which can cause bone loss and loose teeth.
5: Allows for clearer speech
Teeth and the jaw relationship play a big role in producing certain sounds needed for clear speech. When a child has a large overbite, open bite, or significant gaps between their front teeth, sounds that begin with the letter(s), “s”, “sh” or “th” may be difficult to pronounce. A narrow maxillary arch may inhibit proper tongue position which can have an impact not only on speech, but also on swallowing and mouth breathing.
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