For many patients, the primary motivation for pursuing orthodontic treatment is a desire to improve the smile’s appearance. However, when you get braces to straighten your smile, your overall wellness is likely to benefit, as well.

A collaborative relationship with an orthodontist will put you on the path to a healthier, more beautiful smile. Your body also will gain some health advantages.

For example, repositioning the teeth may make it easier for the patient to care for the smile. It can be difficult to adequately brush and floss crowded teeth, and the tight spaces in between those teeth can present an ideal environment for oral bacteria to thrive. Those bacteria, in turn, can cause cavities and gum disease. Even a dental hygienist may also find it more challenging to thoroughly clean a crooked smile. In contrast, properly positioned teeth can be maintained with routine brushing and flossing in addition to professional preventive care.

Not only does easier oral care give your smile a boost, but your body gains too. Research has suggested a correlation between gum disease and systemic issues like heart disease and diabetes. So, if you can reduce your risk of gum disease by keeping your [properly aligned] smile cleaner, you may be able to lessen the effects of these other conditions.

Crooked teeth – especially protruding teeth – may also be more susceptible to injury, which also raises the possibility of oral health hazards, such as infections in the pulp.

Nutrition is another aspect of a healthy smile that sometimes goes unappreciated. Misaligned teeth and jaws may make it harder to chew and digest your food, and you may not be able to absorb as many nutrients from your diet as a result.

Explore the many advantages of orthodontic treatment by scheduling a consultation with one of our expert specialists. We recommend that all children have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7, but older children, teens and even adults still can benefit from treatment.