You’re looking into orthodontia, most likely because you want to improve the appearance of your smile and gain rows of beautiful, straight teeth that nature didn’t give you. Perhaps you’re considering braces or clear aligners for your child or tween who is the recipient of your genetics when it comes to their teeth.

Orthodontic work has many benefits aside from aligning and straightening your teeth. It’s a good investment, not only in your oral health, but also in your overall health.

Karen Reese, DDS, a specialist in Orthodontics with Reese Orthodontics in New Hope and Chanhassen, Minnesota, has improved the smile and oral health of hundreds of patients in her years of practice. Dr. Reese conducts an oral exam, takes digital X-rays, and makes a determination of what type of orthodontic treatment you may need. You’re in excellent hands.

Following are the benefits of orthodontia that go beyond a beautiful smile.

Less tooth decay

You know the importance of brushing and flossing, but did you realize that the job is incomplete when your teeth are crooked or crowded against each other? That’s because it’s very difficult to eliminate all of the bacteria that can accumulate between your teeth when they’re packed tightly together or overlap each other. Your teeth are simply more susceptible to decay this way. Orthodontia rectifies the problem, providing proper spacing between teeth and straightening crooked or overlapping teeth.

Less chance of gum disease

You increase the chance of developing gum disease when your teeth are crooked and/or crowded. Almost half of Americans have gum disease, and more than half of those over age 65 have moderate or severe periodontitis, the most dangerous form of gum disease.

Periodontitis is a chronic gum infection from bacteria in your mouth that aren’t wiped away with brushing and flossing. The infection causes your gums to recede; the gums move lower and lower to the point where part of the tooth root may show. Your gums also may be swollen and red. Untreated periodontitis causes tooth loss, because the disease damages your jawbone that holds your teeth in place.

The bacteria in your mouth that you can’t remove with brushing and flossing can move through your bloodstream and create inflammation in your body. Undue inflammation damages body tissue, joints, and blood vessels, and you don’t know it’s happening until a new health condition pops up. That’s how periodontitis can create a secondary infection.

Less wear and tear on teeth and jaws

Crooked teeth can place too much stress on your jaw muscles, causing a jaw disorder, TMD, that causes pain when chewing food and an aching jaw. When your teeth are crooked and crowded, they may not be aligned, causing an improper bite and excess wear on your tooth enamel.

Are you ready for a smile transformation and improved oral health? Call our office most convenient to you or book an appointment for an orthodontic consultation online today. Dr. Reese can be your professional partner in your dental health.