Why orthodontics is important

6th November 2023

Why orthodontics is important

Got crooked, gapped or overcrowded teeth? Here’s why orthodontic treatment is so important and how it could help solve all your problems.

Why orthodontics is important

Difficulty chewing. Impaired speech. Uneven tooth wear.

These are just some of the things patients with orthodontic problems face on a daily basis, and they can cause sufferers a great deal of grief.

Orthodontics has come a long way – especially in the last couple of years – and provides life-changing solutions for patients dealing with a wide range of orthodontic problems, from overcrowded and gappy teeth to malformed bites.

But why is seeking orthodontic treatment so important?

Here, our experts at Elite Orthodontics in Reading explain why seeking orthodontic treatment is essential and how it could be the answer to all of your problems.

 

So, why is orthodontics so important?

Orthodontic-related issues should never be ignored.

Aside from knocking your confidence, they can cause a range of more serious oral health problems – like tooth decay, gum disease and abnormal enamel wear – further down the line.

Seeking orthodontic treatment when it’s needed provides life-changing results for patients, including:

As well as all this, straightening your smile will give you a much-needed confidence boost, making laughing with friends, chatting with colleagues and smiling for family photos enjoyable once more.

 

What issues does orthodontics address?

With a range of different treatments available, patients can fix pretty much any orthodontic issue they’ve been experiencing.

Braces to fix TMJ

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, more commonly known as TMJ, is a condition that affects the movement of the jaw.

Symptoms include pain around your jaw, ears and temples, clicking, popping or grinding noises when you move your jaw and difficulty opening your mouth fully.

Braces are one of the most common (and effective) treatments for TMJ, as adjusting the alignment of your teeth takes some of the pressure off your jaw – providing much-needed relief and eliminating TMJ-related pain.

Overbite correction

It’s normal for there to be a slight overlap of the top and bottom teeth when the mouth is closed, but anything more than 20% is considered an overbite and requires orthodontic treatment.

Braces can correct most overbites and are usually used in conjunction with rubber bands, palatal expanders, tooth extraction or jaw surgery to achieve optimal results.

Close a gap in your teeth

If you have gaps between your teeth, braces are the most effective way to close them.

This is achieved in different ways depending on the application you choose – but all will exert pressure on your teeth and push them into the desired position.

Fix crooked teeth

Braces fix crooked teeth in the same way they close gaps – by exerting targeted pressure on the affected teeth and pushing them into the desired position.

Clear aligners – like Invisalign for example – are among the best orthodontic applications for fixing crooked teeth.

Fix teeth crowding

Overcrowded teeth are caused by a lack of space for teeth, forcing them to position themselves out of the jawline and, you guessed it, braces are one of the most effective ways to shift them into the correct position.

Depending on the severity of your overcrowding, your orthodontist may recommend fixed metal or ceramic braces, or clear aligners to move your teeth until they’re properly aligned.

 

How do I know if I need orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontic problems come in all different forms and levels of severity.

Some patients may only have mild issues, and be able to live life normally. For others, their issues may have a massive impact on their everyday routine and oral hygiene.

Some signs you may need orthodontic treatment include:

 

Is orthodontics expensive?

The cost of orthodontics in Reading depends on a variety of factors.

Of course, prices vary depending on the type of treatment you choose – with removable braces (such as Invisalign in Reading) being more expensive than traditional fixed applications.

Then, you need to consider the complexity of your orthodontic issues and how long they’ll take to fix.

The most complex issues will, of course, take much longer to treat – and the longer the duration of your treatment, the more expensive it’ll be.

At Elite Orthodontics, we try to be as transparent about costs as possible, and we offer many different payment options – including finance – to help you cover the cost of braces in Reading.

 

Book a consultation with our expert orthodontists today!

Ready to start your journey to a straighter smile?

We’re here for you.

Get in touch with our reception team to book a consultation with our expert orthodontists at Elite Orthodontics in Reading today.

When you visit, we’ll assess your condition and walk you through your options – offering our top treatment recommendations to get your smile back on the right track!