Beyond Straight Teeth: The Unexpected Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment

The ultimate goal of orthodontic treatment is a beautifully aligned smile, but the benefits go beyond that. Misalignments and bite issues have unexpected impacts on your child’s life. So, correcting those problems with the help of orthodontics in South Plainfield, NJ, comes with benefits for your child’s physical and mental health that you might not have considered.

Improved Oral Hygiene

The most apparent benefit beyond straight teeth is better oral hygiene. Teeth that align well are easier to clean and floss, and better oral hygiene reduces the risks of dental decay and periodontal disease later in life.

Less Stress on the Jaw Joints

Stress on these critical joints is often behind temporomandibular disorder (TMD). TMJ disorders can cause headaches, jaw popping, trouble opening the mouth, and jaw pain.

Correcting bite problems and misalignments can ease this stress, allowing the jaw joints to function more efficiently. Better functioning jaws can also improve digestion and make chewing less painful. Orthodontic treatments can also ease teeth grinding, which stresses the joints.

Smooth jaw opening and closing can also mean better diction. Poorly performing jaw joints often hinder speech articulation.

Better Quality Sleep

Correcting the alignment of the jaws can improve your child’s breathing. This can cure many ailments, from chronic colds to sleep apnea. Orthodontic treatments can also relieve snoring and improve the quality of sleep.

Improved Posture

Misalignment of the jaws can cause neck pain and muscle issues, leading to headaches. Correcting the misalignments can improve overall posture and reduce that strain.

Enhanced Self-Esteem

Straighter teeth can mean a smile your child is proud to show off. That can boost self-confidence and reduce social anxiety.

A nice smile can also influence how others see your child. They may appear more competent to teachers, and other kids may find them more approachable because they are not afraid to smile.

If you are wondering if braces are right for your child, call the Pediatrics on Park and make an appointment with an orthodontist in South Plainfield, NJ, to learn more about our services.