It’s not an exaggeration to say that straightening your smile with the help of an orthodontist in Melbourne, FL, can change your life. It improves a person’s self-confidence when they can smile without fear or discomfort. Orthodontic treatment has also improved patient’s mental and physical health. There are many benefits beyond simply having a straight smile. Here’s a closer look at the many benefits of straightening your smile. 

Prevention of Long-Term Dental Issues

Misaligned teeth may not cause any problems in the short term. However, when left untreated over time, they can create new dental problems. For example, it can be difficult to fully brush the surfaces of crowded teeth or to reach between them with a piece of floss. Over time, the crowding and lack of ability to properly brush and floss can lead to cavities, tooth decay, or gum disease.

The same goes for a misaligned bite. As a patient ages, the misalignment can lead to bruxism (teeth grinding), temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, headaches, and other problems. Straight teeth are simply easier to keep clean and healthy. 

Improved Speech and Chewing

Speaking and chewing your food are essential functions of your teeth and jaw. When these are misaligned, it can lead to speech difficulties, which can cause problems in a school or work environment. Properly chewing food is also an essential element of nutrition. People need to chew their food to get all its nutrients. Working with a Melbourne orthodontist can correct speech and chewing issues caused by a misaligned bite.

Better Confidence and Improved Mental Health

It’s no secret that a great smile boosts self-confidence. This can pay big dividends in school or an adult’s professional career. Imagine a salesperson who is unwilling to smile because of misaligned teeth, and you get the picture. A positive self-image also plays an essential role in a child’s social and personal development.

A 2018 study examined the effects of orthodontic treatment on mental health and body image. The researchers found that patients who straightened their teeth had better mental health outcomes and improved attitudes toward their overall body image. The benefits of straightening a person’s smile go beyond the physical aspects.

Prevent Bone Erosion

Misaligned teeth can cause the bone structures around them to erode slowly over time. This may only be noticeable once a person reaches middle age. By the time they are in their senior years, they may lack enough jaw structure to keep all their natural teeth. Reduced bone structure can also make a bone graft necessary if an older patient wants to use dental implants to replace missing teeth. When the teeth are straight, this grinding on the bone structure doesn’t occur, and the natural structure is preserved for years.

Better Breathing and Sleep

Working with an orthodontist can help some people sleep better at night. That’s because a misaligned jaw can contribute to snoring, teeth grinding, sleep apnea, and difficulty breathing. Misaligned teeth can constrict the airway or, in some cases, cause trouble with your sinuses. Correcting these issues through orthodontic treatment can help you breathe better and get a good night’s sleep. Sometimes, you must work with Dr. Reddick and another specialist to correct these issues, but orthodontic treatment plays an important role. 

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is one example of a problems that can happen due to orthodontic issues when you sleep. For cases like this, a custom night guard can be created in our office that you wear over the teeth while sleeping. This prevents the grinding and preserves tooth structure. 

Reddick Orthodontics for a Straight Smile

If you want to experience the many benefits of straightening your smile, we’d love to help! Contact Us at Melbourne Orthodontics to schedule an appointment and exam today.