Orthodontic treatment can do more than just straighten teeth. It can improve your overall health and wellbeing. Straightened teeth can help alleviate jaw issues that may be leading to blocked airways, lock jaw, snoring or grinding. When our teeth are out of alignment we are potentially increasing the chance of gum disease or tooth decay, which in turn can lead to other health concerns, such as heart disease. As strange as it may sound, having straight teeth doesn’t just mean better looking teeth, it means a better, healthier, happier you.
Having straight teeth can offer the following health benefits:
- Less likelihood of cavities due to easier cleaning
- Healthier gums
- Better breathing
- Can potentially stop snoring
- Aligned teeth cause less stress on your jaw bones (and can stop chronic jaw pain too)
- Proper alignment will cause less wear on your teeth
- Increased confidence and well-being
Research has shown that not only is our overall physical health improved, but having straight teeth leads to increased confidence and higher levels of self-esteem. Studies have shown that children as young as eight have higher self-esteem and are less anxious as a result of having orthodontic treatment. Professor O’Brien from Manchester University (UK) stated that children who had braces “felt they were teased less and had fewer negative comments about their teeth’. 1
However it’s never too late to start orthodontic treatment and adult orthodontics is becoming ever more popular. Having braces as a child may not have been an option and therefore many adults are starting orthodontic treatment now, in fact one in every five orthodontic patients are over the age of 18. Straight teeth isn’t just about aesthetics, straight teeth is about a healthier and happier you.
