One of the biggest issues with teeth being in malposition, or not in the most appropriate place, is lower aesthetics. As a result, many patients seek out orthodontics to improve their smiles. However, there are several orthodontics benefits that go beyond just appearance.
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Orthodontics Benefits: Not Just a Pretty Smile
Along with an imperfect smile, malposition can contribute to bite issues and difficulty cleaning. Orthodontics can resolve these issues and make it easier for patients to maintain their dental hygiene. In addition to an improved smile, these are some other orthodontics benefits.
Corrects Bite Issues
Bite issues happen when teeth don’t come together correctly. For example, if someone’s teeth don’t align properly in the front, they will have an open bite when closing their back teeth. Because of this, their front teeth don’t touch. So for these people, even doing something as simple as eating a sandwich is challenging.
They might take a bite of the sandwich, and when they pull back, the lettuce will be left behind because they couldn’t properly bite into it. Not being able to bite effectively can lead to decreased function in eating, which is why orthodontics are beneficial. Orthodontics can correct bite issues to improve eating function and overall comfort.
Makes Cleaning Easier
Patients who have overlapped teeth typically have a challenging time with cleaning. When teeth overlap, there’s usually some surface area that is impossible to clean with a toothbrush. Not to mention, it’s going to be difficult to floss and harder for your dental hygenist when you come in for a cleaning.
Because it’s trickier to clean, these patients accumulate more tartar which can lead to bone loss. Orthodontics helps straighten teeth, so they are positioned better and easier to maintain. Difficulty keeping teeth clean is probably the most common reason other than aesthetics to receive orthodontic treatment.
Why It’s Still Important to See a General Dentist
When patients need an evaluation for either braces or Invisalign, we refer them to an orthodontist. However, it’s important that they come to a general dentist first so we can create an overall plan for their teeth. It’s true a patient might benefit from braces to straighten teeth. But they might also benefit from veneers on teeth that are inappropriately sized. So instead of just pushing everything together, they might have a better result by leaving some space and putting veneers on oddly sized or shaped teeth.
For example, if a patient’s laterals are really thin, pushing all the teeth together still wouldn’t look appropriate. But if we keep some space on the sides of their lateral teeth and place veneers over top, they can have a much better smile. That’s why it’s important for patients to come to a general dentist first. We will help them by developing an overall plan for their teeth instead of just a plan to simply straighten the teeth.
If a patient’s overall goal is to change the shape and look of their teeth, we would have a conversation with the orthodontist. This is important, especially as they get close to finishing the case, so that we can leave an appropriate amount of space for the veneers. Working with the orthodontist makes our job easier, and the case turns out a lot better when we do restorative treatment in combination with orthodontics.
We’re Here to Help with Your Dental Plan
If patients are satisfied with the way their teeth look and there aren’t any issues with dental hygiene, they may not need orthodontic work. However, it’s still important that they are happy with their smile, which is why we ask those patients the following question: “Does anything about your teeth bother you, or would you change anything about your teeth?” And if they would, then we might suggest a referral to an orthodontist.
But if a patient is fine with the look of their teeth, we wouldn’t refer them for orthodontics. If a patient asks us directly, we can talk about their options and help them make a good decision. When we think a patient could benefit from orthodontics for a reason other than aesthetics, we might make suggestions based on that. For example, we may recommend orthodontics if they can’t keep their teeth clean due to overlapping or large spaces that trap food.
No matter what course of treatment you need, we’re here to help every step of the way. The benefits of orthodontics go far beyond just aesthetics, especially when combined with a custom dental plan created just for you.
At Cedarwood Dentistry, we cultivate dental health through personalized care. We offer a variety of dental services, including family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and emergency care in Midlothian, Virginia. Whether you last visited the dentist six months or six years ago, we can help bring your smile to life. Schedule your dentist appointment today by calling 804-379-9375.