Orthodontic treatment has more to offer than beautifully straight teeth. Popular options such as Invisalign® can have a positive impact on everything from your overall health to your self-esteem. Here are five benefits of orthodontic treatment that make it a worthwhile investment.
1. Corrects Issues with Your Bite
You know that you have a bad bite, also called malocclusion, if your upper and lower teeth don’t come together properly. What you may not know is that a bad bite is more than a cosmetic issue.
The consequences of leaving a bad bite untreated include uneven tooth wear, lopsided jaw growth, swallowing and speech problems, and changes to your facial appearance. Fortunately, orthodontic appliances can fix your bite and help prevent these issues.
2. Straightens Crooked, Crowded, and Gapped Teeth
Orthodontic treatment is versatile. It can fix virtually any type of tooth misalignment. Whether you have crooked, crowded, gapped, protruding, or unevenly spaced teeth, orthodontic treatment is probably going to work for you.
3. Reduces Decay by Making Teeth Easier to Clean
People with misaligned teeth have a higher risk of cavities and gum disease. That is because teeth that overlap, are rotated, or are staggered are hard to brush and floss. Meanwhile, teeth that are spaced too far apart tend to trap food in open areas. Because orthodontic treatment brings teeth into the proper alignment, it makes them much easier to clean.
4. Fixes Headaches and Jaw Pain Caused by Dental Misalignment
A bad bite can cause — and aggravate — temporomandibular joint disorder. If you have this disorder, you may experience headaches, jaw pain and clicking, earaches, dizziness, facial pain, and other uncomfortable symptoms.
By correcting dental misalignment that may be contributing to jaw joint issues, orthodontic treatment can often improve TMJ pain. Dr. Michael Chung is a skilled neuromuscular dentist who will determine if an option like Invisalign® can help you find relief.
5. Gives You a More Confident Smile
Of course, the aesthetic benefit of orthodontic treatment shouldn’t be overlooked. After all, straight teeth are beautiful and attractive. If you’ve been hiding your smile due to alignment issues, orthodontic treatment could give you the confidence to show it off.
Find Out if Orthodontic Treatment is Right for You
Call 703-319-6990 today to schedule a consultation at Softouch Dental Care. We welcome patients from Oakton, Vienna, McLean, and nearby areas of Northern Virginia.
