Why do you think most people invest in orthodontic treatment in Carson?
You might think it’s because people want to improve their smile, to straighten crooked teeth and get that “Hollywood smile” that’s so popular.
And you wouldn’t be wrong.
But why do you think most dentists recommend orthodontic treatment? It’s actually because orthodontic care can help improve oral health.
5 Ways Orthodontic Treatment in Carson Can Improve Your Oral and General Health
If you’re considering paying for orthodontic treatment with a Carson orthodontist , you likely want proof that it’s worth the investment. And weighing the pros and cons is wise; after all, the investment requires your time and hard-earned money.
Here are just a few ways orthodontics can provide you with a high return on investment.
1. Reduces Your Risk of Dental Decay
Crooked, crowded teeth are challenging to clean. Crowded teeth can cause floss to break, turning what should be a simple task that takes a few minutes into something that’s time-consuming and frustrating.
Trying to floss or even brush around crooked teeth is difficult, too, because some surfaces of your teeth are just too hard to reach.
The problem with inadequate oral hygiene is that you’re at higher risk of developing dental decay. As plaque and tartar accumulate around the teeth, the bacteria in them release acids that attack the enamel. Eventually, the bacteria will cause cavities and can even cause an infection in the tooth’s nerve.
Correcting crooked, crowded teeth with the help of a Carson orthodontist can help improve oral health. You’ll find it’s much easier to floss and brush your teeth.
2. Reduces Your Risk of Gum Disease
Another side effect of not being able to clean your teeth thoroughly is gum (periodontal) disease.
The bacteria in plaque and tartar irritate the gum tissue. Over time, the gums will start to recede, leading to loose teeth and even tooth loss.
Gum disease cannot be reversed but can be prevented and arrested. Proper home care is needed, as are regular visits to your dentist for cleanings and check-ups.
Another tool in your arsenal against gum disease is orthodontic treatment in Carson. To improve oral health, your orthodontist can correctly align your teeth, making them easier to clean. The easier it is to clean your teeth, the more likely they will be thoroughly cleaned each time you brush and floss.
The less plaque and tartar you have around your teeth and under your gums, the better your chances of avoiding gum disease development or progression.
3. Improves Your Overall Health
Chronic dental diseases and overgrowth of bacteria-laden plaque and tartar caused by malocclusion can also damage your overall health.
Heart Disease
Gum disease is directly linked to heart disease, stroke, and heart attack. Gum disease results in inflammation not only of the gums but the entire body. Increased inflammation can damage the heart muscle, as can oral bacteria that travels through the bloodstream.
Similarly, an infection caused by dental decay can also lead to bacteria in the bloodstream. The bacteria can travel to the heart, brain, and joints. Once in the heart, brain, or joints, the bacteria can destroy tissues and lead to significant infections.
Diabetes
The increase in inflammation caused by gum disease can also raise a person’s blood sugar. People with diabetes have a hard time controlling their blood sugar levels, and people who don’t yet have diabetes are at an increased risk of developing it if they have gum disease.
Respiratory Disease
Excess bacteria in the mouth can end up in the lungs and lead to infections. Additionally, inflammation caused by gum disease can cause inflammation in the lungs, resulting in asthma and other lung diseases.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory autoimmune disease. Any increase in inflammation in the body can cause this disease to flare.
Additionally, bacteria in the mouth can create autoantibodies that attack healthy joints, putting people at risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis .
Thankfully, your Carson orthodontist can help you achieve better overall health by correcting your occlusion issues.
4. Improves Digestion
Patients with malocclusion often have a difficult time chewing comfortably. Because of this, it is hard for them to chew food thoroughly. They may avoid consuming certain foods, like crunchy or hard, yet nutrient-dense, foods like nuts, seeds, and raw fruits and vegetables.
Others will still attempt to eat these foods but cannot chew them thoroughly. The issue with this is that proper mastication is vital to good digestion and nutrient absorption.
When teeth are correctly aligned, patients chew with ease. They experience less tooth sensitivity because their teeth have equal bite force distribution.
5. Reduces or Eliminates Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
Another reason to consider orthodontic treatment in Carson is that it reduces, prevents, or eliminates TMJ disorder.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a painful jaw joint condition. It is caused by:
- Wear and tear
- Trauma
- Arthritis
- Bruxism (clenching and grinding)
- Stress
- Malocclusion
While orthodontic treatment won’t reduce your stress level, it can help protect your jaw joints from damage related to stress and other causes of TMJ disorder.
When your jaw joints are out of alignment, it causes pressure and strain on your facial, head, neck, and shoulder:
- Muscles
- Tendons
- Ligaments
Chronic strain can cause:
- Headaches
- Migraines
- Facial pain
- Head, neck, and shoulder pain
- Earaches
- Difficulty chewing and swallowing
- Difficulty opening and closing your mouth
- Lockjaw
- Jaw swelling
A Carson orthodontist can properly align your bite, potentially reducing the strain on your jaw joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Correct occlusion can also reduce strain on your teeth, decreasing your risk of cracked or fractured teeth.
Are You Ready to Improve Your Health with Orthodontic Treatment in Carson?
If you have difficulty keeping your teeth clean, we want to help. With orthodontic treatment from a Carson orthodontist, we can help improve the health of your teeth, gums, and jaw joints.
You’ll have an easier time with dental home care and experience less tooth and jaw joint discomfort. Plus, you’ll be able to get as many nutrients out of your food as possible, which can lead to better immune health and more energy.
Call us today if you’d like more information about orthodontic treatment or to find out if it can improve your health.
Contact Orthodontics of Carson at 424-391-8941 or use our online contact form to schedule a consultation with your Carson orthodontist.
