Registered specialist in orthodontics Jonathan Alexander Abt was honoured with an award from Inline Orthodontics. From 1998 to 2000, he worked at the Luton and Dunstable Hospital as a locum consultant, treating cleft lip and palates and other complex surgical orthodontic cases. This article will provide an overview of the key benefits of orthodontic care and discuss how improving oral health is about much more than appearance, helping people to live longer, happier, healthier lives.
Straight teeth can greatly enhance an individual’s appearance, providing a significant boost to their confidence and self-esteem. Nevertheless, the benefits of orthodontic treatment go far beyond aesthetics. In reality, maintaining good oral health promotes overall wellbeing.
Many people associate orthodontics with braces. Although a large part of orthodontic practice is related to improving the physical appearance of patients, the benefits go far beyond just creating a beautiful smile. Orthodontists address a wide range of dental issues, simultaneously improving oral health.
Originating from the Greek words ‘orthos’ meaning straight and ‘dontics’ meaning teeth, the field centres around straightening teeth and managing abnormal positioning of the jaw and face. The diagnosis, treatment and prevention of malocclusions are the main objectives of orthodontics. The primary goal is to achieve a harmonious bite, ensuring proper alignment for both functional and aesthetic reasons.
Malocclusions, or ‘bad bites’, come in various forms. A malocclusion may be caused by an underbite, overbite, crossbite, and crowded or widely spaced teeth. Aside from affecting appearance, these issues can have various physiological impacts for the patient.
One of the most significant benefits of orthodontics is preventing disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Such disorders of the jaw joint, discs and muscles can trigger pain when chewing that radiates across the face and neck, as well as stiffness and limited movement or locking of the jaw. An individual with a TMJ disorder may experience pain when opening the mouth or experience clicking, grating or popping of the jaw joint. In severe cases, a TMJ disorder affects how the upper and lower jaw fit together and can even culminate in ringing in the ears, dizziness or hearing loss.
Crooked teeth can culminate in poor bite alignment, resulting in issues such as excessive wear on tooth enamel, TMJ disorders, jaw pain and headaches. Misaligned and crowded teeth can make it difficult to clean all tooth surfaces properly when brushing or flossing. With straight teeth, it is much easier to maintain good oral hygiene, reaching every nook and cranny to remove plaque, thereby reducing the risk of cavities, bad breath and gum disease.
In terms of positive self-image, a perfectly aligned smile correlates with increased confidence and enhanced overall wellbeing. Orthodontic treatments can have a life-changing impact, as no one wants to be remembered for their crooked teeth and misaligned smile. Creating a beautiful smile boosts self-esteem, helping patients to put their best foot forward in both their professional and personal lives.
A confident smile can improve various aspects of a person’s life, including professional opportunities and personal relationships. Crowded and crooked teeth can interfere with tongue placement and speech clarity. Misaligned teeth can also hinder an individual’s ability to chew food thoroughly, potentially triggering digestive problems further down the line.
Orthodontics is about much more than creating straighter smiles. It is a comprehensive approach to ensuring lifelong oral health, protecting one of the key gateways to overall health and wellbeing. Orthodontics helps to prevent harmful bacteria entering the bloodstream, reducing the risk of a range of conditions, including heart problems, diabetes, obesity and dementia. Investing in clear aligners, braces or other forms of orthodontic treatment not only enhances a person’s appearance but also improves their dental hygiene and overall health for years to come.
