Are you considering getting orthodontic care or taking your child for their first trip to the orthodontist? Are you wondering if quality orthodontic care is worth the investment?

Many professionals recommend that children have their first trip to an orthodontist by the age of 7. Still, some adults wonder if they could benefit from orthodontics.

Here’s what you need to know about the advantages family orthodontic care can offer.

1. Better Oral Health

When thinking about orthodontic treatment, many folks only consider cosmetic results. You’ll have straighter teeth and a more well-maintained appearance as a result.

Yet orthodontics can also lead to better dental health, and this should not get overlooked. Teeth that are misaligned, overcrowded, or crooked can be harder to brush and floss. Gaps between teeth mean that food, debris, and plaque can get trapped.

Plaque that builds up in your mouth can lead to gum disease, especially in adults. While mild forms of gum disease like gingivitis can cause irritation and swelling, more advanced forms such as periodontitis can lead to serious problems like tooth loss.

Gum disease has been linked to a number of other health problems. These include diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. They get impacted by the inflammation caused by bad gums.

In addition, you’ll need to worry about cavities forming. This could lead to tooth decay.

Investing in braces now means that you or your child could be enjoying much better oral health in the future. This means an overall healthier and happier life!

2. Stronger Jawbones

Teeth with too much space between them can lead to jawbone loss. This could lead to the weakening of muscles and premature wrinkles in adults. Eventually, you could even experience face collapse.

Braces will close gaps and shift teeth, thus allowing you to maintain bone structure. As such, they are an excellent investment in the future!

3. Reduced Pressure 

Every time you bite down, the pressure gets evenly distributed across your teeth. When your teeth are misaligned, some teeth will bear an uneven amount of pressure. 

In the short term, this can lead to pain. Yet in the long run, this could lead to receding gums, chipped teeth, and a lack of support for tooth roots. In extreme cases, it could even lead to tooth loss.

With braces, you will have an even distribution of pressure. And your teeth will stay healthy for a long time.

4. Greater Confidence

Many folks are self-conscious about their smiles. They are afraid to have up-close conversations or even to speak in public.

With braces, you can be certain that others won’t be put off by your teeth. You can smile broadly knowing that you look great.

5. Reduced Pain

If your teeth and jaws are misaligned, you may experience unnecessary pressure on your joints and muscles. This can lead to problems such as TMJ pain, headaches, and shoulder pain.

Straightening your teeth can take the stress off of your muscles and discs. This can alleviate your pain and help you to feel more comfortable.

6. Better Speaking

Misaligned teeth can often lead to speech problems, such as a lisp or whistling noise. When you straighten your teeth with braces, you can eliminate these problems. It can help direct airflow or create a sturdy point of contact for your tongue.

7. Eliminate Bad Breath

Not being able to fully brush your teeth can lead to bad breath. Bacteria build-up can occur when your teeth are crooked or overcrowded.

Braces will straighten teeth and allow you to maintain optimal hygiene.

8. Aid in Digestion

Gaps between your teeth can make it difficult to break up food pieces properly. This can lead to gas, bloating, and other digestive issues.

Braces can help you chew better and even improve your diet and lifestyle. If you care about your family’s long-term digestive health, it pays to invest in braces.

9. Several Options

Traditional braces are great for teens, but many adults and young people are looking into less visible options that still correct their smile beautifully.

For example, ceramic braces use clear brackets and sometimes clear wires so it isn’t obvious to the world that you’re getting orthodontic treatment. Options like Invisalign are even less noticeable. 

Invisalign aligners also allow you to eat mostly what you like since they get removed every time you eat or brush. If you’re worried about the visibility of braces, know that you aren’t tied only to traditional options.

10. More Affordable Than Ever

Many folks shy away from braces due to financial considerations. However, orthodontic treatment is more affordable now than ever.

You could, for example, talk to your orthodontist about payment plans, which will allow you to pay the treatment off a little each month in order to make the treatment more affordable. Your dental insurance may also cover at least part of the treatment.

If you don’t have dental insurance, or if your insurance only covers part of the treatment, talk to your employer about any available Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Account (FSAs.) These allow you to put aside tax-sheltered money each month. You can then use the funds to cover medical expenses such as orthodontics, vision care, or co-pays.

The Advantage of Family Orthodontic Care

Family orthodontic care is about more than just straight teeth. You’re investing in a lifetime of health for your entire family. With the right orthodontist and the right treatment, you could be enjoying healthier smiles in no time.

Don’t stop getting smart about family orthodontics now. For qualified professionals in the Raleigh area, contact us today.