Everyone knows that orthodontic treatments can correct many types of alignment issues such as overbites, underbites, crossbites, open bites, crowding, and gaps, but many people are unaware that they can treat much more than that. Braces and Invisalign clear aligners can treat the underlying issues of many oral health issues by making teeth easier to clean and correcting pressure points in the teeth and jaw. Here are a few common oral health issues braces can treat while straightening out your smile.
How Can Orthodontics Prevent Gum Disease and Tooth Decay?
Teeth with crowding and other misalignments can be harder to clean. It can be difficult to slide a piece of dental floss between two teeth or brush them effectively when one is situated closely behind the other. If these spaces cannot be cleaned regularly, they will become havens for the harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral infections. Orthodontic treatments can give your teeth more space so they can receive the hygienic care they deserve.
How Can Orthodontics Protect My Teeth from Damage?
Well-aligned teeth exert an even and effective biting force that keeps any one part of the smile from sustaining too much pressure. However, if the teeth are not in an optimal alignment, the chewing process can create concentrated pressure points that can eventually lead to chips, cracks, or fractures. These injuries may require dental bonding or more extensive reconstructions like crowns or veneers. Orthodontic treatment can prevent this from being necessary by bringing teeth into more optimal biting positions, protecting them from damage and making chewing a more comfortable experience.
How Can Orthodontics Improve Digestion?
Chewing is the first stage of digestion that breaks food into smaller pieces and exposes it to enzymes that make it easier to absorb. Unfortunately, alignment issues can complicate this process and make it more difficult for someone to chew their food thoroughly. If a bite of food cannot be broken down enough, it can lead to irritable bowels, intestinal distress, and a lack of feeling sated after eating. Realigning teeth with braces or clear aligners can make it much easier to digest by creating an even biting surface that can thoroughly grind food into small, easily absorbed pieces.
Modern orthodontic treatments provide patients with some excellent and effective methods to improve their lives in fundamental ways. Consulting with your orthodontist will help determine if any orthodontic treatments are right for you.
About the Practice
Dental Center of Lakewood offers friendly and comprehensive dental care to the community of Dallas, TX. Led by Drs. Travis Spillman and Jacquelyn Green, the skilled staff provides patients with the peace of mind that comes from having a dental health care provider you can trust. Areas of expertise include general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry in addition to orthodontic treatments. To learn more about what orthodontics can do for your overall health, contact the office online or dial (214) 823-5253.