5 Surprising Ways Orthodontic Treatment Can Improve Your Health
In the dental industry, we tend to focus solely on the cosmetic benefits of braces and aligners. However, did you know that achieving a straighter smile will also positively impact your physical and psychological health?
Today, we share five surprising ways orthodontic treatments can improve your daily life beyond teeth straightening. Ready to learn about some lesser-known benefits that may have slipped under your radar? Let’s dig in!
#1 – Improved Breathing
Orthodontic treatments can make your smile significantly better and improve how well you can breathe throughout the day. Misaligned teeth and jaws can lead to several breathing issues, such as snoring and sleep apnea.
Thankfully, orthodontic treatments such as braces and clear aligners can help to widen the airways and allow for proper oxygen flow during sleep. Restorative rest is one of the most effective health solutions, and it can boost energy levels so you can confidently take on whatever comes next.
What’s more, these treatments can be particularly beneficial for individuals who already suffer from a severe crossbite, underbite, or overbite, which can further compound issues related to breathing. Orthodontic treatments are effective for breathing difficulties, helping patients experience better overall health and eliminating snoring for a happy home.
#2 – Easier Digestion
Often overlooked, the ease of digestion is a significant positive benefit of orthodontic treatments. Crooked or misaligned teeth can create difficulties when chewing food properly and culminates in various digestive issues.
In some cases, people with overbites, underbites, or missing teeth may even need to swallow large chunks of food, making for inefficient digestion. Eating large pieces of food without proper teeth alignment can result in uncomfortable heartburn, acid reflux, or even constipation.
However, with orthodontic treatments, such as braces, clear aligners, and dental bridges, patients experience an improvement in jaw alignment and teeth positioning. Benefits like these translate to easier chewing and allow the patient to break food down more effectively. By pursuing better digestion and gut health, patients can experience an improved quality of life beyond simply feeling good.
#3 – Reduced Headaches
Headaches can be a debilitating daily struggle for many individuals, and what’s surprising to some is that orthodontic treatments can relieve these headaches by alleviating the symptoms of jaw misalignment. Issues like bite problems or teeth grinding have been known to over-exert jaw muscles – resulting in a chain reaction that causes more severe pains than simply an uncomfortable mouth.
Fortunately, through orthodontic aligners, we can distribute force more efficiently when we chew our food. When the dentist or orthodontist determines the ideal alignment, there is less strain on jaw muscles and joints, which means you will experience fewer headaches.
Chronic headaches, neck pain, and an aching jaw can feel like persistent enemies that won’t go away. But don’t lose hope. Seek professional guidance, and you may soon experience relief from your discomfort.
#4 – Better Speech
Orthodontic treatments can positively impact speech, which often significantly boosts an individual’s confidence and self-esteem. Dental problems, such as improper tooth or jaw alignment, can result in lingering speech impediments that make communication difficult.
In many cases, misaligned teeth can cause gaps in the mouth, which can cause speech problems such as lisps or slurred words. Aligners, braces, crowns, and dentures eliminate gaps in the mouth and better align the teeth and jaws. By forming a solid connection between the tongue and the roof of the mouth, people can talk with confidence and clarity.
Your teeth are pivotal to speech quality, and proper orthodontic care is the key to achieving clear enunciation. With the right intervention plan, you can close troublesome gaps between your teeth that cause whistle-like sounds when speaking.
#5 – Reduced Risk of Tooth Decay
Developing a healthy relationship with your teeth is paramount for living a vibrant, whole life. With the use of clear aligners, braces, and other solutions, you can positively impact your oral health.
Aligning your teeth and jaws makes it easier to clean and maintain them. As a result, the chances of developing cavities, chips, cracks, plaque, tartar build-up, gum disease, and bone loss are reduced significantly. Crowded or misaligned teeth make it difficult to reach all surfaces with a toothbrush or floss; this allows bacteria to accumulate in places and lead to tooth decay over time.
Orthodontic treatments can lower the risk of dental problems and help maintain healthy teeth for a long time, including in old age. Taking care of your oral health can be simple, and a qualified orthodontist is nearby to help ensure your teeth are in alignment, leaving you with good oral hygiene, fresh breath, the perfect smile, and peace of mind.
Well, there you have it. Nothing can stop you from achieving a brighter smile, articulate speech, and a bacteria-free mouth from this point forward. Don’t let modern orthodontic advancements pass you by – discover how improved confidence through a healthier smile can give you a higher quality of life!
