Orthodontia is About More than a Smile

A common misconception about orthodontic treatment is that it’s primarily cosmetic dentistry. While straighter teeth are usually more attractive, orthodontia is mostly about supporting good oral health. It can be confusing because a healthy smile is very important to our appearance.

For example, dental implants have an obvious cosmetic aspect because missing teeth are considered unattractive and can have a significant social stigma. Therefore adding replacements few people can tell are not organic teeth can have a powerful cosmetic impact, health pluses aside. Similarly, While crooked teeth don’t have the same level of social stigma, the greater confidence that comes with a more attractive smile can have definite social advantages.

Here at Northridge Dental Works, we take a holistic approach that focuses largely on long-term issues so that good health and a good appearance can go hand-in-hand.

Long-Term Oral Health Benefits of Orthodontia

Properly aligned teeth can prevent or lessen several issues that may begin in childhood and worsen as we age, these include:

• Facial disfigurement if teeth interfere with the development of the jaw
• Speech difficulties
• Difficulty with chewing food properly
• Teeth grinding
• TMJ/jaw pain
• Mouth breathing
• Excessive snoring and sleep apnea
• Increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease

Important Note: Thumb sucking in children can worsen issues with the alignment of teeth, exacerbating all of the issues above. Ask your dentist if your children have picked up the habit.

 What to Do Now?

Whether you have a child or are concerned about your own imperfectly-aligned teeth, it’s always a good time to look into orthodontic services. The cosmetic impacts of orthodontic services are the most apparent and are, at least psychologically, as important as any other. Of course, they are also a key investment in oral health that can save time and money in the long run.

Here at Northridge Dental Works, we offer the very best and latest in standard braces that are still the gold standard for younger people especially. While these are now available as less conspicuous clear plastic braces, we know that many adults and teens prefer that people aren’t able to tell they have braces on at all. That’s why we also offer Invisalign, often an extremely viable solution, especially for older teens and adults.

If you are concerned about the alignment of teeth or any other aspect of the oral health of yourself and/or your family, Dr. Niloo Tavakol and her team want to hear from you. Please call the phone number on your screen or see our contact page.