Do you know that most of the folks you meet on a daily basis make assumptions about you based on your teeth and smile? That’s right. People assume you’re intelligent, kind and successful or crooked, shady and unlikable, based on how your teeth look.
Called the “Halo Effect”, people with great smiles are often thought of as being successful, more intelligent, powerful, attractive, healthy and wealthy.
Image matters everywhere you go. It’s not fair, but it is what it is. This is why A-list actors and actresses, as well as public figures, hire orthodontists to help them get those highly coveted perfect teeth “million dollar” smile.
People with crooked, crowded or weird teeth on the other hand, often have to struggle with smiling. Not only do they have trouble getting people to smile back at them, but they also have to jump through more hurdles in a job interview.
The good news is that people who have these conditions can do something about it.
The best place to start would be to see an orthodontist. If you’ve never thought of seeing an orthodontist in Orange Hills, here are a few reasons why you should:
You Need to Realign Crooked Teeth
Many children have crooked teeth. This is more common in children aged 5 and above. Caused by habits like thumb sucking, reverse swallowing, incorrect jaw development and mouth breathing, they can be quite embarrassing in both kids and adults.
Getting rid of crooked teeth can positively impact your life and your children’s. It’s been known to improve people’s love lives, boost their attractiveness, aid better sleep, improve oral health, keep kids from getting picked on, and minimize jaw pain.
To fix this problem, orthodontists typically recommend the use of braces and/or Invisalign. Both work, but their effectiveness will depend on the severity of the problem.
If you’re embarrassed about wearing braces, don’t. Even models wear braces when it’s necessary. People are more forgiving when they see you’re making an effort at correcting your crooked teeth.
You Have Malocclusion
Also known as bad bite, this can present as crossbite, underbite or overbite. It has been linked to health conditions like persistent migraines and jaw pain.
Others include strained jaws, speech impediments, uneven chewing, periodontal disease, TMJ disorder, and poor self-esteem.
Correcting these conditions can be as simple as a physical examination by your orthodontist, or an X-ray that provides more insight into the condition.
In extreme cases though, patients might need corrective surgery to help realign their jaws. Don’t let this scare you. This is often a last resort. Most orthodontists will make sure to explore every other option before recommending this.
Helps With Correcting Jaw Related Sleep Problems
Poor dental problems can result in a series of sleep-related issues. Some of these include sleep apnea, mouth breathing, snoring, and insomnia.
If you’re currently struggling with any of the aforementioned conditions, and your teeth aren’t great, an orthodontist might help you figure out the problem.
Stops Bad Oral Habits in Kids
Children are often guilty of bad oral habits like teeth grinding and thumb sucking. These habits often negatively affect the development of their jaws and teeth.
For instance, thumb sucking has been linked to the development of crossbite and narrow jaws in children.
A visit to an orthodontic specialist aimed at fixing these problems can be quite effective. Not only will they carry out the required procedures to fix those dental problems, but they’ll also recommend practical solutions that will help curb those bad habits.
Have Crowded Teeth and Need a Better Smile
While most people will tolerate crowded teeth more than they will crooked ones, the reality is crowded teeth don’t look great. It subtracts from your smile and could cause people to stare at you unnecessarily. No one likes this as it can make you feel self-conscious.
Patients can either opt for braces or Invisalign, depending on the severity of their condition. Mild to intermediate crowded teeth can be resolved using Invisalign. Advanced to extreme conditions might require the use of braces or even surgery.
Your orthodontist will recommend the best treatment option for you, after carrying out preliminary examinations.
Prevent Jaw-Related and Other Health Issues
Crowded or crooked teeth, malocclusions and poor dental habits can cause severe jaw or even health problems. For instance, there are links between crooked teeth and arthritis, as well as one between crowded teeth and tooth decay.
If you have any of these conditions and are suffering from jaw pains, you should speak to an orthodontist about it. The pains are usually more severe in adults.
Children, for the most part, don’t suffer pains or other symptoms when they’re young. It only gets worse as they grow older. Parents, therefore, should tackle these potential health conditions early enough.
This way, even if the ortho-specialist has to remove some teeth, the kids will be able to recover faster, and with less pain and discomfort.
Improve Facial Appearance
Overbites, underbites, and crossbites can affect your looks, even when your mouth is closed. They can determine the shape of your face.
People with crossbites tend to have a skewered or bent jaw. Those with underbite or overbites tend to have jutting jaws -called protruding mandible- or recessive jaws.
These conditions also affect how you eat as well as what you eat. If you or your kids have any of these conditions, a visit to an orthodontist should be a priority.
Dental problems like this can be lifelong and can cost a lot of money to correct when neglected for too long. In extreme cases, patients may often need implants, bone grafting, and root canals later on in the future.
Let Your Orthodontist Help You
You can get that highly coveted million dollar smile, without spending a fortune. Don’t allow bad bite, crooked and crowded teeth ruin yours or your kids’ lives.
Book an appointment with the best orthodontist in Orange Hills today if you’re worried about how your children’s teeth will turn out. The same goes for you as the parent. Everyone benefits.