Designated as National Orthodontic Health Month, October means it’s the perfect time to explain a little bit about what orthodontics does and the reasons why it is so important. The quick and dirty definition of orthodontics is: a specialty field of dentistry focused on straightening teeth and aligning bites. But its importance reaches far beyond just delivering a pretty smile.

Orthodontics also helps prevent problems that cause pain and damage your teeth and jaws, and helps improve function when it comes to eating, speaking and even breathing.

It’s a common misconception that teeth straightening is purely a cosmetic procedure.

Let’s take a moment to look at some of the medical benefits orthodontics can provide. 

• Better oral health: Orthodontic treatment helps prevent future dental problems. Crooked and crowded teeth are harder to clean, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Straightening the teeth simplifies oral hygiene and reduces the likelihood of future dental complications. 
• Proper jaw alignment: Overbites, underbites, crossbites and open bites are not just aesthetic issues. They can also cause difficulty chewing and exacerbate temporomandibular dysfunction. Correcting bad bites can help ease discomfort and improve jaw movement.  
• Improved speech: Misaligned teeth or jaw problems can affect speech clarity. Orthodontic treatment can help correct these issues, leading to clearer and more confident communication. 
• Improved breathing and sleep: The alignment of the teeth and jaws plays a crucial role in airway size and openness. Orthodontic treatments can improve airways, which in turn helps with breathing, especially for those suffering from sleep apnea, snoring and allergies.
• Improved psychological health:  Research has shown that poor oral health is the No. 1 cause of bullying among children, and that misaligned teeth are a major source of social anxiety for adults. The beautiful, healthy smiles that result from orthodontic treatment can have a profoundly positive impact on people’s psychological health, boosting self-esteem, self-confidence and self-worth. Orthodontics can help create happiness and even change lives in a lot of instances.
• The ideal time for children to have an initial orthodontic checkup is around age 7. By then, kids typically have enough permanent teeth for an orthodontist to evaluate their developing teeth and jaws. These early evaluations can provide a wealth of information as orthodontists are trained to spot subtle problems even in young children. Johnson Orthodontics prefers to take a conservative approach to treatment in younger patients, closely monitoring any developing problems until they are ready for treatment, typically between the ages of 9 and 14.

Orthodontics is for all ages. It’s important to keep in mind that orthodontics is not just for the young. Parents and grandparents are no longer taking a back seat while their children and grandchildren reap the benefits of orthodontic treatment. In fact, the number of adults seeking treatment is at an all-time high, with one in three orthodontic patients now over age 18. Why? Because orthodontic treatment is just as effective for adults as it is for children.

Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, and with people living longer than ever before, properly functioning teeth and jaws are more important than ever. Thanks to advancements in orthodontic technology, older patients are no longer limited to traditional braces. In fact, most teenagers and adults now opt for clear aligner treatments like Invisalign. Invisalign aligners are made of a patented resin comparable to plastic, but specifically engineered for comfort and durability. The aligners are virtually invisible; are removable for eating, brushing and flossing; and require fewer office visits.

Always seek treatment from an orthodontist

Orthodontists are specialists specifically trained in aligning teeth and jaws. In addition to dental school, orthodontists receive more than 3,700 hours of specialized training focused on moving teeth, jawbones, facial bones and soft tissue. It is important that people understand orthodontic treatment is a complex biological process, not a quick fix.

Recent popular social media trends have glorified do-it-yourself orthodontic treatments, endangering those foolish enough to try. From fashion braces to mewing and hard gum, people are playing dangerous games with their oral health.

DIY braces can cause uncontrolled teeth movement and permanent damage to enamel, and may lead to poisoning, choking and infections. Worst-case scenario? Someone could lose their teeth altogether. When it comes to orthodontics, it’s vital that people bypass the TikTok trends and rely on the skills of a qualified orthodontist.

Orthodontic health month

National Orthodontic Health Month serves as an opportunity to shine a light on the far-reaching benefits of orthodontic treatment. Orthodontics is not just about aesthetics; it’s about promoting oral health, improving overall well-being and boosting self-esteem. Picture-perfect smiles are just the icing on the pumpkin spice cake.