During the month of October, orthodontists across the country are working to raise awareness about the benefits of orthodontic treatment and to celebrate the benefits of a healthy smile. Simply hiding Halloween candy this month isn’t going to improve your child’s (or your own!) oral health. Gavri Orthodontics is here to explain why having a properly aligned smile is the first step toward having a healthy mouth.

What is Orthodontic Treatment?

Orthodontic treatment, in a nutshell, aims to achieve proper tooth and jaw alignment and positioning. To correct various bite issues, appliances such as braces, retainers, and aligners can be used. While many treatment plans are most effective on children with developing jaws, adults can still achieve a healthy bite.

Why is Orthodontic Treatment Important?

For a variety of reasons, orthodontic treatment is an important part of any oral care routine:

1. A healthy bite – The jaw performs best when it is properly positioned. Misaligned jaws can cause a variety of problems, including difficulty chewing, speech impediments, and even more serious problems like sleep apnea.
2. Tooth alignment – Think of our teeth as puzzle pieces. When they are not properly positioned, the surrounding pieces begin to wear and tear. The same can be said for our teeth. Everything does not fit together harmoniously when they are not properly aligned, and when they do not match, your teeth are exposed to years of extensive wear, leading to an increase in dental health problems down the road. Gum disease caused by plaque buildup, difficulty flossing and cleaning teeth, difficulty chewing, bacterial buildup in the mouth that can lead to chronic bad breath and even heart problems, frequent headaches, and TMJ are just a few of the issues that can arise from improper alignment.
3. An aesthetically pleasing smile – Whether you like it or not, having a straight smile is becoming more common in today’s society, and those with straight teeth are frequently perceived as being more successful overall. It has been shown that the first impression you make with your smile can mean the difference between getting a job and being passed over.

Challenging Misconceptions

Another significant advantage of National Orthodontic Health Month is that it educates patients and the general public about orthodontic treatment while debunking myths. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, the following are common misconceptions:

1. Anyone who fits braces or aligners is known as an orthodontist.
2. Orthodontic treatment is costly.
3. Straight teeth do not necessitate visits to the dentist.
4. Orthodontic treatment can last years.
5. Orthodontic treatment is strictly cosmetic.
6. Orthodontists only use braces.
7. Only children can receive orthodontic treatment.

How to Participate in Orthodontic Health Month

With patient education at the forefront, October is an excellent time to consult with an orthodontist in Fulshear and Richmond Texas! Here are a few things to remember:

1. Children should see an orthodontist by the age of seven, according to the American Association of Orthodontics. This enables the doctor to determine whether or not there are any issues. Because of the early start, the orthodontist is able to detect early warning signs and address current issues while the jaw is still growing.
2. Your child does not need to have lost all of their baby teeth before seeing an orthodontist. However, going before your child’s baby teeth have all fallen out is advantageous. Because the jaw is still growing, early detection of potential problems and, in some cases, more effective treatment outcomes are possible.
3. You can see an orthodontist as an adult! While the number of tooth aligners available for adults who “can’t” be seen by an orthodontist has increased, this is purely a marketing ploy. When you visit an Orthodontic specialist, you will be astounded by the variety of options available to adults.

It doesn’t have to be all about the tricks and treats this Halloween! Make an appointment for a free consultation with Gavri Orthodontics today to prioritize your family’s oral health. You’ll be glad you did!