Orthodontics Are for More Than Just Good Looks

Posted on June 21, 2024

Often, when people think of orthodontic treatments, they’re thinking just of cosmetic improvements. Braces are actually used for much more than just making people look better, though. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 15% of the U.S. population actually have orthodontic problems that affect their lives. In these cases, orthodontic treatments can really help improve the quality of life. Let’s look at a few conditions that braces can treat.

Overbites

An overbite can affect your ability to bite, chew, and even speak. They can also sometimes impact your appearance, which may have an effect on your confidence or self-esteem. If your overbite is having a negative impact on your ability to eat, speak, and feel confident, it may be in your best interest to consider adult orthodontics.

Underbites

Similar to overbites, underbites can also have an impact on someone’s life and functioning each day. This condition can cause problems with eating and can also cause pain later on if left untreated. An underbite will also drastically affect a person’s speech as well. Adult orthodontics can help.

Open Bite

An open bite is a special type of dental issue. A person with an open bite will have an open space in the front or at the sides of their teeth. This gap is often visible when you smile. An open bite can prevent you from properly biting down or chewing food, which can reduce the amount of food options available to you and could also put you at risk of choking. Adult orthodontics can help to correct your open bite, so you can chew safely and enjoy a wider range of food options.

Not Enough Teeth Space

If you don’t have enough space between your teeth, it can have a very negative effect on your dental health. Lack of space between teeth makes it very difficult to get the teeth sufficiently clean. It makes brushing difficult as well as flossing. Without proper flossing or brushing, plaque can quickly build up and can lead to tooth decay or gingivitis.

Speech Impediments

Speech impediments can be caused by a number of reasons. One reason can be your teeth. When teeth are not arranged properly, it can get in the way of the tongue as you try to form sounds and words. Adult orthodontics can be used to correct these issues to some degree.

These are just a few conditions that can be treated with adult orthodontics. If you’re looking for a local orthodontist, please contact us at Chelian Orthodontics today.