Braces and your overall health

Everyone today wants that perfect, white, red carpet, smile. Appearance is becoming more important every day. We are in a culture that values straight teeth and many hiring and relationship decisions are based on facial balance and a great smile. But are we better off health-wise for having two years of braces or are we just getting a cosmetic improvement with no total health advantage?

We will discuss a few health benefits of orthodontics with the most important benefit last. The first benefit is MUSCLE BALANCE. When the bite is ideal, the muscles are in better balance and less likely to become overworked and sore. An ideal bite also prevents TOOTH MOBILITY which can happen when just one or a few teeth are in contact when teeth come together or move across each other. Teeth can actually be “knocked out” by uncorrected bites if the trauma occurs over a long period of time. TOOTH WEAR is caused by poor tooth relationships, especially excessive overlapping of the front teeth. Once teeth are worn down, they don’t function as well in biting or chewing and then have to be restored with metal or ceramic crowns.

The most important health benefit regards the heart and overall health of the body. PERIODONTAL DISEASE is caused by bacteria that build up in pockets of unhealthy gum tissue around the teeth. These bacteria release toxins that get into the blood stream and are transmitted to the heart and other organs of the body. Having straight teeth makes brushing and flossing easier and evens out the gum tissue so it can be stimulated and kept from forming the pockets that house bacteria.
People with straight teeth generally take care of them better than those with crooked teeth. This maintains the periodontal health and subsequently the whole body health. We all take care of a shiny new car better than we do a “beater” and the same goes for your teeth!

So enjoy the beautiful smile but rest assured that you are receiving significant whole-body health benefits from orthodontic treatment.