Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that focuses on addressing crooked and misaligned teeth as well as malocclusions, more commonly known as bad bites. Whilst the treatment of such issues is most commonly associated with attaining a more aesthetically pleasing smile, the benefits stretch far beyond that. In many cases, the impact of an effective orthodontic treatment program can be both lifelong and life changing. The following represent some of the most significant benefits orthodontic treatment can offer.

Easier Chewing and Speaking

It’s not uncommon for orthodontic issues to have some impact on how you chew food, but depending on their nature and severity, they have the potential to significantly impact how you eat and speak. If left untreated, these issues can worsen with time, so it’s best to address them sooner rather than later (if possible) to ensure a healthy smile for years to come.

Greater Comfort

Even if your issues don’t have such a big impact on your life, you still may feel some discomfort from them or potentially injure the inside of your mouth due to protruding teeth, for example. In such cases, completing a course of orthodontic treatment can bring a sense of relief and make things feel a lot more comfortable.

Improved Oral Hygiene

It’s easy to overlook just how much more difficult it is to keep your mouth clean when your teeth are crooked, misaligned, or impacted. Food debris and bacteria can build up in hard-to-clean areas, leading to all manner of potential problems from bad breath to gum disease. These issues can seriously impact your appearance, your dental health, and your quality of life.

Fortunately, you’ll have a much easier time keeping your mouth clean, healthy, and feeling fresh once your teeth have been brought into a better alignment.

Prevents Teeth Grinding

Untreated malocclusions increase the risk of bruxism, more commonly known as teeth grinding. This unconscious grinding and clenching of the teeth can lead to pain in the jaw as well as other areas of the face but can also damage teeth over time. By addressing any malocclusions you’ll reduce your risk of developing bruxism and thereby prevent unnecessary damage to your teeth.

Enjoy A Nicer Smile

There’s no way we could miss the most obvious benefit of orthodontic treatment, which is the beautiful smile it can give you. Even if it’s not your primary motivation for seeking treatment, you can expect to end up with a nicer, more confident smile. You may even find your new smile starts to boost other areas of your life too.

Increased Self-Confidence and Improved Wellbeing

Whether it’s mostly a result of your new smile or simply feeling more comfortable throughout the day, orthodontic treatment often improves patients’ mental and emotional wellbeing as well as their physical health. This can lead to greater self-confidence and feeling more comfortable around others, which can in turn lead to improvements in your social and professional or academic life.

Taking The First Step Towards Your Healthy Smile

If you’re ready to take the first step towards a healthier smile, you’ll need to speak to an orthodontist in Winnipeg. Our friendly team at Rykiss Orthodontics all have experience providing treatments including metal, ceramic, and lingual braces as well as Invisalign. Contact us to find out more or book an appointment.