Health Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontics is often necessary to help improve the stability, function, and health of an individual's teeth. Otherwise, many people would be at a higher risk for gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss because of improper teeth positioning in their mouth. In addition to the health benefits, orthodontics can help people have higher self-esteem. Many people will smile with their mouth closed because they are self-conscious about their teeth, but after orthodontic treatment will smile and show their teeth!

General dentists can assess a child's need for orthodontics and refer their patient to an orthodontist. A dentist usually recommends orthodontic treatment to improve problems like crooked or crowded teeth, overbites or underbites, incorrect jaw position and disorders of the jaw joint. 

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children should have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This is because a child will have started to get adult molars in place, and the position of these and the primary teeth provide a good perspective of the development of the child's dentition and any need for orthodontics. It is also beneficial to work with a child's growing body to help eliminate the need for tooth extractions.

Benefits of orthodontic treatment:

• Improved stability, function, and health of teeth.
• Decreased risk of gum decay, tooth decay, and tooth loss.
• Improved self-esteem for the patient.