Earlier we wrote about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist, you can read that article here. But did you know that there are also many medical benefits to seeing a registered orthodontist?
A person’s smile is one of the first things we notice when we greet someone. It is how we recognise each other and how we behave towards each other. Trusting your smile can change your life for the better. That’s why it is so important to consult an orthodontist to achieve your healthiest, most attractive smile.
Healthier gums
Straight teeth are easier to keep clean and ensure healthier gums.
Self-confidence
An even smile improves your self-confidence.
Medical benefits
Apart from improved self-confidence, orthodontic treatment also has medical benefits of course. From a medical point of view orthodontic treatment is necessary for patients with:
- poor occlusion which can damage teeth and gums;
- protruding or badly aligned teeth;
- gaps in the dental arch;
- lack of space in the jaw, leading to crooked teeth;
- speech, breathing or chewing difficulties;
- improperly growing jaw (which can impact on facial profile).
Sleep Apnea
An orthodontist can also help with the diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea
Children with sucking habits
Children with persistent sucking habits such as thumbs or fingers.
Swallowing problems
Swallowing problems can cause incorrect growth of teeth, for example.
An orthodontist does much more than just place braces and ‘straighten’ your teeth. Your teeth are extremely important to your overall health, which is why an orthodontist always looks beyond straight teeth.
A good orthodontist does not only look at straight teeth, but also at other matters that may be necessary from a medical point of view and must be addressed. Therefore always choose a registered orthodontist.