There are three main reasons that people seek orthodontic treatment:
- Appearance
Orthodontic treatment can have a dramatic impact on facial and smile appearance. Research has shown that an unattractive smile can be a significant social handicap. Conversely, an attractive smile has been shown to make a difference in teachers’ expectations and therefore students’ progress in school and in social compatibility. The positive changes created by orthodontic treatment can have a profound effect on one’s self-esteem and quality of life.
- Oral Health
Orthodontic treatment can improve oral health. Straight teeth are easier to clean than crowded teeth. As such, orthodontic treatment can help to prevent hygiene related problems, such as cavities and gum disease. Secondly, bite correction can help to prevent ongoing damage to the teeth and gums. For example, correction of severe protrusion of the front teeth makes a person less vulnerable to a fracture injury. Correction of certain bites can help prevent uneven and excessive tooth wear and/or limit gum recession problems.
- Oral Function
Orthodontic treatment can improve bite function. Certain bite problems can cause difficulty with chewing, difficulty with articulation of certain speech sounds and difficulty with check and lip biting. A poor bite may also trigger clenching and grinding, which can in turn result in excess tooth wear and may contribute to problems with the jaw joints (TMJ). Orthodontic treatment can help to alleviate these problems.
Click here to see photos of Before & After photos of cases treated by Dr. Kemnitz.