Do you feel confident about your smile? When you smile in the mirror or look at pictures of yourself, do you notice crooked teeth or gaps that prevent you from feeling your best? Straight teeth don’t often occur naturally. In most cases the teeth need some adjustments to be properly aligned.
This is where orthodontics can be a worthwhile endeavor. By straightening teeth and correcting bite alignment, orthodontic treatments such as braces or clear aligners can make the necessary improvements to boost your confidence and self esteem. Here’s how.
What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a field of dentistry that focuses on the alignment of the teeth and bite. Treatments are designed to shift the teeth to a more ideal position in the jaw. The ultimate goal is for the upper and lower teeth to meet together properly and for each row of teeth to be aligned.
Common Orthodontic Treatment Options
- Braces. Traditional metal braces are one of the most common orthodontic treatment options. Brackets attach to the front of each tooth and are connected by an archwire that shifts the teeth into proper alignment.
- Clear brackets. Clear brackets are made of tooth-colored ceramic that blends in with your teeth for a less noticeable appearance.
- Clear aligners. Clear aligners are made of clear plastic and fit over the teeth to gradually shift them into proper alignment. They are virtually invisible and removable.
Benefits of Orthodontics
- Improved oral health. When your teeth are properly aligned and not overlapping it is easier to brush and floss effectively for cleaner teeth and improved oral health.
- Improved appearance. Orthodontic treatment can give you a more natural smile, improving your appearance and boosting your confidence.
- Lower risk of damage. When your teeth are not properly aligned it is common for them to wear down prematurely or become damaged more easily. Orthodontic treatment reduces the risk of damage to your teeth.
- Relieve or prevent jaw pain. Bite misalignment can put excess strain on your jaw, resulting in pain and inflammation that can lead to TMJ disorder.
- Stop snoring. Orthodontic treatment can change the shape of your jaw, which can prevent snoring and breathing problems while you sleep, such as sleep apnea.
- Resolve speech issues. Misaligned teeth can affect speech and the pronunciation of words. Orthodontic treatment can often resolve speech problems.
The Importance of Healthy Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is incredibly important for people of all ages, especially children and teenagers. Adolescence can be a difficult time for young people as their bodies are going through many significant changes. It is common for older children and teens to struggle with self-esteem, and the appearance of their teeth is just one of many things they may feel self-conscious about.
Adults can also struggle with self-esteem and lack confidence due to imperfections in their smile. You may not smile as readily if you feel self-conscious, which could make you seem less approachable. Lack of confidence can have a negative impact on many different aspects of your life from personal to professional.
Improving Self-Image
Developing a healthy self-image is something that can come from a variety of sources. Positive self-esteem can come from learning to accept yourself exactly the way you are. But it can also come from making changes to your appearance, such as straightening your teeth with orthodontic treatment.
Both options are equally valid and may achieve the same results. But orthodontic treatment offers additional benefits besides just improving your appearance. You will also experience improved oral health that can last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontics
What is the best age for orthodontic treatment?
There is no age requirement for orthodontic treatment. It is most effective during adolescence due to the benefit of growth spurts, but younger children and even adults can still benefit from orthodontics.
Am I a candidate for orthodontic treatment?
If you are feeling self-conscious about your smile or if your child is at least 7 years of age, consider scheduling an orthodontic evaluation. We can discuss treatment options to determine the best way to help you or your child achieve your smile goals and improve your oral health.
Contact Dr. Garrick F. Wong DMD Orthodontics
Ready to improve your smile and your confidence with orthodontics? Call 203-625-9888 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.