The Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment: A Guide to a Straighter Smile
Friends, welcome to my orthodontic blog! I'm Dr. Shaahin Dadjoo, DMD MS, a board certified orthodontist in Culver City, CA. Today I want to discuss an important topic that can transform your smile and improve your overall oral health: orthodontic treatment. Many people think that orthodontics is just about getting straight teeth, but it goes far beyond that. Let's dive into the benefits of orthodontic treatment and see how it can help you achieve a confident, healthy smile. My belief is that orthodontics is the foundation for lifelong dental and periodontal health.
1. Enhancing Your Appearance:
Orthodontic treatment is renowned for its ability to correct misaligned teeth and jaw discrepancies, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing smile. By straightening your teeth, we can help you achieve a harmonious balance between your teeth, lips, and face. This can boost your self-esteem and enhance your overall appearance, giving you the confidence to smile freely. In addition to the health benefits, this is a highly sought after benefit for treatment with braces or clear aligners.
2. Improving Oral Health:
Straight teeth are not only visually appealing, but they also contribute to better oral health. Misaligned or overcrowded teeth can make it challenging to clean effectively, increasing the risk of plaque buildup, gingivitis, tooth decay, and gum disease (periodontal disease). By aligning your teeth properly through orthodontic treatment, you can improve your oral hygiene routine and reduce the chances of dental and periodontal problems in the future. Many people do not realize, that following teeth extractions, your teeth move. Often times, if caught early, these relatively minor movements can be prevented. I have seen countless adults referred to me by their surgeon or general dentist to prepare them for implants, because their teeth have migrated and shifted as a result of tooth extractions years ago.
3. Correcting Bite Issues:
Orthodontic treatment addresses not only the position of your teeth but also how your upper and lower jaws come together when you bite. Issues such as overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites can lead to jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and even speech problems. By catching these early, and correcting these bite issues, orthodontic treatment can alleviate discomfort, improve functionality, and enhance your overall quality of life. I want to see kids at the latest starting age 7, but I am always here to be an important part of your dental healthcare team. My connections in town will be at your disposal, I can always connect you to one of the best specialist in town for your specific ailment.
4. Preventing Dental Wear and Trauma:
Crooked or misaligned teeth can put excessive stress on certain areas of your mouth, leading to uneven wear, chipping, and fractures. By aligning your teeth properly, orthodontic treatment helps distribute biting forces evenly, preventing premature dental wear and reducing the risk of dental trauma. It's an investment in the long-term health and longevity of your teeth. When the occlusal forces are not properly balanced, its sort of like driving around on a spare tire. You can go for some short time, but after a long time, you run into major issues! Don’t wait to schedule a consultation with me if you feel this is your case.
5. Boosting Overall Health:
Did you know that oral health is closely linked to your overall health? The treatments I provide can contribute to better overall well-being. By improving your bite, alignment, and oral hygiene, or working to alleviate your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, we can enhance your overall health as well as put you on the right track towards life long teeth!
I’ve dedicated my life to learning all of this and I am dedicated to helping you achieve your goals. From enhancing your appearance and improving oral health to correcting bite issues and preventing dental wear, orthodontics plays a vital role in your overall well-being. If you're considering orthodontic treatment, I encourage you to schedule a consultation with me for a personalized treatment plan.
All the Best,
Dr. Dadjoo