Your Orthodontist Can Do More Than Help You Achieve Straight Teeth

National Orthodontic Health Month

October brings us beautiful fall colors, Halloween, and National Orthodontic Health Month! This national recognition was created specifically to raise awareness regarding the benefits of orthodontic treatment. If you’re unsure of what that means and how it pertains to you, read our quick orthodontic facts below to learn more.

What is orthodontics?
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, orthodontics is a specialty area of dentistry focused on the diagnosis, supervision, guidance and correction of malocclusion (the imperfect position of the teeth when the jaw is closed).

Statistics on orthodontics:

• In the United States, 4.5 million people wear braces, of which about 25% are adults.
• The ideal time to get braces is between 10 and 14 years of age, but adult braces are becoming much more popular.
• The second most common reason for braces, besides straight teeth, is overbite correction.

What are the benefits to orthodontic treatment?

The top goal of our orthodontic team is to help patients achieve their desired smile. Along with a beautiful smile, proper alignment of teeth also improves daily functions such as speaking/chewing and even prevents cavities. Our orthodontists at Great Expressions can correct issues concerning:

• Crowding/Spacing
• Overbite/Underbite
• Open bite
• Crossbite
• Crooked teeth
• And more

What happens if I leave orthodontic issues untreated?

Untreated orthodontic issues may eventually result in oral health issues and affect how your teeth function. You could experience any or all of the following:

• Tooth decay
• Tooth damage
• Gum disease
• Chewing issues
• Speaking issues
• Headaches and/or earaches
• Misaligned jaws

Are braces my only option for orthodontic treatment?

No! Orthodontic treatment has progressed significantly over the years. Today, improved technologies and treatment options make orthodontics easier than ever before! Learn about the “Evolution of Orthodontic Treatment” from a recent blog post by our experts.

Wondering how you can celebrate National Orthodontic Health Month? It’s as simple as scheduling a consultation with a Great Expressions orthodontist and posting the hashtag #OrthodonticHealthMonth on social media. Learn more about our services and schedule an appointment here.