Although orthodontic treatment is often associated with making aesthetic improvements to the smile, there are also many short and long-term health benefits.
In fact, the vast majority of private and NHS orthodontic treatments performed in the UK are the result of a referral from a dentist or hygienist made on the basis of improving dental health.
Here we look at the key reasons why orthodontic procedures for adults offer not only a better-looking smile, but a healthier one.
Aesthetic Improvement
The primary goal of orthodontic treatment is to realign crooked or gapped teeth, allowing them to adopt a more natural and uniformed position. This has an undeniably positive effect on the appearance of the teeth, making them look more attractive and far healthier.
Orthodontic treatment can also help to ease persistent issues related to swelling and dental alignment that can enhance facial aesthetics, improving the overall appearance of the patient.
Dental Correction
For common issues such as crowding, over-biting or under-biting, orthodontic treatment helps to gently and effectively correct problems and prevent them from recurring. This helps to improve the long-term development of the teeth in patients of all ages.
In the case of more severe problems such as accommodating impacted, unerupted or displaced teeth, prolonged teeth straightening and manipulation can deliver exceptional results.
Improved Oral Health
By improving the alignment of teeth and reducing gapping, orthodontic care makes it far easier to care for our teeth as part of a day-to-day routine.
Gaps between the teeth and at the gumline encourage the build-up of food and other residues, that can be difficult to remove through brushing, resulting in the formation of plaque. This can lead to a wide range of general dental problems, including tooth decay, halitosis, gum disease and tooth loss.
Preparation
In many cases orthodontic care is undertaken in order to prepare the teeth and gums for advanced dental procedures that require minor or medium issues such as gapping and misalignment to be corrected before treatment can begin.
This includes important orthodontic and cosmetic procedures such as work on the crown and arches and structural surgeries including the fitting of dental implants.
Avoiding Future Issues
At any age, orthodontic treatment can play a key role in preventing future issues with the teeth, helping to ease key problems before they get worse. For specialist treatments such as correction of the bite, this can help to make the jaw and surrounding bone healthier and more functional.
In the long-term, this branch of treatment is known to prevent dental pain experienced in later life and ease future problems with the jaw and associated joints.
Gaining Confidence
Overall, successful orthodontic treatment helps to improve the health, appearance and functionality of our teeth. This gives us the peace of mind that our teeth and gums are healthy and performing properly, and offers the confidence and contentment that comes with an attractive smile.
Find out more
Based in Mitcham, Marsh House Orthodontics is the largest orthodontic practice in South London.
We offer a friendly and relaxed orthodontic service that provides specialist treatments for children and adults across the region, including a selection of tailored teeth straightening options that can help to remedy a wide range of dental issues.
If you would like to find out more about the range of orthodontic treatments we offer, please call our friendly and knowledgeable team today on 020 8646 6200.
