How Orthodontic Treatment Benefits Adult Patients

By Swathi Reddy, DMD

Many people seek orthodontic treatment for an attractive smile. However, the benefits of orthodontic treatment go beyond the obvious physical changes of straight teeth.

Malocclusion is the technical term used by orthodontists for crooked, crowded and protruded teeth. Literally the word means “bad bite.” Untreated malocclusions or bad bites can lead to speech problems, uneven tooth wear, chewing and periodontal problems.

A bad bite often distributes pressure unevenly across the mouth and puts unhealthy forces on the bones that support the teeth and chewing muscles. If left untreated, years of uneven chewing and grinding in this pattern can lead to problems, such as headaches, TMJ syndrome, and face and neck pain.

Crowded teeth are often difficult to brush and floss, while spacing between teeth leads to food impaction. Both conditions make it harder to keep the teeth clean. Over a period of time these problems can lead to tooth decay, gum diseases, bone loss and possible loss of teeth.

Orthodontic treatment not only aligns the teeth, but it also ensures proper alignment of both the upper and lower jaws. When both jaws fit together in the right way, they eliminate occlusal trauma, function better and improve the patients’ long-term oral health.

The benefits of orthodontic treatment not only include an attractive smile, but also a healthier mouth and teeth that are more likely to last a lifetime.