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Five Little-Known Reasons to Visit an Orthodontist Beyond Straighter Teeth

When it comes to orthodontics, most people associate it with the process of getting straighter teeth and a beautiful smile. While that’s certainly one compelling reason to visit an orthodontist, the scope of their expertise extends far beyond mere aesthetics. An orthodontist is a highly trained dental professional who specializes in diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities.

Are you looking for a top-rated orthodontist near Tomball, TX? Come meet Dr. Wint W. Tun at Harmony Orthodontics. Just schedule a 30-minute consultation with our team today at (832) 699-3683 to get started.

In this blog, we explore some lesser-known reasons to visit an orthodontist that go beyond achieving a straighter set of teeth. You might be surprised to learn how beneficial these specialists really are!

Improved Oral Health

Orthodontic treatment doesn’t just enhance the appearance of your smile–it plays a crucial role in improving your oral health, too. 

Crowded and misaligned teeth can create tiny nooks and crannies that can be extremely difficult to clean. This can lead to plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease

By aligning your teeth properly, orthodontic treatment makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene. As a result, an orthodontist can help you reduce the risk of dental issues to promote better oral health throughout your life.

Enhanced Digestion

Chewing is the first step in the digestive process, and the alignment of your teeth can significantly impact how effectively you break down your food. In fact, some research suggests that improper chewing due to poor dentition can lead to digestive issues, like acid reflux, bloating, and gas.

By addressing malocclusions and bite issues, an orthodontist can help ensure that your teeth are properly aligned. As a result, you may notice a marked improvement in your digestive health.

Alleviation of Jaw Pain and Headaches

Orthodontic problems like overbites, underbites, and crossbites can strain the jaw joints. Over time, this can lead to jaw pain, chronic headaches, and other health issues. By realigning the teeth and correcting the bite, an orthodontist can relieve the stress on the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and alleviate associated pain. 

Speech Improvement

Our teeth are a large part of what gives us the ability to speak. When they aren’t in proper alignment, then it can affect our speech patterns. This can make it more difficult for some people to convey their thoughts and feelings efficiently. 

Orthodontic treatments (like braces or Invisalign®) with Dr. Tun can help patients gain clearer speech and enhanced communication skills.

Prevention of Dental Injuries

Protruding teeth or misaligned jaws can increase the risk of dental injuries, particularly in active individuals or those involved in contact sports. Orthodontic treatment can significantly reduce the likelihood of dental trauma (such as chipped or fractured teeth) that may occur during accidents or sports-related activities.

Five-Star Orthodontist Near Tomball, TX

While achieving straighter teeth and a beautiful smile are undoubtedly popular reasons to visit an orthodontist, there are broader benefits. Want to see how our Tomball orthodontist can help you get a healthier, more functional smile? Contact Harmony Orthodontics today at (832) 699-3683 or schedule an appointment online here.