Introduction
Imagine smiling for a selfie, but feeling super awkward due to your teeth alignment. This might sound like a made-up problem to some, but in reality, it is quite common. As per studies, it is seen that a sizable portion of American teenagers suffer from orthodontic problems.
A 2016 study suggests that approximately 1.55 million people in the United States suffer from orthodontic problems. This is why we will discuss why you should consider visiting the orthodontist.
Orthodontics Overview
Before we can start discussing the benefits of orthodontics, we must take a moment to understand its fundamentals as well. It is as crucial as understanding the subject. So what is orthodontics?
The simple answer is that orthodontics works to improve teeth alignment. It helps to straighten the teeth and make them stronger. The procedure not just looks after your teeth alignment. However, it can also strengthen the jaw muscles, promoting increased jaw movement.
Right Age To Get Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment has no age bar. The procedure can be performed on both adults and children. As a result, there is no age bar. However, for children, it is best to get the procedure done as soon as possible.
Seven is the best age to undergo orthodontic treatment. The reason is that early procedure usually makes it easier for the subject to get used to the new alignment of teeth. It also helps in regrowing and recuperating.
As a result, the best time to undergo the procedure is immediately after the new teeth have grown. This will help for better alignment and a more streamlined recovery cycle.
Issues That Orthodontics Handle
Orthodontics primarily deals with teeth alignment, but it also offers other benefits. Here are some of the cases that orthodontic experts can help in managing:
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Overlapping
- Malocclusions
- Bite Issue (overbite, underbite, etc.)
- Spacing Issues
- Lip & Cheek Bumpers
- Impacted Teeth
- Rotated Teeth
Why Get Orthodontics Done?
The reasons why you should get your child or yourself an orthodontic appointment is not because of the aesthetics or the smile. The real reason is that it keeps your mouth healthy and maintains immaculate oral hygiene. Here are some of the tried and tested reasons as to why you must consider visiting an orthodontist today
Reason #1: Helps In Brushing
Brushing and flossing are essential for maintaining immaculate teeth. Brushing regularly not only keeps your teeth whiter but also helps reduce odor. However, misaligned teeth can pose a challenge when brushing.
This is where orthodontics comes into play. They help people with dental alignment. As a result, it can help people improve their brushing habits and make them more effective against gum diseases and dental issues.
Reason #2 Reduced Tooth Damage
Malocclusions or dental misalignments are quite common. They tend to affect a wide range of population and can debilitate dental health over time. The biggest problem of misalignment is that it increases the wear and tear of teeth.
Abnormal wearing and tearing of teeth can affect oral hygiene. In some cases, the enamel wears down. This makes the teeth sensitive. As a result, it makes it very difficult for people to have food or even lead a normal life.
Hence, Kunik Orthodontics in Austin, one of the leading orthodontists in America, can prevent further tooth damage by aligning misaligned teeth.
Reason #3 Detailed Dental Alignment
The primary job of an orthodontist is to enhance the straightness of teeth. An orthodontist can also help a person with any problems related to the TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, of the jaw.
An orthodontist is trained to handle difficult cases where a patient has shown signs of straight teeth, but a misaligned jaw. Therefore, an orthodontist does not just look at the symmetry of teeth, but also of a person’s mouth. Offering overall services to its clients.
Reason #4 Improve Facial Aesthetics
Bite misalignment is one of the most common forms of dental problems that affects a large group of the population. This form of misalignment can manifest in various ways, such as an extreme underbite or overbite.
Orthodontics can help in aligning the teeth. This, in turn, also benefits facial aesthetics. In other words, an orthodontist can not just help you with the overall gum health, but can also improve the overall aesthetics of your face.
Reason #5 Reducing Muscle Strain
Your jaw opens and closes due to two specialised forms of joints known as the temporomandibular joints. These joints enable a person to move their jaw freely and without obstruction.
Misaligned teeth can cause unnecessary straining on the muscle. In some cases, subjects have even complained that they have felt facial pain and discomfort. Orthodontist treatment can help subjects deal with the said pain and
Reason #6 Improving Speech
Many people are unaware that misaligned teeth can not only affect oral health but also impact a person’s ability to speak. Your jaw, tongue, and teeth are essential for effective communication.
Any form of irregularities in any of these things can lead to speech impairment. Hence, an orthodontist can inadvertently also improve a person’s speech ability. Many people have had their lisp and whistling issues corrected after visiting the orthodontist.
Reason #7 Fitting Dental Restorative Better
Dental prosthetics or restoratives need a symmetrical base to fit well. Since Orthodontists tend to take care of alignment, it automatically helps in fitting prosthetics better. Most dental crowns are fitted over existing teeth, while others focus on specific problematic areas.
Regardless of the approach, orthodontists can help improve the symmetry and alignment of teeth. As a result, a visit to your orthodontist can also help you with ill-fitting dental prosthetics.
Is It Worth It?
In the US, the cost of a general orthodontic consultation can range from $3,500 to $7,500. On the other hand, the cost of metal braces ranges from $2,000 to $8,500. All in all, orthodontic procedure is quite an expensive procedure. As a result, the question of it being worth it seems quite natural.
Still, it is worth getting an orthodontic consultation. The reason is that your teeth will be your constant companion. Therefore, to keep them in line, you must get your orthodontics done today.