Why Are Orthodontics Important?

Every year, millions of kids, teens, and adults go into braces or start clear aligner treatment. For a lot of those people, getting orthodontics doesn’t seem like much of a choice. Their dentist “recommends it” so they go through with it. Beyond aesthetic reasons, most orthodontic patients don’t really know why getting braces or Invisalign is so important. At Stanley Dentistry, we’re all about transparency when it comes to treatment which is why we try to explain to all of our patients that orthodontics isn’t just about getting straighter teeth — it’s also about a healthier mouth.

Braces will keep your teeth cleaner

When you’re wearing them, braces feel clunky and can make brushing and flossing more difficult. Frequently, after finishing orthodontic treatment, teens and adults have a few cavities in areas that they struggled to reach with their toothbrush. There are a few products that can help with keeping your pearly whites clean during braces treatment, but, no matter what you’re using to clean your teeth, the process will be more difficult with braces on.

The good news is, once you finish your braces treatment, it’ll be easier than ever to keep your teeth decay-free. Why? Straight, properly aligned teeth are significantly less likely to need fillings or root canals because there are fewer nooks and crannies available for plaque to accumulate. On misaligned teeth, your toothbrush struggles reach around all those jagged corners. Teeth that are overlapping each other are particularly hard to keep clean. Plaque grows, eventually creating decay which requires expensive — and sometimes extensive — dental treatment.

The best way to keep that from happening? Orthodontics. They may seem expensive at the time, but I promise you, they’ll save you money down the line.

A good bite is a game-changer

Misaligned teeth don’t just make for more cavities — they can also affect how you speak and chew. Your bite — which is how your top teeth meet your bottom teeth — is directly influenced by dental misalignment. If your teeth are crooked, your bite might not feel “even” — meaning your teeth don’t come together perfectly. This can cause difficulties with chewing, speaking, and general jaw alignment. In children, severe misalignment can sometimes cause a blocked airway at night (similar to sleep apnea in adults) because the jaw and neck are not in the correct position. Similar problems can also occur in adults. A few crooked teeth may seem like a small problem, but they can have a big impact on your overall health.

Misalignment can also lead to enamel loss (because the teeth are rubbing together in an abnormal way) which then leads to tooth sensitivity and pain.

Where do I start?

Wondering how to get started on orthodontic treatment? At our office, it begins with a consultation. We’ll go over the different orthodontic options we offer in the office, how much they cost, and which option is right for you. We have a few different financing options in our office to make getting orthodontics more affordable. If you’re in the Raleigh-Cary area, call (919) 460-9665 to set up an appointment. We’ll see you soon!