Are you interested in understanding the connection between orthodontic treatment and overall health? In this article, Alliston Orthodontics & Oral Surgery will explain the concept of orthodontic treatment, its relationship to overall health, and the ways in which we can help address orthodontic issues.
Our Teeth & Overall Health
When most people think of orthodontic treatment, they may think of methods such as braces, retainers, and Invisalign. However, these treatment options are meant to address a range of orthodontic issues that can have an impact on overall health.
If teeth are misaligned, crooked, or crowded, this can cause uneven wear on the teeth, making them more difficult to clean and increasing the risk for tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. Crooked teeth may also put stress on the jaws and lead to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), which can cause facial pain, headaches, and problems with bite.
Gum disease, which can be more difficult to prevent and treat in cases of misaligned or crowded teeth, can spread bacteria to other organs through the bloodstream and potentially lead to conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and pregnancy complications.
Other common treatable orthodontic conditions include open bite, overjet, and crossbite. At Alliston Orthodontics & Oral Surgery, we focus on early assessment and proactive, preventive treatment to identify orthodontic issues and address them with personalized treatment plans. By correcting orthodontic problems, we can help improve overall oral health and well-being.
What is orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment can help straighten teeth, improve their appearance and function, and support overall health and well-being. Treatment options may include palatal expansion (for children), braces, Invisalign, or dental appliances, depending on factors such as the patient’s oral health condition, age, and lifestyle.
At Alliston Orthodontics & Oral Surgery, we believe that everyone deserves a healthy smile and that orthodontic treatment can contribute to overall well-being by addressing growth patterns, dento-facial balance, and airway issues.
We use a non-invasive, two-phase approach to treating orthodontic issues in children and teens, which allows us to identify problems early, potentially guide jaw growth, and fine-tune teens’ smiles with traditional orthodontic treatment in later years.
For children, this may involve an early orthodontic assessment followed by preventative treatment to minimize the need for surgery or extractions in the future. Our goal is to help ensure that our patients achieve and maintain healthy, functional, and attractive smiles.
How can orthodontic treatment improve my oral and overall health?
Orthodontic treatment can straighten teeth, improve aesthetics, and contribute to better overall oral health by aligning teeth properly. Straighter teeth are less likely to suffer from uneven wear and tear and are easier to clean, which can help prevent tooth decay, cavities, periodontal disease, and other issues that affect oral and overall health.
At Alliston Orthodontics & Oral Surgery, we offer comprehensive services to meet the needs and goals of our patients. Our orthodontists may focus on aligning teeth, establishing balance for dentofacial health, supporting proper jaw growth in children and teens, addressing airway health and breathing, and promoting healthy jaw joint and facial muscle function. We create customized treatment plans to address common orthodontic conditions in children, teens, and adults.
If you have questions about your orthodontic health and treatment, our team at Alliston Orthodontics & Oral Surgery is here to help. We look forward to working with you to straighten your teeth, build a solid foundation for your oral health, and support overall health and well-being.