What is orthodontic treatment and why do we need it?

Ever wondered about what orthodontics is and the reasons why orthodontic treatment is important? Well, the reasons why you need braces or clear aligners include much more than just an enhanced bite or the physical alterations associated with a properly aligned smile. They include other less obvious but equally important factors such as boosting general self-confidence. And while a visually pleasing smile is key, it is even more critical to tackle any potential medical problems linked to the jaw or teeth. As time passes, pressure on gum tissues and the skeletal structure underlying the teeth can impact the temporomandibular joints and cause issues. This post explores the importance of orthodontic treatment, the reasons to get braces or aligners, and the benefits of clear aligners.

Back to basics: what is orthodontic treatment?

Have you ever asked yourself what orthodontics is? Read on to learn all about this dental specialisation.

The path to attaining straighter and correctly positioned teeth lies within orthodontic treatment, which enhances not only their visual attractiveness but also their functionality. Beyond the superficial advantages, the importance of orthodontic treatment is its pivotal role in guaranteeing the longevity of your teeth, gums, and temporomandibular joints. Orthodontics promotes a harmonious oral environment by effectively redistributing the pressure exerted during biting across all teeth, preserving your general dental health.

Why do we need orthodontic treatment? All the reasons to get braces or aligners

There are many reasons for starting orthodontic treatment, so let’s go over why people get braces or clear aligners, why you might need them and, in general, why we need orthodontic treatment.

Reasons to get braces or clear aligners

There may be many factors behind why you need braces or clear aligners, so let’s look at some of the most important:

• Crowding: which may be due to misaligned or simply too many teeth.

• Respiratory or swallowing issues: snoring and sleep apnoea can be the result of mouth breathing.

• Skeletal imbalances between the mandible and maxilla that can impact the alignment of the upper and lower teeth.

• Difficulties with chewing, speech or biting: due to poor jaw alignment and occlusion.

• Absent or additional teeth: resulting from genetic inheritance, injuries or decay.

• Overjet: upper teeth that protrude more than they should, this is generally accompanied by a recessive lower jaw and poses an elevated fracture risk.

• Crossbite: one or more of the upper teeth sit within the lower teeth (toward the centre of the mouth).

• Deep overbite: the bite of the lower anterior teeth makes contact with the upper tissue of the top teeth.

• Underbite (protruding lower jaw): the lower jaw sits excessively forward compared to the upper jaw.

• Open bite: where the arrangement of the teeth prevents the mouth from closing properly.

• Spacing or gaps: caused by undersized or absent teeth.

• Diminished self-confidence: an aesthetically pleasing smile can elevate an individual's self-assurance and perception of themselves.

As you can see, there are many reasons why clear aligners or braces are important.

Reasons for orthodontic treatment in children

In addition to the aforementioned factors, there are three reasons children get braces or clear aligners:

• Misaligned tooth eruption: correct alignment can be promoted with treatment.

• A lack of room for adult teeth to emerge.

• Sucking on thumbs or fingers: which may result in the narrowing of the upper jaw and protrusion of the upper incisors.

Why is orthodontic treatment important?

To grasp why you need braces or clear aligners you first need to understand why orthodontic treatment is important. Orthodontic issues, such as chewing problems, teeth misalignment and jaw displacement must be tackled upon detection, as they are likely to deteriorate if left untreated. The importance of orthodontic treatment lies in the fact that the repercussions of ignoring these issues can be severe and include periodontal disease, irregular tooth enamel erosion, tooth decay, and a range of oral health issues. Strategic orthodontic treatment under professional supervision is key to sustaining oral health and general wellness.

What are the benefits of orthodontic treatment?

The benefits of orthodontic treatment are vast and go beyond merely rectifying misaligned teeth to include other factors such as a positive influence on a person's health and self-confidence. A popular method in orthodontics is clear aligners, which have all the benefits of braces plus the extra advantages of convenience and being virtually invisible. Understanding why clear aligners and braces are important and making the informed choice to undergo orthodontic treatment leads to many benefits for oral health and general well-being.

Let’s look at some of the benefits of braces and clear aligners:

• Preserving a proper bite that facilitates mastication and speech.

• Preventing the need for costly interventions that may become necessary due to untreated problems.

• Guaranteeing optimal dental functionality.

• Preventing tooth loss or decay through ease of cleaning.

• Achieving a smile and facial structure that is both healthy and aesthetic.

Who should get braces or clear aligners?

The matter of who can get braces or clear aligners boils down to whether an individual is suitable for these orthodontic treatments. Typically, those with orthodontic problems like overcrowding, bite abnormalities, gaps or misalignment can reap the benefits of braces or clear aligners.

Children usually undergo orthodontic treatment once most of the permanent teeth have erupted, but adults can also take advantage of the benefits of orthodontic treatment to achieve alignment and an attractive smile. Seeking guidance from a qualified practitioner who can analyse needs and oral health on a case-to-case basis is key to identifying those who can get braces or clear aligners.

If it seems like the benefits of clear aligners from Impress are what you’ve been looking for, our quick 60-second questionnaire will give you more insight.

Impress: at the forefront of cutting-edge orthodontics

The experienced medical professionals at Impress examine your oral health and take your goals into account when developing a treatment plan that uses our technologically advanced and fully customised clear aligners. The self-confidence that comes with an aligned and healthy smile is at the root of what we do and we can treat both moderate and complicated issues.

Excited to embark on your smile journey? Book a free appointment and head to your nearest Impress clinic to speak with one of our qualified practitioners about your orthodontic treatment options. Don't hesitate to contact us via email, telephone or WhatsApp, we will be happy to help.