Dental Health Dental Health Procedures

The Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment

Introduction
No More “Metal Mouth”
Bad Bites
Conclusion
 

Introduction

Whether you like it or not, we live in a society that places a tremendous emphasis on first impressions. Studies have shown how first impressions can influence job recruiting as well as salary offers. It is generally understood that your smile is one of the first characteristics noticed by others. A smile filled with beautifully aligned pearly whites will make a better impression than one that is poorly aligned. Children can be quite cruel to the child with bucked or severely crowded teeth. These comments can have a lasting effect on that child’s self-esteem. Fortunately, treatment is available to correct most of these problems of poorly aligned teeth known as orthodontics. The purpose of this article is to describe the many benefits orthodontic treatment offers along with those dental conditions most commonly treated.
 

No More “Metal Mouth”

Even today, when most adults think about orthodontics they have images of the character “Jaws” from the James Bond movie series. This mouth full of shining metal is truly a thing of the past compared to modern-day braces that are smaller and less noticeable. For many adolescent patients and even some adults, braces have become a fashion statement—some are decorated in various colors at each visit to the orthodontist. There are clear, ceramic braces for those of you who want to try and conceal the fact that you are wearing them. There are braces that can be placed behind the teeth for this same purpose. Braces in one form or another have been in use for 100 years and continue to be the primary mechanism used to move teeth. While braces definitely have their pain-evoking moments, whether by sore teeth and/or mouth ulcers, these episodes are usually limited to short periods of time and in the end, not a reason to avoid treatment. As more and more people of all ages are seeking the benefits of orthodontic treatment, it is this author’s opinion that what is really being sought is the number-one benefit of orthodontic treatment—improved esthetics.

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